Finding the best schnitzel in Berlin became a bit of a mission for me while living in the city.
My husband, the self-appointed taste tester, was more than happy to help. From classic Wiener schnitzel to Berliner-style variations, we’ve tried them in cozy pubs, historic beer halls, and unexpected spots around the city.
Some were crisp and golden perfection, others… not so much. If you’re craving a proper schnitzel while in Berlin, this list of 13 places will help you find the best. Whether you prefer yours with potato salad or fries, schnitzel lovers, this one is for you.
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How To Choose the Best Schnitzel in Berlin
After months of “research” (my husband took this role very seriously), we realized there’s no single “best” schnitzel restaurant in Berlin. It really depends on the kind of experience you want.
Some places are worth booking ahead for. Others are better after a long day exploring a neighbourhood when you just want a hearty meal and a beer.
Here’s how I’d narrow it down:
- Want the classic Berlin schnitzel experience? Start with Borchardt. It’s one of the city’s most famous schnitzels for a reason.
- Looking for the crispiest, most refined schnitzel? Jolesch was one of our favourites overall.
- Want something more relaxed and local feeling? Try Austria or Schwarzwaldstuben.
- Staying near Ku’Damm or Charlottenburg? Ottenthal, Dicke Wirtin, and Lemke am Schloss are all easy choices nearby.
- Looking for good value without sacrificing quality? Schnitzelei and Schwarzwaldstuben stood out.
- Prefer a more modern Austrian restaurant atmosphere? Go with Schneeweiss, Austria or Lokal.
- Only have time for one schnitzel dinner in Berlin? I’d personally choose Jolesch, Austria or Borchardt, depending on whether you want refined or classic.
Now for the taste testing. Since I’m a vegetarian, my husband eagerly stepped in as Schnitzel is one of his all-time favourite dishes to order in any traditional German restaurant.
Here’s the rating system we used:
- ⭐⭐ ⭐= best of the best
- ⭐⭐ = excellent and would (or did) return again
- ⭐ = good and would recommend
Best Classic Berlin Schnitzel Experiences
Borchardt
The Vibe: Elegance and sophistication converge at Borchardt, a real historic gem ⭐⭐⭐
Borchardt is famous for its schnitzel, and some say it was first cooked here. Whether or not that’s true, they certainly know how to get it right—crispy, golden, and perfectly executed. The portion is generous, and while it’s one of the priciest schnitzels in Berlin, it’s also one of the best.
As for me, I opted for the vegetarian special: beet couscous with roasted pumpkin and a medley of fresh vegetables. The ingredients were high-quality, and every element was expertly prepared.
Combine your dining experience with some of the top places to visit, including the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Gendarmenmarkt and the CheckPoint Charlie site.
Einstein Unter den Linden
The Vibe: Welcoming place for politicians and tourists from day to night ⭐⭐⭐
Known for its schnitzel, this was one of the first restaurants we tried—and it quickly became the benchmark for every schnitzel that followed.
The schnitzel was tender, wafer-thin, and perfectly crispy. I opted for the daily special, a pumpkin strudel that showcased pumpkin in four different ways. Einstein Unter den Linden takes pride in using seasonal, high-quality ingredients and delivering exceptional service—and they delivered on both.
This might be the easiest location for visitors, as it sits on Berlin’s most famous boulevard, Unter den Linden, with the Brandenburg Gate at one end and Museum Island at the other.
Jolesch
The Vibe: An elegant modern fusion of Austrian dishes and fine wines in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district ⭐⭐ ⭐
When a top-notch restaurant critic rates it “best schnitzel in Berlin,” you have to go!
The schnitzel at Jolesch is perfection. It is just as it was described by our waiter as wafer-thin, golden brown, and crispy. I had a few vegetarian options to choose from, so I went with the recommended Käsespätzle, and it was delicious.
If you only want one upscale schnitzel dinner in Berlin, this is the one I’d choose.
This would be a restaurant that is worth going to, even if it’s out of your way. You can combine a visit here with a late afternoon stroll along the former Berlin Wall, now the East Side Gallery.
