Al Contadino Mozzarella Bar & Bottega

Al Contadino Mozzarella Bar & Bottega: Celebrity Hotspot on Auguststraße

Those strolling through Auguststraße in Mitte might easily overlook this unassuming corner restaurant. Yet, the story of this restaurant is one of the most charming in Berlin’s culinary scene. After Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie declared the small Italian restaurant their favorite spot in Berlin, it became a meeting point for celebrity guests: Til Schweiger, Diane Kruger, and Penélope Cruz have been spotted here. Quentin Tarantino also stopped by during the filming of Inglourious Basterds, and Penélope Cruz dined behind the tinted windows. So, a table here certainly means sitting in prominent company.

The appeal of the place is by no means solely due to the celebrity factor. In the lively corner establishment with a deli counter, countless wine bottles contribute to the rustic bar ambiance. The focus is on antipasti, cheese specialties, and homemade pasta such as ravioli and tagliolini. Those who wish can also settle down on the outdoor terrace, especially when the summer months immerse Auguststraße in a Mediterranean flair.

Mozzarella, Tasting, and Quality from Southern Italy

The offerings include carefully selected Italian DOP-certified products, as well as dairy products, cheeses, meats, and wines sourced directly from their place of production. This is anything but supermarket mozzarella. On Auguststraße, you experience Southern Italian hospitality and traditional-modern cuisine from the Basilicata region in a lively atmosphere. Particularly recommended are the Degustazioni: a small tasting includes two mozzarellas in four flavors to choose from: mild, delicate, robust, and Burrata. This is accompanied by hand-picked wines and homemade desserts such as Tiramisu or Sicilian Cassata. As the restaurant is small, reservations in advance are recommended. The mix of a delicatessen and a restaurant has become rare in Mitte, and precisely this explains why locals and international guests sit side-by-side here. If you look closely at the counter, you’ll discover not only mozzarella but also salumi, pickled vegetables, and olive oils that you can take home. This way, the establishment on Auguststraße serves a dual purpose: as a restaurant in the evening and a shopping destination during the day. Those who prefer a quieter experience should come in the early evening before all the small tables in the front area are occupied.