Leonardo Tsubasa Donati is co-owner and head chef of Fukagawa Ramen, where he blends his Japanese and Italian heritage to create ramen that honours tradition while embracing innovation.
Along with his partner Sabrina Schulz and their longtime friend Evaggelia Natsidou, Leonardo has grown Fukagawa from a humble Christmas market pop-up into one of Berlin’s most beloved ramen destinations. Together, the trio has expanded Fukagawa into two bustling ramen spots across the city, with plans for more on the horizon.
We caught up to ask about their favourite spots to eat across the city.
Leonardo: When I’m craving something truly satisfying, I go to the Persian restaurant Nafis in Schöneberg. Their koobideh skewers are on another level: juicy, perfectly seasoned and full of flavour. It’s not flashy, just real food done right. For Italian, I love Piazza Bra in Charlottenburg. I like starting with the carpaccio before ordering a quattro formaggi pizza, with chilli oil, of course. Sabrina usually goes for the carbonara, made the proper Roman way with guanciale, egg and pecorino – no cream. Thành Koch in Lichtenberg is my go-to Vietnamese spot. My Vietnamese friends swear by it, and honestly, so do I. Their pho (served with tasty bánh quẩy) is the best I’ve had in Berlin, and the caramelised pork belly is incredible.
Sabrina: I’m all about places that offer true quality without seeking attention. Café MANNA in Charlottenburg is that kind of spot. The café is run by a warm Korean couple who are genuinely kind and attentive. Their kimbap and bibimbap are amazing; they even grow their own bean sprouts, which add a healthy and unique taste to their dishes. For sushi, I’m loyal to Ishin, specifically the one on Bundesallee. The quality just never disappoints. The Sake Maguro or Toro menus are my usual picks, and Leonardo often joins me for sashimi and natto. It’s become a little ritual for us. The matsu menu is perfect when I want a healthy and hearty variety of fish.
Evaggelia: Being Greek, when I want food that reminds me of home, I head to Taverna Kreta Minotavros in Schöneberg. The pastitsio (similar to lasagna) tastes just like my grandmother’s, and they also serve delicious loukoumades (sweet fried dough balls), sometimes even generously on the house. It’s a cosy, charming spot run by a warm family from Crete. We might work at Fukagawa, but naturally, it’s become one of our favourite places to eat. We like kicking things off with wagyu gyoza or tataki – that A5 beef is truly something special. As for ramen, Leonardo and I both love the shio, but he goes for the gekikara when he’s in the mood for spice. Sabrina’s go-to is usually between the Paitan and shoyu truffle, with a serving of our creamy matcha tiramisu to finish.
- Fukagawa Ramen, Prinzessinnenstr. 17, Kreuzberg / Wörther Str. 22, Prenzlauer Berg
