Irma la Douce — Restaurant in Berlin

Not sure how this restaurant came to its Michelin star rating. The service was not rude per se but mumbled/spoke so quickly it was as impossible to understand what was being said. My partner asked for a non-alcoholic pairing suggesting to dinner and was told that this would again be offered later on during the meal (it was not). The meal was otherwise superbly uninspired and partially inedible. The fish was served with the bones, but without a fish knife. We were picking out fish bones the entire time during this course. Perhaps something I would expect in a small homey restaurant when you order a fresh whole fish, but this could have really been a filet. I understand that cooking fish with bones is sometimes preferential but couldn’t the kitchen have removed them shortly before serving? I can’t remember what it tasted like because I was too busy spitting fish bones out throughout the meal. The boeuf bourguignon was tasty but the potatoes which accompanied it slightly undercooked (simple boiled potatoes). I would have also expected some level of innovation on this end. Bread served prior to dinner was from Domberger (and fine), but again served with uninspiring simple butter. Overall we had higher hopes for a starred restaurant (and are no strangers to...

If I could, I would zero stars. My friend called and asked if she could reserve a table for us to sit and enjoy a bottle of wine. We heard their wine selection is fantastic. The phone attendant told us that they typically have a couple tables available for those who would like to enjoy a a glass of wine, and no reservation is needed. Upon arrival, a man I perceived to be the manager (middle aged man dressed in a suit), told us he does not know who we spoke to but it was not possible for us to sit despite there being many tables available indoors. May I add we had both negative covid test and proof of vaccination. We also notified him that we may order food with the drinks. He then suggested we should go to the bar next door, in the most arrogant and condescending manner. I felt discriminated despite being super dressed up. We were obviously foreigners and I don’t think we fit in their realm of clientele. I have traveled the world and dined at many great places. This is the first time I have been treated like this. I really hope its not because of the way...

I was attracted to this place by a review that said the place was good but lacked creativity and flair. I dared to hope that this was a bat signal for me, a restaurant that its its energy into getting the basics right. I often order the same dishes at this sort of place, tartare, entrecote, boulliabaisse. I was not dissappointed. Extremely simple presentation, perfect portion size (which I would describe as medium). Rich food with intense natural flavours. Staff were genuilely friendly but not intrusively chatty. That's a hard balance to get right. We left this restaurant in a very good mood, which even lasted to the next day. Best boulliabaisse in Berlin, possibly best tartare too. Some notes: the atmosphere is generally pleasant, but they need to pick a direction and stick to it. Quirky? Classic? Rock and roll? The lighting in the wine shelves at the back is too cold and makes it look like a supermarket, this should be turned off. Also, shortening the name to IRMA would I think be much...