Restaurant Tim Raue

"On a busy, not-very-attractive Kreuzberg street near Checkpoint Charlie (past shops selling cheesy Cold War tchotchkes), you’ll turn into what looks like a parking lot. But once you step through the totally nondescript entrance and into the attractive modern dining room with flashes of color (navy fabric booths, pretty blue chairs), you'll start to feel something special. Indeed, there’s a definite buzz to Restaurant Tim Raue, and expectations are high for Berlin's most famous boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks-turned-chef. There’s a reason Raue’s Asian-with-a-twist classics are classics: They’re seriously good. The cute-as-a-button amuse-bouches will have you (and everyone else) reaching for your iPhone. Spring for the extra tasting menu supplement (€44, or $48) to try Raue’s Peking duck interpretation, with duck served three ways—a richly flavored broth, a melt-in-your-mouth liver mousse, and a fried breast—and his famous langoustine with wasabi. In summer 2023, Raue also introduced his Kolibri X Berlin menu, a homage to his hometown with modern riffs on nostalgic dishes from his childhood like Königsberger klopse (German meatballs) and chicken fricasée, enlivened with signature Asian flavors. Like everything else he touches, it’s a hit. Vegans also aren’t left out, with a delicious menu dedicated just to them." - Liz Humphreys

"European cuisine that draws on Asia for inspiration – Tim Raue pulls off this modern and refreshing feat in truly original fashion. This Berlin-born chef has a style that is all his own and certainly unique in Germany. He works with a highly skilled team to turn out his flavourful creations. Diners have a choice of set menus dubbed "Kolibri x Berlin" (a tribute to Berlin) and "Koi", with his signature dishes of "Wasabi Langoustine" and "Duck 'Anne-Marie'" available in each. There is also the option of a vegan set menu. The appeal of this place lies in its daring to be different, with the lively urban ambience in no way detracting from the high standard of the cuisine. Marie-Anne Wild and her charming front-of-house team will make you feel at home in this sleek and elegant restaurant. Wine lovers will delight in the fantastic selection of open wines." - Michelin Inspector

"Rank: #26 "In a two-storey building in an unfashionable district of the German capital, close to the working-class neighbourhood where Tim Raue grew up, the chef serves up a fusion of flavours inspired by Japan, Thailand and China. Raue fell in love with elements of Asian cuisine when travelling as a young man and brought them back to Berlin, where his eponymous restaurant opened in 2010. The restaurant is managed by Tim's business partner Marie-Anne Wild, who specialises in a relaxed but high-level brand of hospitality."

"Rank: #31 "Tim Raue’s classics include the chef’s interpretation of Peking Duck as well as ikarimi salmon, tomato and star anise. The current menu includes pikeperch sangohachi, green raddish and sake beurre blanc; and suckling pig, yellow pea and dashi. Diners can choose from à la carte or two tasting menu options."

"Chef Tim Raue’s Berlin restaurant serves Asian-inspired fine dining fare in an airy, but intimate setting. In addition to his eight-course tasting, Raue offers a set of “classic” dishes as well as an à la carte menu. The eight-course meal costs €198,00 (approximately $225). Restaurant Tim Raue landed at number 37 on the 2018 edition of the World’s 50 Best list. Read a full recap of Tim Rau’s Chef’s Table episode here." - Greg Morabito