Best Schnitzel Restaurant for Atmosphere or Neighbourhood
Austria
The Vibe: Warm, inviting charm with cozy wooden tables and candles in the heart of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg ⭐ ⭐
A large, crispy Wiener schnitzel arrived at the table, served with berries, lemon, and a side of warm potato salad and cucumber salad. I had the lunch special, a comforting pumpkin soup and happily helped myself to my husband’s potato and cucumber salad.
Not ready to leave this Austria just yet, we decided to order Kaiserschmarren for dessert, and it was well worth it.
Bergmannkiez is one of my favourite neighbourhoods for a slower walk in Berlin, so this works especially well after wandering the area.
Landwirt
The Vibe: Off-the-beaten-path, unexpected charm and intimate culinary delight in Schöneberg ⭐⭐
My husband’s schnitzel came with warm potato salad, but instead of one large piece, it was served as four smaller cuts, which was a first way of presenting it that way.
I opted for the beet gnocchi, vibrant, pillowy bites tossed in a rich mix of butter and olive oil. It was so good that I’d happily return just to have that dish again… and again.
What I liked best about Landwirt is the intimacy and ambience. This is a restaurant only locals know about. You become friends with the owner, nothing is rushed, and it is a special place. This restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, along a street with elegant homes near Viktoria-Louisa Platz.
Lokal
The Vibe: Fine dining in an intimate neighbourhood restaurant with a gorgeous interior in the Mitte district ⭐ ⭐
With our drinks, we were served warm homemade bread and a selection of spreads. My husband found the schnitzel more refined than others on this list, while I enjoyed the seasonal vegetable pasta; both were excellent.
Still having room for dessert, we opted for the classic cheesecake with fresh sorbet, a perfect way to end a wonderful night out in Berlin that is steps from our Berlin apartment.
Lokal looks like a restaurant that has been airdropped from Sweden, with its design aesthetic and welcoming environment.
Schneeweiss
The Vibe: All-white chic, Schneeweiss, or Snow White is modern meets elegant in Friedrichshain ⭐ ⭐
The crispy schnitzel was served with a lukewarm potato salad and a light cucumber and cabbage salad. Seeing Sellerie Schnitzel (celery schnitzel) on the menu, I was curious to try it, and it turned out to be surprisingly good!
I had planned to save room for their famous Kaiserschmarren, but after finishing our mains, we were both too full for dessert.
I enjoyed Schneeweiss on a Sunday lunch after visiting the flea market at Boxhagener Platz. That’s the only day this restaurant is open for lunch.
Ottenthal
The Vibe: Wine bar elegance meets Austrian charm in every pour ⭐
My husband enjoyed the schnitzel, a classic breaded cutlet served with delicious potato salad. I loved the homemade bread dumplings with mushroom sauce. They also offer a vegan option, the Wiegern Schnitzel. What really excited me, though, was their Austrian wine selection.
After dinner, we stopped by the wine shop and brought a bottle home. Ottenthal offers an adorable Bärlin Sparkling wine that’s small enough to fit in your suitcase, which is the perfect Berlin souvenir!
Best Casual Schnitzel Spots
Dicke Wirten
The Vibe: A cult classic meeting place in Berlin that prides itself on timeless tradition ⭐
My husband ordered the Dicke Wirten house special, a crispy breaded pork schnitzel with French fries, and he loved it. With only three vegetarian options on the menu, I went for the roasted vegetables with Schupfnudeln. The food was exactly what you’d expect from a casual pub-style restaurant: simple and satisfying.
Dicke Wirten is the place to come for that classic Berlin pub atmosphere rather than for a destination meal. This is a restaurant that is hard to get a table at, as it is a regular favourite among locals. It pays to speak German; that way, they always manage to squeeze you in. If you look and sound like a tourist, you will be turned away during busier dining periods.
Lemke am Schloss
The Vibe: Berlin’s oldest brewery offers timeless charm in a friendly tavern atmosphere ⭐
My husband savoured the hearty Wiener schnitzel, baked to a crispy, golden perfection and served with French fries. Despite the tempting vegan option, I chose the spinach dumplings, both dishes served with a refreshing garden salad.
