Restaurant Z - Berlin

Big fan of the bright red walls with green trim, and somehow this doesn't scream CHRISTMAS. Excellent service here, and our waitress was speedy, cheerful,...

First of all, it's virtually impossible to get good greek food in the states, because at least all i've had, and unfortunately i keep trying, ever more rarely, is the greek equivalent of 'italian american' cuisine, i.e., not really greek at all.for that reason, i've been enjoying good greek food in germany for decades, but Restaurant Z in the bergmannkiez section of berlin's kreuzberg is, i think, the best i've ever had. in the two weeks i was in berlin, we ate there FOUR times, that's how good.the mixed warm and cold appetizer plate, with gyros meat in the middle and all sorts of wonderful other things is a huge meal, even a meal for two, at about 15 euros. everything on it is excellent, but the hummus is the star. it's different than any other hummus i've had -- not creamy, but rather a little grainy, more like pure ground chick peas with some oil and garlic. i've never been a huge fan of hummus, and this changed my mind. i would eat this twice or three times a week, no problem.it's hit or miss whether you'll be able to get moussaka, because they only have it on certain days. it's always my test of a greek restaurant, and it's excellent here -- a wonderful light bechamel and great flavor.but this is much more a grill restaurant (no pastitsio at all, i'm afraid), so LAMB is the order of the day and, boy, is it great!i had the lamb chops 3 times -- complete consistency on preparation, by the way -- and they're out of this world. incredibly flavorful, succulent, tender. food happiness. you do pay for the privilege: 25 euros, but they're worth every cent.two other major plusses:they have excellent beers on tap, including my all-time favorite -- real budweiser from budvar in the czech republic.and the service is great. extremely friendly and accommodating.the place generally is not completely full on weeknights, but i would recommend reserving on fridays and saturdays, when it's completely full.don't miss it!

We ended up to Z with friends at the opening hour on Saturday. The place was fully booked for the night but for fast eaters (under 3 hours) there was room. Friendly staff, good traditional Greek food without too much fine details. Wine list did not impress but what would your expect. Worth visit. Medium to low price when 6 persons eat and drink with less than 300 Eur.

I'm usually cautious when it comes to Greek restaurants because of the heavy-handed folklore and rather lacking food offerings. Not in this case. Their food is delicious, well prepared and in hearty portions -the highlight for me being the perfectly cooked, odourless lamb (which I generally avoid as a meat source due to its scent).

Fabulous Greek food! It was less than a ten minute walk from the underground station, the food was incredible and totally reasonably priced, and the staff was so friendly and efficient. Really really great spot!