CHARLOTTENBURG ­ WILMERSDORF. Intimate. Elegant. Historic. This Charlottenburger is located in a renovated customs house. Attractive décor, antique furnishings, an attentive waitstaff, and a skilled kitchen work together to create a most pleasant dining experience. Menu selections feature traditional German cuisine tempered by a dash of Eastern spice, including honey-glazed duck breast and Brandenburg duck with pineapple chutney. Guests may choose from three-, four-, or five-course prix fixe menus. Reservations required. U-BAHN: Sophie-Charlotte-Platz

KREUZBERG. Housed in a timber customs house that overlooks the Landwehrkanal, Altes Zollhaus specializes in organic nouvelle fare. Indeed, the restaurant, adorned with rustic furniture and set amid tall trees, recollects the charm and elegance of a bygone era. Menu highlights include seasonal dishes like Brandenburg duck with cream potatoes and roasted steinbutt with lobster sauce, spinach, and cauliflower purée. A wonderful wine list complements these choices, and during warm weather, you can choose a charming garden as your dining backdrop. Three-, four- and five-course prix fixe dinners are available. Reservations are a must. U-BAHN: Prinzenstrasse

MITTE. If you get a craving for an American sweet, then you can enjoy this café's renowned brownies. Barcomi's is a popular favorite because of its bagels and cakes, and the café also serves savory deli sandwiches and offers a courtyard ambience. S-BAHN: Hackescher Markt

MITTE. Very popular. Very chic. This eatery, situated in the train station arcade, offers nice lunch options and also serves as a cocktail bar.

MITTE. Worn, comfortable leather chairs welcome you into Einstein's. The café's decor has the feel of an old jazz bar, and the coffee, which is roasted on-site, is great. Menu choices are on the lighter side.