
Zur letzten Instanz
Berlin's oldest restaurant since 1621, offering a historical journey through rustic charm and classic German cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Zur letzten Instanz

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Berlin's oldest restaurant since 1621, offering a historical journey through rustic charm and classic German cuisine.
"Experience history with its rustic charm and classic German cuisine, a must-visit in Berlin!"
Reserve Your Table
Booking ahead is essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a table at this popular historical restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes
The meatballs and pork knuckle are frequently recommended for an authentic taste of traditional German cuisine.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
German
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Berlin's Oldest Restaurant
Step back in time at Germany's oldest restaurant, established in 1621. Experience history with its rustic charm and classic German cuisine.

Pork Knuckle Perfection
Savor the highly recommended pork knuckle, praised for its full flavor and perfectly crispy skin. A true taste of traditional German fare.

Enchanting Apple Pie
Don't miss the incredible apple pie, described as life-changing! A delightful sweet ending to a historic German meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Booking ahead is essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a table at this popular historical restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes
The meatballs and pork knuckle are frequently recommended for an authentic taste of traditional German cuisine.
Consider Lunch
Visiting for lunch can be a great option, offering hearty portions that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Summer Courtyard Dining
Enjoy the added charm of dining in the courtyard during the summertime for a delightful al fresco experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Booking ahead is essential, especially for dinner, to guarantee a table at this popular historical restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes
The meatballs and pork knuckle are frequently recommended for an authentic taste of traditional German cuisine.
Consider Lunch
Visiting for lunch can be a great option, offering hearty portions that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Summer Courtyard Dining
Enjoy the added charm of dining in the courtyard during the summertime for a delightful al fresco experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Zur Letzten Instanz for its unique historical ambiance and delicious, authentic German cuisine, with the pork knuckle and apple pie being standout favorites. While some found it a bit touristy or noted higher drink prices, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting friendly service and a memorable dining experience.
"Lovely German food, friendly service, very original ambiance, great place for elevated Berlin cuisine! Although it can have a bit of the hectic vibe of many more tourist-y places. But the longer we just kept sitting there, the more the hecticness subsided. I wish the waiters could get a breather tho!"
Karl Finke
"Pleasant discovery! This restaurant had a familiar feeling, being in the oldest restaurant in Berlin. It's like dining in an old house. The staff were kind and helpful. The kitchen closes early, so it's better to book and be on time. It's a very casual restaurant. I went with a small group of friends, and we enjoyed our meal. I recommend the stuffed cabbage leaves with bacon. My plate was light light but still filling. Recommended."
Mario M
"We showed up without a reservation and were quickly sat at a table upstairs. They were very accommodating with an English menu and the server was bilingual and extremely kind. The food…absolutely perfect. The apple pie was incredible, and made me question every apple pie I’ve ever had before this. If you are in the mood for true German fare, please give this place a chance."
Sarah Nedam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as it's a popular and historic restaurant.
Diners frequently recommend the meatballs and the pork knuckle for an authentic taste of traditional German fare.
Established in 1621, it is Berlin's oldest restaurant, claiming to have hosted historical figures like Napoleon.
During summertime, the restaurant offers a charming outdoor courtyard for dining, providing a lovely al fresco experience.
The restaurant is considered mid-range, with main courses typically ranging from 15 to 30 Euros.
Yes, English menus are available, and some staff members are bilingual, ensuring a comfortable experience for English-speaking guests.
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The Most Unusual Restaurants In Berlin
