Restaurant Marques Rene Maschkiwitz

Rustic, Spanish cuisine in a bustling bodega
Popular plate: The fillet steak is one of the best you'll find in Berlin.

Tipple of choice: The wines change so often, there isn't actually a list. Just point to one on the shelf and hope for the best.
This Kreuzberg tapas restaurant is suitably rustic and low-lit, and regularly fills up with passionate locals who can't get enough of the paella, chorizo and steaks. Worth mentioning is also the quality of desserts – something the Spanish aren't particularly famous for, let's be honest.

The regulars here can get a bit protective, so don't be surprised if everyone stares at you as sit down, aghast that the owner is even allowing strangers in. As soon as you start making approving noises with every mouthful of patatas bravas or passion fruit mousse though, you'll soon find yourself accepted.