Da Vinci — Restaurant in Berlin

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Da Vinci, a charming Italian restaurant tucked away in the heart of Berlin. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly combined modern elegance with traditional Italian warmth.

Ambiance: The ambiance at Da Vinci is truly a standout feature. The interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring rustic wooden accents, warm lighting, and tasteful artwork that transports you straight to the streets of Italy. The dining area is spacious enough to maintain a sense of privacy while still feeling connected to the overall vibe of the restaurant.

Service: The service was attentive and friendly throughout the entire meal. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu, providing insightful recommendations and accommodating special dietary needs. From the moment I was seated to the final espresso, I felt well taken care of without any sense of intrusion.

Cuisine: The highlight of Da Vinci is undoubtedly the cuisine. The menu boasts a diverse selection of Italian dishes, each prepared with a level of authenticity that's hard to come by. I started with the Caprese Salad, a delightful blend of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with high-quality olive oil. For the main course, I opted for the Risotto Frutti di Mare, a rich and perfectly cooked seafood risotto bursting with flavors from the sea. The attention to detail in each dish was evident, showcasing the chef's dedication to maintaining the essence of Italian flavors.

Wine Selection: The wine list at Da Vinci is extensive, featuring a variety of Italian and international options. The sommelier was incredibly helpful in suggesting a wine that complemented my meal perfectly. The wine not only enhanced the flavors of the food but also added to the overall dining experience.

Dessert: No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Da Vinci did not disappoint. I indulged in a classic Tiramisu that was both light and decadent, striking the ideal balance of sweetness and coffee flavor.

Price: While Da Vinci falls into the higher price range, the quality of the food, service, and ambiance justifies the cost. It's a restaurant I would consider for special occasions or when I'm in the mood for an exceptional dining experience.

Overall Experience: Da Vinci in Berlin offers an exquisite journey through Italian cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance, attentive service, and outstanding dishes combine to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate a milestone, Da Vinci is a culinary gem that should not be missed.

Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects my opinions at the time of...

I had a really weird, uncomfortable experience in this restaurant tonight, as a solo female diner.

When I asked for the bill, the waiter (who I had been friendly to and who I had thought was friendly to me until then) brought the card machine. When he saw I hadn’t tipped more than 50c (sometimes travellers are on a budget, you know) he chastised me for this, saying “you didn’t tip!” in an annoyed tone.

I tip as regularly as I can afford to, and until today, I have never had the experience of staff being nasty to me because I did not tip, or tip enough.

If extra tipping by a certain percent is the custom here, I would expect that to be explained to me politely by the staff, or for that information to be shown on restaurant signs or menus - rather than being shamed after eating, as a paying customer.

After paying, I went to ask the manager of the restaurant politely about this experience and he said “oh it’s just a language issue; you misunderstood him.” So I left.

After this experience I was still confused and a bit concerned that I had made a faux pas (as it would be if I had failed to tip in the US) so I returned to my hotel and asked the nice reception staff if it was the custom to always tip in Berlin/Germany. They confirmed that this is not the case, and that it is only usually done when the service is especially considerate.

Considering the treatment I received from the staff at the restaurant, I’m glad I didn’t waste my money rewarding rudeness.

Before this incident I had felt positive about returning to this restaurant during my trip, but not only will I definitely not do that, I would actively warn people to avoid it. To the restaurant reading this: either make your tip expectations clear before diners sit down, or treat your customers with the same basic respect they get in any other eatery...

We went to this restaurant by accident because we were desperate for food after our flight got delayed. The staff here was very impolite. When we wanted to see whether the restaurant was open (as we were quite late when we arrived at the restaurant) at the entrance, one of the waiters thought we were taking photos of their restaurant and told us that “no photos, each photo costs €10”, which doesn’t make any sense. We went inside and eat nonetheless since it’s the only option we have. The staff demanded us to order food quickly despite the fact that we haven’t read the entire menu. They also speak with a noticeable Italian accent and we couldn’t really figure out what they are talking. The restaurant wasn’t very hygienic either as flies were everywhere and it was kinda annoying as you need to make sure it doesn’t ruin your food. Speaking of food, the pizza here is quite good given with its price. You can basically share one pizza amongst two or even three friends. I, however, did not order pizza. I ordered the salmon fillet which was a major letdown. The salmon itself was okay, but the sauce was too condensed and a bit too salty. The salad that came with the salmon was a disaster as well - it was flooded with salad dressing. To sum up, if you can bear with the bad service and unhygienic environment, you might want to try out the pizza, which are...