Gasthaus Alt Wien
For traditional schnitzel
The charming interior with wood panelling and wall sconces makes this Austrian pub a cosy destination when it’s colder out, but the schnitzel is the main draw. Of the Viennese variety (with veal, not pork), it’s juicy inside with a shattering crust. Have the full Austrian experience with kaiserschmarrn for dessert.
- Gasthaus Alt Wien, Hufelandstr. 22, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Felix Austria
For XXL schnitzel
Another Austrian spot (generally where you find most of Berlin’s best schnitzel), Felix sets the scene with candlelit tables and red-chequered tablecloths, and then – boom: a schnitzel the size of your face. With only a couple of mains beyond the slab of meat (like goulash), schnitzel is the highlight here. Smaller portions on request.
- Felix Austria, Bergmannstr. 26, Kreuzberg, details.
Jolesch
For classy schnitzel
With chef Tobias Janzen at the helm, an excellent Austrian wine selection and a stately dining room, Jolesch is a fancier spot for a schnitzel, and the quality is primo. There’s also vegan and gluten-free options, plus the option of tangy lingonberries as a topping.
- Jolesch, Muskauer Str. 1, Kreuzberg, details.
Schnitzelei
For creative schnitzel
This successful schnitzel innovator has three locations around town, with the Mitte spot boasting a lovely courtyard terrace. Its broad menu doesn’t just stick to Austrian standards, with a mustard-horseradish Bavarian option, a mushroom-sauced beef variety, and “schnitzel” made with goat cheese or celery.
- Schnitzelei, Chausseestr. 8, Mitte (also in Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf), details.
Försters
For vegan schnitzel
This snug spot takes its substitutes seriously, with a soy-based Wiener “schnitzel” and a faux-chicken option that come pretty darn close to their meaty counterparts. The vegetable sides (lingonberry sauce, potato and cucumber salads) are full of flavour, just as you’d hope from an all-vegan eatery.
- Försters, Dunckerstr. 2A, Prenzlauer Berg, details.