Vale un Peccato

Since 2019, Renato Zorzi has been running the trattoria on Aßmannshauser Straße, with Gaetano Bartoluccio from Sicily in the kitchen. The focus is on fish, from Linguine Scoglio to sea bream in a salt crust; vegetables and herbs come from the garden behind the house in summer. Casarecce alla Norma 15 Euro, Filetto al Barolo 36 Euro.

Vale un Peccato in Wilmersdorf: Trattoria with its own Herb Garden

Vale un Peccato is located on Aßmannshauser Straße in Wilmersdorf, a few minutes from Heidelberger Platz, where the U3 and S-Bahn lines S41 and S42 stop. Upon entering, guests will find the decor expected of a trattoria, which is becoming increasingly rare: wooden tables, red and white checkered tablecloths, candles, wine racks on the walls, and a fireplace. Unsolicited bruschetta on homemade bread, along with olives and olive oil, are served on the table. Since 2019, the restaurant has been run by Renato Zorzi, who was born in Veneto and grew up in Piedmont, learning his craft from chefs in Northern Italy and Switzerland. Gaetano Bartoluccio from Sicily is in the kitchen, giving the Northern Italian-influenced repertoire a Southern touch. Behind the house lies the chef’s garden, from which vegetables and herbs make their way directly into the kitchen in summer and autumn. In front, a large, street-shielded terrace opens in suitable weather, which is the most beautiful spot in the house in summer.

Linguine Scoglio, Sea Bream in Salt Crust and Barolo Sauce

The menu’s focus is on fish. The Linguine Scoglio come with baby calamari, mussels, prawns, and monkfish in a saffron-white wine sauce; there is also fish soup, grilled calamaretti on rocket, and a whole sea bream cooked in a salt crust. On the meat side, there’s beef fillet with Barolo sauce and seasonal vegetables. Prices remain reasonable: Casarecce alla Norma costs 15 Euros, Filetto al Barolo, as the most expensive dish, 36 Euros, with the majority of the menu falling in between. The wine list reflects the origins of the house, featuring Nero d’Avola and Regaleali from Sicily, Arneis and Gavi from Piedmont, Lugana from Lake Garda, and, for special occasions, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone della Valpolicella. There is a special small selection for children. If you want a table at Vale un Peccato, it’s best to call ahead, as the proportion of regular guests is high and the restaurant is not large. Reservations are made by phone; there is no online booking.