Ganymed Brasserie

The Ganymed Brasserie is located on Schiffbauerdamm directly on the Spree, with views of the TV Tower and the Reichstag. The establishment has existed since 1931; during GDR times, Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel dined here. Specialties include oysters, seafood platters, and a tartare prepared at the table. Among French restaurants in Berlin, this offers the most classic setting.

Ganymed Brasserie: French Brasserie on the Spree

The Ganymed Brasserie is located at Schiffbauerdamm 5 in Mitte, directly on the Spree between Museum Island and Brandenburg Gate. From the sun terrace by the water, you can see the TV Tower and the Reichstag. The Berliner Ensemble is right next door; Friedrichstadtpalast, Komische Oper, Admiralspalast, and Tränenpalast are all within walking distance. Friedrichstraße station can be reached in a few minutes via the Weidendammer Bridge. In 2020, owner Michael Pankow, together with four other restaurateurs, created the large summer terrace along the Spree riverside promenade.

The Wilhelminian era building dates from the late 19th century, when the neighborhood was still characterized by shipbuilders and shipyard workers. From 1919, a bank occupied the premises, and only in 1931 did it become the Ganymed Restaurant, named after the cupbearer of the Greek gods. During GDR times, Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel dined here. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the establishment had to close, was renovated in the mid-1990s, and has been continuing its history since 2005.

Oysters, Lava Stone Grill, and Table-Side Tartare

There are 130 seats indoors and another 180 outside. Stucco ceilings, dark wood, parquet flooring, and chandeliers give the room a classic French touch; the lighting remains warm and subdued. The hosts are the Frenchman Patrick Willems, who has been with the establishment since 2009, and André Stockhausen. Many dishes are prepared in front of the guests: the beef tartare is prepared at the table, Crêpes Suzette are flambéed with Grand Marnier, and Crème Brûlée is caramelized at the table.

The menu features classics such as Coq au vin, Steak Frites, and Choucroute garnie. The true specialty is the maritime selection: “Fine de Claire” oysters, seafood platters, and a fish selection ranging from Havel pike-perch to Norwegian salmon and Atlantic sole. Fillets and steaks come from the lava stone grill. The tartare costs 18.50 Euros, and Steak Frites 34 Euros. The wine list is distinctly French, ranging from Burgundy and Loire to Grand Crus Classés from Bordeaux.