Cafe Adler
206 Friedrichstrasse
Spy novelist John le Carre has often found inspiration among the wooden tables and slightly worn lounges of the Cafe Adler. Although the cold war is long over, from behind Cafe Adler's windows diners still have an unrivalled view of what used to be Checkpoint Charlie. The food has little in the way of competition either. I had a flawless Euro20 (HK$203) potato salad crushed just so, dressed simply in salt and mild vinaigrette and served with two frankfurters. I wrapped up with a thick, creamy melange (milky coffee) in a cup so large that I thought it was soup.
Restaurant Quarre
77 Unter den Linden
Overlooking the grand if melancholy Brandenburg Gate, this famous restaurant is part of the equally celebrated Hotel Adlon (right). A luxurious place with a semi-open kitchen, posh linen on the tables and a terrace, it takes German cuisine to an almost unheard of flamboyant level, although one bite of its mousse of turbot topped with dill and raspberry sauce is enough to change staid minds. Other delights include the mountain lentil terrine with goats' cheese mousse and paprika pesto (Euro22).
Florian Restaurant