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Pankow › Prenzlauer Berg › Itarei Restaurant - Japanese x Italian Fusion
Itarei Restaurant - Japanese x Italian FusionB+Worth Trying
Kollwitzstraße 89, 10435 Berlin, Germany
· Japanese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (770 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Inventive Japanese-Italian fusion with standout crudo and pastas; warm but occasionally inattentive service, creative plates at premium prices, and some inconsistency between highs and lows.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Itarei delivers creative Japanese-Italian fusion with strong food quality highlighted by exceptional crudo and inventive pastas, supported by stylish interior design and warm service. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from polished to bland—and unpredictable service timing prevent grade A territory. Premium pricing paired with modest portions adds friction for the value proposition.
Restaurant Summary
On a leafy Kollwitzkiez corner, the room feels stylish and cozy with a neighborhood buzz. Servers are warmly disposed, though attention can drift during rush. One diner summed it up: "crudo sparkled, mains were mixed", capturing a house that aims high and occasionally misses. The cooking leans creative fusion rather than purist comfort: matcha-tinged cacio e pepe, miso-truffle udon, and unagi with spaghetti. At its best, it is polished and playful, especially the crudo and a few pastas; on off nights, seasoning or texture can slide. Prices sit at the premium end for Berlin casual-fine dining, paying for ideas and ingredients more than sheer portion size. For families, the menu skews adventurous—think roe, eel, ponzu, and shiso—so picky eaters may struggle. There are simpler sides like mashed potatoes or fries, but no kids menu; one review called it not kid friendly. Consider nearby staples if you need guaranteed child-pleasers.
At a Glance
- Inventive Japanese-Italian mashups with standout crudo and mentaiko pasta
- Warm, personable service when on form
- Inconsistent execution and occasional long waits for mains
- Premium prices with portions that can feel small
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- inventive Japanese-Italian mashups
- strong crudo program
- sake-forward beverage pairings
What People Love
- Playful fusion that still feels balanced
- Silky crudo with fresh cuts
- Comforting yet novel pastas
- Cozy, polished space that feels special
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent seasoning and doneness across visits; some dishes bland or overcooked
- Service pacing can lag; reports of forgotten items and slow mains
- Premium pricing with smaller portions may disappoint value seekers
- Occasional odor reported near restrooms/basement on some visits
- Creative/fusion menu - limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€42-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Hamachi Crudo (€16), share one antipasto like Burrata no Shiso (€13), then split Mentaiko (€21) and a Secondi such as Miso Lachs (€24) to balance richness.
Perfect For
- Date night with a twist
- Food-curious friends who enjoy fusion
- Seafood lovers craving refined crudo
- Neighborhood cocktails and small plates
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, upscale Kollwitzkiez with cafe terraces and date-night energy; mix of locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy sidewalks; late-night foot traffic common.
Nearby: Near Kollwitzplatz, boutiques, bars, and other bistros; strong dining competition and weekend crowds.
Prenzlauer BergPrenzlauer Berg offers a diverse dining scene with a mix of traditional German eateries, international cuisine, and innovative fusion restaurants. The area is characterized by a relaxed yet hip social atmosphere, attracting food enthusiasts and a cosmopolitan crowd.
KollwitzkiezKollwitzkiez is a popular micro-neighborhood within Prenzlauer Berg known for its charming streets, boutique shops, and a strong community vibe. It hosts a variety of trendy cafes and restaurants, making it a sought-after spot for casual dining and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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