CODA

"CODA bills itself as a dessert restaurant, but that's a bit of a misnomer: Chef René Frank, former pastry guru at a three-Michelin-starred joint in northwest Germany, uses dessert techniques on mostly savory ingredients. The result: sophisticated small plates that look like desserts but don’t usually taste like them. A tasting menu consists of 15 gorgeous-looking plates that read like haikus: parsley root, coconut, pistachio; beetroot, raspberry, tofu; cacao, Jerusalem artichoke, cherry; and on. All are superbly creative, yet some work better than others on the flavor front; their signature caviar popsicle, made from Jerusalem artichoke-bourbon vanilla ice cream with pecan ganache and topped with caviar, is a definite highlight. Oh, and the kitchen doesn't use refined sugar—any sweetness you detect comes from fruits and vegetables." - Liz Humphreys

"Don't be fooled by the unassuming-looking exterior of this Neukölln eatery – a very special take on fine dining awaits you inside. The atmosphere in the dimly lit interior is lively and laid back. Dine either at the counter, with a view into the kitchen, or at one of the surrounding tables. If you're lucky, you'll be given a sneak peek into how one ingredient or another is prepared in the kitchen. Chef René Frank cooks in his own style, which is certainly unique: he and his team apply patisserie techniques to prepare innovative dishes such as aubergine, pecan nut, apple balsamic vinegar, liquorice salt or sweet potato, sour cream, apple, shiitake. The food is by no means limited to sweet treats. You are invited to embark on a culinary adventure in 15 servings – be sure to allow plenty of time! The service is relaxed and very friendly. In addition to the drinks that are paired with the tasting menu, there is also an optional wine flight available. German Riesling labels dominate the well-curated wine list." - Michelin Inspector

"The final punctuation becomes the main focus at this Berlin Two Star staple." - Ashley Simpson

"In addition to the list of the top 50, René Frank of Coda in Berlin was named the World’s Best Pastry Chef." - Hillary Dixler Canavan