"In a year marked by exploding operational costs, political instability, 19% MwSt. and a notable drop in tourism, Berlin's restaurants mostly buttoned up and played it safe. Not one soul mentioned words like "fine dining renaissance" or "when is Berlin getting its next three star?" - the existing fine dining establishments were happy if they stayed alive. For a year that will be remembered for words such as survival and simplicity, a handful of standout establishments still managed to surprise and delight."
"2025 will definitely not be remembered as the year Berlin made a mark on the international fine dining stage. Yes, there were a few, notable new Michelin Stars (Loumi, Matthias, Pars), and both Loumi and Hallmann & Klee cemented their status as the go-to destinations for contemporary fine dining. But the fact that all Berlin restaurants dropped off the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants was telling for the state of the scene."
"With rent, staff, and insurance costs soaring, and fewer tourists, this simply wasn't the moment for ambitious multi-course tasting menus or Michelin dreams. Why fewer tourists? Well, when you mix an overpriced airport the airlines actively avoid, a tourism board that (unlike others) still hasn't fully grasped the power of gastronomy as a driver for travel, and a city whose once-unstoppable cool factor has settled into something a bit quieter, you end up with a pretty tough climate for restaurants trying to make noise beyond city limits."
Berlin's restaurant scene in 2025 prioritized resilience and caution amid exploding operational costs, political instability, a 19% MwSt., and a notable drop in tourism. Many restaurants buttoned up and adopted simpler, survival-focused approaches rather than pursuing ambitious multi-course tasting menus or Michelin dreams. A few venues earned or consolidated Michelin recognition, but Berlin lost representation on the World's 50 Best Restaurants. Rising rent, staffing and insurance costs combined with an unpopular airport and underleveraged gastronomic tourism reduced visitor numbers. Diners still want quality but resist paying more than €150, while a handful of establishments continued to surprise and delight.
Read at Berlin Food Stories
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