USA TODAY International Edition
POCKET GUIDE GERMANY
10Best Local Experts take you to the best spots around Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich
GO EAT ... BERLIN
1. Reinstoff Boasting two Michelin stars, chef Daniel Achilles creates poetry on a plate and pairs it with wines from Germany and Spain. A canopy of glass bubbles overhead lends an air of elegance. Schlegelstrasse 26c + 49 30 3088 1214
2. Beefbar Dark wood and leather give this steakhouse a masculine backdrop. A custom oven coaxes maximum flavor out of prime cuts. Hausvogteiplatz 10 + 49 30 2067 9301
3. MioMatto Pizza, pasta and other Italian palate pleasers get a gourmet vegan twist at this warmly lit upstairs trattoria, which also has a full bar serving custom cocktails. Warschauer Strasse 33 + 49 30 364 281 040
4. Neni This uncluttered 10th- floor spot, with panoramic views over Berlin’s rooftops, offers a culinary mosaic inspired by the cuisines of Persia, Russia and Israel. Budapester Strasse 40 + 49 30 120 221 200
5. Pizza Mario The burrata is creamy, the salad fresh and the pizza baked to crispy perfection from a wood fire at this shabby- chic joint with romantic patio seating in summer. Friedrichstrasse 113 + 49 173 521 9378
6. Maxim This wine bistro pours only fine natural wines to complement its imaginative fusion menu ( signature dish: octopus with tarragon syrup) and exquisitely gooey cheese amid sleek aesthetics. Gormannstrasse 25 + 49 30 6583 3962
7. La Soupe Populaire This Michelin- starred restaurant by Tim Raue embraces traditional German dishes inside a 19th- century brewery. Raue’s riff on Königsberger Klopse ( caperlaced meatballs) is a must- try. Prenzlauer Allee 242 + 49 030 44 319 680
8. Pauly Saal Regional ingredients steer the seasonal menu at this eatery in a former Bauhaus- era girls’ school, where provocative artwork spices up the 1920s- inspired decor. Try the Pomeranian entrecôte. Auguststrasse 11 + 49 030 3300 6070 9. Katz Orange A foodie favorite, the Orange Cat fancies anything regional, seasonal and creative. You’ll be purring for slow- cooked Duroc pork, smooth venison pâté and Jerusalem artichoke soup. Bergstrasse 22 + 49 030 983 208 430
10. Van Loon Lit by candlelight and a crackling fire, this Dutch cargo shipturned- restaurant is a romantic spot for goose and game, smoked fish and even vegan offerings. Carl- Herz- Ufer 7 + 49 030 692 6293
GO EAT ... FRANKFURT
1. Weinsinn This Michelin- starred restaurant stands out for its extensive wine list. Modern decor is sleek and inviting, while innovative tasting menus show off the chef’s flair for contemporary cuisine. Fürstenbergerstrasse 179 + 49 69 5699 8080
2. Medici Sophistication combines with an updated Mediterranean menu for an idyllic dining experience. A mural of three naked women dominates the room as the delightful food seduces your palate. Weissadlergasse 2 + 49 69 2199 0794
3. Surf ’ n Turf Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, this steakhouse lays out a cozy atmosphere and a menu of American beef. Grüneburgweg 95 + 49 69 722 122
4. Moriki This trendy spot boasts Japanese cuisine inspired by modern Asia. The sizable menu includes sashimi, wok specials and chef's choices. Lunch and dinner are busy; make a reservation. Taunusanlage 12 + 49 69 7191 3070
5. Ariston Dine on authentic Greek cuisine in a stylish and warm atmosphere. Professional, friendly and efficient service add to the ambience. A truly delicious experience and an excellent value. Heiligkreuzgasse 29 + 49 69 9203 9950
6. Meyer Tuck into creative international cuisine while you peoplewatch on the pedestrian Fressgass. Start with champagne, then make your pick from the varied and constantly evolving menu. Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse 54 + 49 69 9139 7070
7. Buffalo Steakhaus Both locals and expats frequent this popular hidden gem. They come for excellent steaks at reasonable prices, not so much for the fast pace of the meals. Kaiserhofstrasse 18 + 49 69 285 796
8. Ristorante Isoletta While there are many Italian restaurants in Frankfurt’s Westend, locals like this airy space for its focus on dishes featuring prized white and black truffles. Feldbergstrasse 31 + 49 69 174 770
9. Flemings Deluxe Hotel Club Ride the open elevator to this tony seventh- floor hotel bar and restaurant. The terrace overlooking Innerstadt is an ideal place to have a drink before dinner. Eschenheimer Tor 2 + 49 69 4272 320 10. Haus Wertheym Frankfurt’s oldest guest house ( circa 1479) offers old- world ambience and savory German dishes, including veal, pork and sausage. Outdoor seating allows for great people- watching. Fahrtor 1 + 49 69 281 432
GO EAT ... MUNICH
1. Hofbräuhaus Built as an adjunct to the Hofbräu brewery in 1589, the Hofbräuhaus embodies everything that is Bavaria. Stopping here for a beer or meal is a quintessential Munich experience. Platzl 9 + 49 089 290 136 100
2. Paulaner am Nockherberg This 3,000- seat beer garden is connected to the Paulaner brewery. Owing to its location on the east side of the Isar River, it’s often missed by visitors. Hochstrasse 77 + 49 089 459 9130
3. Altes Hackerhaus A few steps from Marienplatz, the former Hacker Brewery is worth a visit as much for the antique beer memorabilia on its walls as for its tasty food. Sendlingerstrasse 14 + 49 089 2605 026
4. Master’s Home Splurge on dinner in a fun atmosphere, decorated like a colonial home complete with a bathroom and bedroom. The best part: the “surprise” tasting menu. Frauenstrasse 11 + 49 089 229 909
5. Airbräu Airports aren’t usually known for their food, but the Airbräu brewery and restaurant is good enough to go out of your way. Terminalstrasse Mitte 18 + 49 089 9759 ext. 3111
6. La Villa im Bamberger Haus Bavarian decor upstairs and Mexican ambience downstairs — talk about catering to different tastes! La Villa sits in a local park. Brunnerstrasse 2 + 49 089 3088 966
7. Kuffler Renowned local restaurateurs, the Kuffler family stray from traditional Munich cuisine at their eponymous eatery. Instead, they concentrate on light entrées, seafood, fresh vegetables and salads. Hofgraben 9 + 49 089 2422 4840
8. Ratskeller Located in the basement of the New Town Hall, the Ratskeller offers special candlelight dinners and seasonal menus that make it both unique and memorable. Marienplatz 8 + 49 089 2199 890
9. Restaurant 181 Crowning Olympic Tower, 181 meters in the sky, the revolving Restaurant 181 is a top eatery in more ways than one. Signatures of Michelin- starred chef Otto Koch include turbot on stone and Breton- style lobster. Spiridon- Louis- Ring 7 + 49 089 3509 48 181
10. Hofbräukeller One of the last remaining proper beer cellars in Munich, Hofbräukeller sports traditional wood- paneled rooms with high ceilings. Diners enjoy seasonal menus of Bavarian fare. Innere Wiener Strasse 19 + 49 089 4599 250
Want even more great ideas? Go to 10Best. com for handy travel lists, cool pics and hot tips by Local Experts in popular destinations around the world.