Kurpfalz-Weinstuben — Restaurant in Berlin

YOU CANNOT TAKE FOOD HOME BECAUSE OF “SECURITY” CONCERNS. EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THE RESTAURANT FROM THE MICHELIN GUIDE (or any restaurant for that matter). Worst service we have had in years. One would not expect such poor customer service at a restaurant from the Michelin guide. My boyfriend and I are in the city for the marathon. Since I am carbloading during the day/we want to try as many different things during our short time in Germany, we ordered three main courses and an appetizer thinking we would take leftovers to the hotel. Our server was surprised we ordered that much but did not say anything. Portions ended up being rather generous so we asked to wrap remaining food up (we did not eat most of it). The server told us that they could not do it due to “security” reasons. At first we thought it had something to do with the state law however had our doubts and asked for a manager. The manager confirmed that the “security” rules were imposed by the owner as they could not guarantee “quality” of food if taken out. To which we said we did not care. We are well travelled and go out frequently and never seen such a thing before. They did not offer to take one meal off the bill or offer a discount or something like that. No prior disclosure of this “policy” to customers. The server could have at least said something instead they chose to massively overcharge us. Other patrons at the restaurant just were openly laughing at this stupidity while being embarrassed for such poor service in their city. Just call it for what it is: we do not have to go containers, etc. Honestly, I cannot wait to share this story in the US and see everyone’s faces. Major disappointment. This restaurant should not be on the guide. I will make a point to contact Michelin about...

The Kurpfalz-Weinstuben is a marvellous place in the middle of the good old west of Berlin and yet hidden in a backyard. It is a historic place that is filled with a fresh, young and high-quality spirit. Of course, the range of wines is outstanding, which Vini, the host, buys with great passion and enormous knowledge from many regions. This is why many wine connoisseurs from all over the country regularly come to the Kurpfalz-Weinstuben: they know that they can get wines with great vintage depth here. But the food is also heavenly. There is a standard menu with traditional dishes from the Kurpfalz region and a normal menu with an international focus in the upper flavour segment. Whether fish, meat or vegetarian: it's hard to decide.

The terrace season has just opened! The inner courtyard, surrounded by birch trees, is wonderfully peaceful and feels like an oasis. Since last year, there has also been a wine bar in front of the restaurant. The atmosphere there is relaxed, you sit inside at small tables or outside in front of the restaurant area and chat with friends or people you meet there by chance with a glass of good wine. I've been to the Weinstuben really often over the last few years and have always spent wonderful evenings there, special moments or just a good time. The Weinstuben are a good piece of Berlin and a reason to feel at home...

We have been to this place before, but never again after yesterday's dinner.

We first saw the daily menu, including a 3-course dinner for 49 euros, and wine glasses varying between 6-8 euros. The owner recommended the daily specials and especially the oysters, so we went for it. Little did we know, he'd also pick the rest of our meal. After the oysters, it took ages to try and order more. Suddenly, two steaks we didn't ask for appeared. They were taken back but then the owner brought them out again with a bottle of wine we never chose and served himself a generous glass too (we're not talking about quality test).

We ended up eating the steaks, which were just okay, and had dessert. The bill came to nearly 280 euros, boosted by an 80(!) euro wine we didn't want or choose. Shocked from the wine price and the expensive choices he made for us, we hesitated to tip, the owner got aggressive and rude, demanding 300 euros, claiming tips are a must in Germany. That's not right; service staff get paid a salary, and tips are optional. We paid the 300 euros as he became louder and more intimidating.

We won't return to a place that shoves expensive wine you never planned to order and strong-arms you into paying unwarranted tips. Keep it in mind if you still decide to go and be very strict when it comes to ordering...