Baraka - Moroccan Restaurant — Restaurant in Berlin

Some claim variety to be the spice of life, but Baraka proves that outstanding service is a far more potent seasoning. As so often happens in the back half of the year in Berlin, a brisk, late-summer air stirred my and my companion's hunger for falafel. With Risani lurking in the Görlitzer sector, competition is stiff - it's hard to go toe-to-toe with the Soße stewing in Risani's tubs. But for those seeking a more personable, sit-down approach to fried chickpea balls, Baraka offers a surprisingly delightful option.

Surprising because - and I write this without hyperbole - Baraka may offer the best service in Berlin. At least, in my five years of trawling this city's eateries, I haven't encountered more proactive, generous, and genuine service than this humble spot. When we entered, we were greeted on a first name basis by the maitre d' and his heartfelt smile. When we (erroneously) thought we had been cheated of some falafel in the Jardin Tagine, complementary falafel was brought out on the house. When we were cold, we were warmed by an unprompted "good evening" by one of the restaurant staff, who paid the same respect to every guest dining. Eher Leute... alles war in ordnung.

And of course, Baraka is more than an Imbiss; it's a Moroccan restaurant, serving mezze platters and tajines to fuel you on those brisk, late-summer evenings. The stars lighting this show are really the dips, spreads, and conserves which are all dripping in flavour. But the falafel doesn't disappoint either: this is some of the freshest around the area. If you go, make sure to bring some Bargeld...

I was extremely disappointed by my recent experience here after loving this place 2 years ago. The food was slow to arrive, orders confused, and i specified plain tap water, but was still charged 3 euros for that in the bill. However my main complaint is that when I asked for my food to be packed up for take away, not only did they not include any of the dips (hummus, baba ganoush, yoguart) in the vegetarian platter that I had specifically ordered to save for later snacks, they also threw away the pita without including it in the take-away. When i told the waiter this, he said i hadn't specified i wanted it - despite the fact i'd said i wanted everything packed up. But the worst thing was that i discovered the second dish, my chicken tangine, was not given to me. Instead i was given a complete strangers leftovers -- a beef dish with plums.

Based on the impatience and too-fast speed of the waiter, i know there was no point in returning to complain. but paying a bill for 32 Euros for a meal i didn't even get to eat or finish, is...

Since moving nearby I have been a regular visitor here and am consistently impressed by the quality:price ratio and you'll certainly never leave hungry. I particularly recommend the Mezze plates for two or more people with a variety of dishes to sample. There are also many North African and Middle Eastern speciality plates done well. I'm not a big fan of the Durum's they are just average, as with so many kebab joints in Berlin but they certainly aren't bad.

Drinkers will be a little disappointed due to the lack of alcohol but it never hurts to detox occasionally. The old school, cheesy Middle Eastern decoration has a certain charm and there is also one room where you can kick off your shoes and sit on the floor at low tables.

There are also a number of outdoor tables for warmer days. The service is unfailingly great with all of the waiting staff seemingly able to speak English as well as German and quick arrival of food and drinks is ensured no matter how busy they are and it does get busy pretty much...