One of Kreuzberg’s – nay, Berlin’s – best brunches is served by Two Trick Pony, boasting English fry-ups alongside funky creations like grilled cheese with pickled pineapple and nuts. Here’s where its owners like to eat out:
For a special occasion, we go to Mastan on Gneisenaustraße. The chef-owner has an incredible pedigree working in very fancy French places. It has a polish to it but also feels super relaxed, friendly and not too stiff; we love it.
For a cheap eat, it has always been Gel Gör on Kottbusser Damm. Watch the way that they make the Adana köfte sandwich: they finish it up with a squeeze of lemon, an extra sprinkle of salt, lots of fresh herbs and a bit of pomegranate molasses. It’s these little extra touches that really make a difference.
For gourmet goods, we head to Marheineke Markthalle in Bergmannkiez. Our favourite shop there is a French deli, Les Épicuriens. We also love Alte Milch at Markthalle Neun. They’ve got an excellent selection of cheese, and when you go there and know what you’re in the mood for but don’t know exactly what you want, they can pinpoint what you’re looking for.
For a drink, we love Mr. Susan in Mitte. They’re very good at what they do but they’re not too po-faced about it. A lot of the drinks are infused with flavours like gochujang simple syrup and kimchi.
Speaking of Korean flavours, we also really like Song Song Chicken, a Korean fried chicken place across the road from Marheineke. They really just do the chicken and some fried vegetables, but it’s really, really good.
A restaurant we could dine at every week is this southern Indian place Patakha, just up the road from Two Trick Pony. When we first moved to Berlin, it took us ages to find a place that we enjoyed as much as the Indian or Pakistani restaurants in London. And then Patakha opened about a year ago, and it’s fantastic.
Also right next door is Wirtshaus zum Mitterhofer. We’re no experts on German or Austrian cooking, but when people ask, “What’s your favourite German or Austrian restaurant?”, we always think of that. It’s our go-to schnitzel place, and during Spargelzeit, we go there at least once a week.
A place we’d travel across town for is ITA Bistro in Prenzlauer Berg, which is just smashing. We like spicy food and bold, bright, fresh flavours, and every meal we’ve ever had there was really on point.
- Try some of Jason and Gary’s own creations at Two Trick Pony, Bergmannstr. 52, Kreuzberg, details.
