The sun’s shining, dresses get shorter by the day and the hipsters on Torstraße can finally drink their club mate until sunrise on the street again. Even if you’re not looking to get your party game on, summer is a hugely interesting time. New restaurants and eateries sprout up in spring, and summer shows who’s on the road to full bloom. Naturally you can’t check them all out, so trust your favourite lifestyle agency to find  the best ones. We compiled a list of 8 hot new restaurants this summer. Each and every venue is a real tongue pleaser.

Gärtnerei
With all the hedonism at night, it’s no wonder there’s a craze for healthy food temples. Gärtnerei in Mitte is the latest landmark for exceptional vegetarian restaurants. The interior is an atmospheric oasis boasting green plush couches and a small bar counter. The menu is minimalistic – just the three main ingredients per dish are revealed. Fear not – for unwavering carnivores there’s also a few choice dishes with meat.

Golden Phoenix
Duc Ngo is Kuchi’s founder and the mastermind behind 893 Ryotei. He’s also one of the most formative wizards behind Berlin’s young dining scene. In Hotel Provocateur’s in-house restaurant Golden Phoenix, he’s fusing french and asian cuisine. His aim is to cook the dishes from his childhood, just even better. Is it even possible to top grandmother’s recipes? Find out in good old West Berlin.

Katerschmaus
You’ll find this new gem in recently opened Holzmarkt. It boasts lovely modern cuisine right by the Spree on the former premises of Berlin’s notorious Bar25. Kitchen head Hayk Seirig was already chef when they were serving beats rather than food, but how times change! The real candy: You can stay at surrounding Holzmarkt for beers, laughs and company after or before dinner. It’s an urban getaway for locals and travellers alike.

PeterPaul
Let’s face it: If you’re super hungry, you’ll need to make quite an order at PeterPaul. They serve delicious German cuisine (yes, it exists) in snack-sized portions. The recipes are a blast from the past, served as modern interpretations. Think Königsberger meatballs, rolled beef, Swabian ravioli in exciting new variations. What made it stand out: The great atmosphere mixed with rich flavours and a superb Austrian wine selection.

Vertikal
Vertikal’s house facade is covered by an impressive ocean of plants. Their food is just as exciting. Contemporary European cuisine with Asian and African influences. Now, if that doesn’t sound promising! Owner Claire from New York came here 7 years ago – for love. After trying her toast with roasted onion, pickled avocado, goat cheese and poached egg, we know it’s the same reason we’ll be coming to Vertikal for the next 7 years.

Con Tho
Con Tho’s a culinary oasis in the middle Neukölln’s hustle and bustle. They put emphasis on serving “healing” food, so 2/3 of ingredients stem from regional productions. Their amazing selection of drinks was made with the knowledge of buddhists monks. Expect vietnamese vegetarian & vegan cuisine cooked to perfection.

Good Bank
Innovation done right: Good Bank grows its own food. Behind the small venue’s counter there’s an in-shop farming system that grows salad. Obviously they can’t grow all their ingredients in their restaurant, but it’s still a definite step towards more urban sustainability. You can choose your ingredients and create your own super-fresh food experience as you sit. The future is now.

Spreegold meets Bikini
Spreegold is the perfect all-rounder for upscale fast food in atmospheric venues. They serve great breakfast, salads, pasta, burgers, steaks and bar food at night. Their outlet at Bikini Berlin is their third venue in Berlin and stretches across three floors. First floor – to-go area for quick eats. Second floor – restaurant, lounge areas and workspace with 350 seats. Third floor – rooftop bar with great views of the surrounding area. When the weather’s good you can dine al fesco on their spacious rooftop terrace.