With a dedicated playroom for children, Café Avril bills itself as a family-friendly restaurant. The menu consists of vegetarian and fish dishes with an Italian slant, such as the octopus with capers, olives and cherry tomatoes. On Sundays the café hosts brunch ­ a tradition in Berlin ­ with a large buffet of choices (from cheeses to prepared hot dishes) for €9. U-BAHN: Schönleinstrasse

KREUZBERG. This downtown eatery features a menu of several traditional favorites. Great spot for a midday meal of potatoes and the famed goulash. Service is good and the menu offers meals for all appetites. Stop in after a day of shopping and sightseeing or for a nice business lunch. Business casual attire. U-BAHN: Görlitzer Bhf

MITTE. Modern Med-inspired cuisine earns top billing at Maxwell, which occupies the circa-1878 Josty Brewery. Its mid-'90s redesign is punctuated by contemporary artwork by Brit-born artist Damien Hirst. In fact, the restaurant even pays homage to the artist with popular Duck à la Damien Hirst, served with black pepper sauce and vegetable rolls. Other superb entrees include grilled sirloin steak with ratatouille and parmesan-crusted breast of corn-fed chicken with black mushrooms and potato-rocket flan. In the summer, the secluded courtyard is a popular destination for couples. Terrific wine list too. Reservations are encouraged. S-BAHN: Nordbahnhof; U-BAHN: Rosentalerplatz