Although its name is a rough translation of “the last resort”, Zur Letzen Instanz is a popular choice for Mitte dining, serving up fine, regionally sourced German fare such as apple tart and pork knuckle. First opened in 1621 and claiming to have served Napoleon himself, Zur Letzen Instanz combines old-fashioned furnishings with an elegant ambience that make Berlin’s oldest restaurant feel surprisingly modern. Take the time to admire both levels, connected by a spiral staircase, and check out the 200-year-old tiled stove on display before sitting down for a plate of meatballs and a cold glass of local beer.
10 of the best restaurants in Berlin
Zur letzten Instanz, Berlin’s oldest restaurant, invites guests to savor a rich tapestry of history and tradition dating back to 1621. Situated along the ancient city wall, this iconic venue began with a former stable boy’s humble tavern and has gracefully evolved under the care of its second-generation owners. The menu artfully combines traditional German dishes with modern flavors, featuring classics like grilled ham hocks and Königsberger Klopse.
Aged to perfection: A guide to Berlin’s oldest eateries
Tucked just beyond Klosterstraße U-Bahn station, Zur Letzten Instanz has been serving guests since 1621. The interior resembles a classic German Brauhaus, with rustic features and a collection of steins lining the walls. A few original relics remain, among them a formerly operational oven, covered in 15th-century Italian majolica tiles (said to have warmed the likes of Napoleon and Beethoven) and a prominent spiral staircase in the back dining room.
Where to Find the Best German Restaurants in Berlin?
Zur Letzten Instanz is in the historic Nikolaiviertel neighborhood and is Berlin’s oldest restaurant, going back to the 16th century. A very traditional German establishment, this quirky little place serves up classic German dishes in a cosy environment. So I suggest you should also taste their mouthwatering Eisbein (pork knuckle or traditional Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast).
15 Best German Restaurants In Berlin—Don’t Make The Wrong Choice!
The moment we saw the street and the building, we knew it was perfect. The old cobblestone street and the charm of the stucco building with shutters are exactly what you’d expect from Berlin’s oldest restaurant, Zur Letzten Instanz, which first opened its doors in 1621. It’s packed with history and legendary tales, like the belief that even Napoleon once had a meal here.
6 Best Restaurants in Berlin
With a history dating back to 1621, Zur letzten Instanz is Berlin’s oldest traditional restaurant. Situated in the historic Mitte district, it offers an authentic German dining experience steeped in history and tradition. With its deep historical roots, the ambiance and décor at Zur letzten Instanz has a rustic charm.
Historic Bars, Pubs, and Breweries of Berlin
We start with what is commonly known as the oldest pub in Berlin. Coming from this city and being old means you’ve got a lot of history and Zur Letzten Instanz is no exception. Located in a beautiful little corner of Mitte this pub is older than most of Berlin’s iconic historic monuments.
Restaurants in Berlin
Berlin’s oldest restaurant, dating from 1525, occupies two floors of a much-restored baroque building in the Nikolaiviertel (Nicholas Quarter), and has a series of wood-paneled dining rooms, including one with an old-fashioned Kachelofen (ceramic stove) where Napoleon supposedly…
The Best German Restaurants in Berlin
Zur Letzten Instanz is one of Berlin's oldest and most iconic restaurants, dating back to 1621. The menu features authentic German cuisine, including their famous pork knuckle and hearty stews. The cozy atmosphere and historic decor add to the charm of this legendary restaurant.
Culinary Highlights in Berlin | about.visitBerlin.de
Restaurant Trio presents Berlin cuisine with style and a modern twist, while Berlin's oldest restaurant Zur letzten Instanz has undergone a generational change. The young, cosmopolitan chef André Sperling combines tradition with zeitgeist, Berlin cuisine with sustainability.
Weird Berlin: Exploring the German Capital’s Hidden Gems
Step into Zur Letzten Instanz, Berlin’s oldest restaurant, which has been in operation since 1621. That makes this restaurant 250 years older than Germany itself!. Tuck in to some hearty dishes like pork knuckle and schnitzel, served with a side of local lore.
Where to Eat in Berlin
Zur Letzten Instanz is Berlin's oldest restaurant (from 1621) and the place you want to go to experience truly traditional German cuisine. Despite its fame, it's not a tourist trap. In the summertime, you can sit outside in the restaurant's courtyard.
Altberliner Küche. Traditionell essen gehen in Berlin
Im ältesten Gasthaus Berlins (seit 1621, sogar Napoleon war hier essen) stehen typisch deutsche Gerichte auf der Karte. Wir sitzen in einer holzgetäfelten Stube und bestellen Eisbein (17€) und Königsberger Klopse (18€).
Top 10: Restaurants mit Berliner Küche
Dieses Wirtshaus ist erstmals im Jahr 1621 als Trinkstube aktenkundig geworden. Heute gilt es als ältestes Restaurant Berlins. Sogar Napoleon soll es sich einst am Kachelofen gemütlich gemacht haben.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit