If you’re a foodie and looking for a truly unique dining experience, then you should make a reservation at the always-busy, still-relevant eatery, Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand 2022 recipient, Barra. It is one of our favorite restaurants to visit for one of our birthdays or anniversary or any reason we can come up with! Please read on to find out more.
Since this little restaurant (literally small enough to be considered a hole-in-the-wall) opened its doors back in November 2018, in the trendy Schillerkiez of Neukölln, they have proven that they are worthy of visiting over and over again. With a menu that is focused on seasonal ingredients and changing monthly, you’ll be sure to try something new every time you go for a visit. Because of their solid relationships with local producers and suppliers, they’re able to offer the best of the best in the restaurant industry and food scene of Berlin!
When all of the restaurants had to shut down their indoor dining throughout the pandemic, Barra kept their doors open and offered tasty homemade donuts and crispy fried chicken sandwiches to go. These drool-worthy items became a much-desired lockdown staple, requiring a reservation since they were sure to sell out every time. Barra wanted its customers to still get a good taste in their mouths, despite the dire circumstances.
They have an extensive wine list, featuring natural wines by the bottle or glass. Other drinks on offer are a refreshing gin & tonic, bubbles to get the evening started, after-dinner drinks, as well as coffee from one of our favorite local coffee roasters, Vote Coffee.
If you are new to natural wines, they will be sure to recommend something that will pair perfectly with the dishes you’ve chosen. Our go-to is always orange wine, as it’s just so pretty and not to mention delicious. They also have non-alcoholic, tasty, homemade tonic drinks and local BRLO 0.0% ABV beer.
Their dinner menu is small, but that’s always a good sign that everything on it will be a winner. We suggest ordering as many plates as you think you can handle in order to try as many of their dishes as possible.
There are usually two desserts to choose from, so naturally, we recommend ordering both of those as well. And even if it’s just the two of you and you’re not big eaters, don’t worry, whatever you choose will be a solid decision! You cannot go wrong at Barra.
If you’re torn between some dishes, don’t be shy–ask your server what their favorite is. All the staff members that we have encountered have been friendly and happy to help.
I have a funny story that proves they are a class act establishment… I decided that I must eat the grilled sweetcorn with marjoram (pictured), with the corn cut off the cob. I tried to cut the corn off the cob, and the little sucker flew off my plate, directly onto their beautiful leather cushion. I was so embarrassed, but there was no way my conscience would let me try and cover it up and not tell them. I immediately let a staff member know, who made no big deal about it. He grabbed some cleaner and cleaned it right up. I was sure I would be yelled at, but it was the exact opposite. I like to think that the butter helped soften the leather of that beautiful couch. Hopefully, I do not receive a bill after this written confession (insert sweaty, smiley emoji here). Long story even longer – this is just another reason they are #1 in our book – making us feel great from the second we walk through the door, to even after we’ve walked out the door.
This is a love letter to one of our favorite restaurants in Berlin. We hope you will put it on your list of must-tries if you haven’t already been. And if it’s already one of your favorites, we hope this post has inspired you to check out their latest menu!
Reservations are a must, as the space is small and intimate. There is also a deposit fee of 40€ per person that will be deducted from your bill. They are open for dinner only, Monday – Friday (closed on Saturdays and Sundays). It is romantic and great for celebrating special occasions with loved ones, or a casual foodie evening.
Don’t walk, run, over to one of Neukölln’s top establishments! It has truly put this district on the map, as a place to visit for quality dining.
If you’re looking for more hidden gems, recommendations, and deliciousness, come on one of our Food and Walking Tours!
