Fünf & Sechzig

On a quite corner where the street widens just before the river and the oppressive feeling of high-rises in a big city is lifted, we found a nice outdoor seat to enjoy our meal. My husband and I each had our own desires for dinner. I'm usually looking for something healthy where I can get a light chicken or fish and some greens. He's usually looking for something a little richer. And both of us wanted to try German cuisine.

We weren't disappointed!

The prices were very reasonable, as we've learned to be the case with many restaurants in Berlin. And we found exactly what we wanted.

I had a delicious tomato and orange soup, with what I would describe as nutty/cheesy balls afloat in the bowl. Wish I retained the German word for them, but either way, they were very tasty. I also had a lightly fried perch (fish of the day) with sautèed veggies on the side. All was perfectly cooked and just what I was looking for.

My hus had the pork schnitzel with mushroom sauce which he says was delicious. It came with salad and fries and was way too much food.

We've taken home enough to eat for another meal or two.

I also had a nice Lillet cocktail, and they had a whole list of drink specials in addition to a comprehensive wine, beer and cocktail list.

The server was very kind and laughed innocuously at our feeble attempts to speak German. She helped us understand the menu and find what we wanted.

The service was laissez faire. However, that's what I've come to expect in Europe. In general, no one bothers or rushes you, and you usually have to flag someone down for another drink or the check. I prefer this relaxed approach.

It's not a gourmet restaurant, but it's very high quality food. If you're looking for a good dinner, I'd recommend this place.

Low quality food and bad service. Definitely no place I would recommend. Only good point is the Smokers Salon.

The cheeseburger was ok, the meat in the pasta dish was very chewy. Pretty bad vibe from the waiter who then got pissed when he didn't get a tip.

Not only was the food a huge letdown (i heard it used to be way better with the previous owner): cheese salad consisted of what at least looked like the leftover chunks of the cheapest of supermarket-grade cheeses. Camembert from the oven with breadcrumb on the outside had completely cooled back down again and was just a brick. My steak sandwich had 3 french fries and a slice of pineapple impaled on the skewers holding the sandwich together. Poor mans attempt on original presentation, also instantly cools the 3 fries down to unedible temperatures when served outside. No seasoning whatsoever. Salad was dry lettuce leaves with a few kidneybeans hidden inside and one slice of sundried tomato just thrown on top.
But i forgot the most important part: me and my friend are sick from foodpoisoning right now (we left an hr ago)!! The only ones who should go to this place are the people from food and health watch inspection services. A terrible waste of an otherwise great location in the spring sun. Hope it shuts down soon and a new proprietor with actual talent and respect for his customers gets a shot.