Gaffel Haus Berlin - Das Kölsche Konsulat in der Hauptstadt — Restaurant in Berlin

A disappointing experience by poor service and questionable food quality

Having chosen this restaurant based on its numerous positive Google reviews, we had high expectations for both the food and the service. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short on both fronts.

We were served by a female waitress wearing glasses whose demeanor was consistently impatient and dismissive. When we politely asked for beer recommendations, she offered no verbal response—only a shake of the head and an expression of visible irritation. Later, when we inquired about food recommendations, her reaction was similar: she continued to shake her head, giving us a look that clearly conveyed disinterest and annoyance. We were left to navigate the menu on our own.

We asked whether the quantity of food we ordered would be suitable for three people and were told it was appropriate. In reality, the portions were excessive—easily enough for four or more. The food itself, while traditional German fare, was mediocre at best. It lacked distinction in both flavor and presentation.

More troubling, however, was the inconsistency in service. We observed the same waitress interacting far more courteously and helpfully with German-speaking guests, while another English-speaking table near us received similar dismissive treatment to ours. This pattern left us with the uncomfortable impression of differential service based on language or nationality.

To make matters worse, after returning to our hotel, my mother began experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, including vomiting and severe diarrhea, which lasted throughout the night. While we cannot conclusively attribute this to the meal, the timing raises serious concerns.

In summary, this was a profoundly disappointing dining experience. I would not recommend this establishment to international visitors seeking warm hospitality or reliable food quality. Notably, the majority of glowing reviews appear to come from local patrons, which may not reflect the experience of...

Don't bother I would say, sure there are better places. We were with a group of colleagues. One person ordered a starter+main course. All others only main course. The starter came quite quickly yet the main courses never came. After long time finally someone came to apologise, the printer in the kitchen had not worked hence the delay (then how did we get the starter?). Anyway food what I ordered didn't come, ordered the cordon blue with mash potato and bacon and leak. I got a cordon blue with fried potato and some vegetables. Too hungry to argue or send it back I just finished it. Food was barely warm, vegetables well overcooked and the cordon blue lacking cheese... In addition, while waiting for our food we ordered another round of drinks, 2 only - 1 drink arrived the other never. Had to ask again and seemed too much trouble to bring it. Best part, they offer free WiFi. In order to log in to the WiFi you need to log in with either Facebook, instagram or a security code to receive over email. How can one login to Internet which requires an Internet connection to login?

As response to the below owner response: my food did not arrive with the right quality. I did not get what I ordered. For the WiFi, I actually asked the waiter for help. The response, I cannot help you with this, this is how it is and he walked off. So much for...

A brilliant recommendation from my wife!

Near enough to the main train station at Friedrichstraße to be a useful spot when you are catching a train and also a good spot to go and get some authentic German food on your way to the multitude of tourist spots that are scattered around that area.

Nicely designed interior that obviously is trying to make the place feel as authentic German as possible. That's probably why it it seems constantly full of local German clientele (always a good thing when you see locals in a restaurant in Berlin).

A very German menu (with English translation) that will appease most tastes.

Huge selection of German beer options that might well be very tempting if you are so inclined.

To top it off, the service is very good.

As a result of all this positivity, the place is extremely popular. We went on a random Thursday after afternoon without a booking and struggled to get a seat. In the end, they managed to get us in and this also speaks volumes to the staffs fantastic attitude (not always the case in Berlin, I am afraid).

Highly...