Zur letzten Instanz

What’s behind the name?

History has indeed taken place at Letzte Instanz. The townhouses along the old city wall date back to the 13th century, but the gastronomic tradition began in 1621, when a former stableman of the Elector opened a tavern here. However, the current name only came about later: The naming as “Letzte Instanz” (Last Resort) in 1924 is attributed to the inauguration of the courthouse in the neighboring Littenstraße. According to legend, two farmers had a lengthy legal dispute, which they finally settled peacefully over a beer in the pub. Thus, the restaurant has always been a place where disputes ultimately end well. Particularly noteworthy is also the guest list of past centuries: Famous visitors include Jack Nicholson, Jacques Chirac, Charlie Chaplin, and Loriot. While many claim Napoleon sat by the over 200-year-old majolica tile stove, it cannot be proven, but it makes the visit no less appealing.

Berlin Cuisine with Courage for the Present

What makes this Berlin restaurant so special is the fact that despite its long history, it doesn’t get lost in nostalgia. Zur letzten Instanz is an inn with artisanal cuisine for the here and now. Therefore, while you’ll find classic Berlin dishes on the menu such as crispy pork knuckle and Königsberger Klopse, guests are served a contemporary interpretation of regional inn cuisine rather than tourist plates of baroque opulence. Chef André Sperling works with local producers who stand for the highest quality, including herb specialists from Wolkensteiner Hof and fresh fish suppliers from Müritzfischer. If you also want to enjoy the summer, you shouldn’t miss the beer garden: It offers around 50 seats with a view of the last remaining parts of Berlin’s oldest medieval city wall. A reservation is strongly recommended, by the way, as the establishment on Waisenstraße is one of the most sought-after restaurants in the federal capital, whose good reputation has reached as far as Japan.