Irma la Douce

Irma la Douce: Star Cuisine on Potsdamer Straße

Irma la Douce is located at Potsdamer Straße 102 in Tiergarten, not far from the Kurfürstenstraße intersection. The Kurfürstenstraße subway station (U1 and U3 lines) is the nearest stop, and bus lines M48 and M85 run directly along Potsdamer Straße. The street dates back to an old country road to Potsdam and has changed significantly since around 2010: galleries, designer shops, and restaurants have settled between snack bars and supermarkets. There is a terrace in front of the building.

The restaurant was opened on November 27, 2019, by restaurateur Jonathan Kartenberg, who is also behind eins44; the name comes from Billy Wilder’s film comedy. The team moved into the high Wilhelminian era rooms of the former Brasserie Lumières. In March 2021, the then head chef Michael Schulz earned the Michelin star and was named Berlin Master Chef in the same year. Today, Italian Francesco Contiero leads the kitchen, and restaurant manager and sommelier is Sascha Hammer from the opening team.

Station Clock, Wine Fridge, and Classics on the Plate

The dining room is bright and high, with white tablecloths, mirrored walls, stucco, and a large station clock above the guests. The most striking piece of furniture is an illuminated wine fridge shaped like an archway, separating the kitchen and wine area, holding around 300 selections; in the entrance area, there is also a glass champagne fridge. Additionally, there is a piano and small golden table lamps. The light is warm, and the atmosphere, despite the star, is relaxed.

The menu features classics such as Piece de Boeuf Bourguignon for 42 Euros and Bouillabaisse Sud with red prawn, gurnard, and rouille for 44 Euros. Also available are Gillardeau oysters, beef tartare with shallots and capers, and a Carbonara, where the Italian origin of the chef shines through. The cheese is supplied by Maître Affineur Waltmann from Erlangen, and to finish, there is Crème Brûlée. The wine list is strongly French-influenced and offers around 50 champagnes. At lunchtime, the restaurant cooks much simpler meals, with daily changing pasta and a small selection.