Defne Restaurant

Right on the Landwehrkanal in Kreuzberg, Defne Restaurant has been serving Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine for almost two decades at a level far beyond typical kebab offerings. Homemade mezze, Alinazik, and spicy octopus in a warm, relaxed atmosphere on Planufer.

Defne Restaurant: Turkish-Mediterranean Cuisine by the Canal

Those walking along Planufer in Kreuzberg will almost inevitably discover Defne Restaurant, as its terrace directly by the water is usually well-occupied. For years, this oriental restaurant has been a go-to address for anyone seeking Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine in Berlin beyond the usual grilled dishes. The menu features over 89 dishes, including mezze-style appetizers like hummus, cacık, walnut-chili paste, and marinated sheep’s cheese, as well as seafood dishes and classic meat main courses. Particularly popular is Alinazik, lamb on an eggplant-yogurt bed, which encapsulates Aegean cuisine in one dish. If you like, order wine by the carafe or end the evening with a Turkish mocha.

Mezze, Atmosphere, and a Table by the Water

Defne Restaurant opens daily from 16:00 and only closes at midnight, allowing for leisurely dinners. The canal-side terrace is the heart of the establishment in summer, while indoors it can get quite loud when full. Reservations are therefore strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Anyone looking for a Turkish oriental restaurant in Berlin that caters to both vegetarians and meat-eaters with carefully prepared dishes will find it here. Cash payment is still preferred, so it’s best to bring cash. Finally, a note for Rakı fans: Defne occasionally hosts special evenings with live music, which further enhances the already relaxed atmosphere.