True to brewery expectations, the extensive beer list featured their own craft brew, Lemke Berlin.
I wouldn’t go out of your way to dine at Lemke am Schloss, however, if you are planning to visit Charlottenburg Palace & Gardens, right across the street, this makes for a good spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Schnitzelei
The Vibe: Charming courtyard, classic charm, and lively vibes ⭐
When schnitzel is in the name of your restaurant, you know what to expect: a focus on meat schnitzel.
We discovered that Schnitzelei Mitte offers a Sunday Schnitzel special for just €19.19. Cap off your Sunday in Berlin with a schnitzel dinner like we did many times at any of their three locations in Mitte, Charlottenburg, or Wilmersdorf.
You can choose either the Wiener schnitzel or the vegetarian oyster mushroom schnitzel, both served with a generous helping of warm, tangy potato salad. Bring your appetite, as the portions are quite generous.
Schwarzwaldstuben Berlin
The Vibe: Your go-to spot for a friendly, casual, relaxed meal ⭐
At Schwarzwaldstuben, there are two specialties on the menu, schnitzel and Pflaumenkuchen (similar to pizza). I tried the roasted veggie Pflammelkuchen, which was quite delicious, while my husband opted for the Wiener schnitzel, served with berries and fried potatoes.
Schwarzwaldstuben is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant that is budget-friendly without compromising on food quality.
Zollpackhof
The Vibe: Bavarian tavern meets modern flair: Zollpackhof’s panoramic city views⭐
We both went for the lunch special; my husband had the veal schnitzel, and I enjoyed the bread dumplings in a creamy mushroom sauce.
Their partnership with the renowned Augustiner Brewery in Munich was the perfect touch, with their beer on tap making the meal even more enjoyable.
Combine a meal at Zollpackhof at the nearby Reichstag Building which offers not only a look into Germany’s parliament but a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
FAQs About Finding the Best Schnitzel in Berlin
Which schnitzel restaurant in Berlin is best for first-time visitors?
If it’s your first time in Berlin and you want the full atmosphere, Borchardt is hard to beat. It feels more like a classic Berlin dining experience than just a meal. For something slightly less formal but equally memorable, I’d choose Jolesch.
Do I need reservations for schnitzel restaurants in Berlin?
For popular restaurants like Borchardt or Jolesch, I’d absolutely recommend reservations, especially on weekends. More casual neighbourhood spots like Schwarzwaldstuben or Lemke are usually easier for walk-ins.
Are there good vegetarian schnitzel options in Berlin?
Yes, much better than I expected. We found several thoughtful vegetarian options, including oyster mushroom and celery schnitzels. Schneeweiss and Schnitzelei were two standouts for vegetarian alternatives.
Is schnitzel in Berlin expensive?
It really ranges. Some of the most memorable schnitzels we had were at relaxed neighbourhood restaurants that felt very reasonably priced. Borchardt and Jolesch are more of a splurge, while places like Schwarzwaldstuben and Lemke offer great value.
Which schnitzel restaurant would I personally return to?
Einstein Unter den Linden stood out the most overall for us because of how refined the schnitzel felt without becoming overly formal. But Austria was probably the place I’d return to for a slower evening and neighbourhood atmosphere.
A Few Final Thoughts Before You Order Schnitzel in Berlin
After trying schnitzel all over Berlin, one thing became clear: the best places weren’t always the most famous or the most traditional-looking from the outside.
Some of our favourite meals happened in relaxed neighbourhood restaurants we almost walked past. Others were worth planning an evening around well in advance.
Whether you want a classic Wiener schnitzel at an iconic Berlin institution or a more casual local spot with potato salad and beer, there’s no shortage of good options here. The hardest part is deciding where to start.
If you end up trying one of these schnitzel restaurants in Berlin, I’d love to know which one became your favourite.
Planning a trip to Berlin? You may also enjoy:
- Best Breakfast in Berlin
- Best German Restaurants in Berlin
- Best Vegan Brunch in Berlin
- Food Tour in Berlin
Prost!
