LALA — Restaurant in Berlin

I’ve been to No Bananas a few times, including at their former location on Pannierstr. I’ve always enjoyed the food and told others about it, who also went on my recommendation. However, the experience I had here a few days ago means I will not be back nor will I be telling anyone to go.

I came here with a friend who had never been here before and made the reservation under my name. When we entered the restaurant, I told one of the waiters — in German — that I had reserved a table. He went to get the owner to help seat us. The owner comes out and addressing only my friend, asks what name the table is under. Fine. Maybe he think she was the one who made the reservation. I tell him that it is under my name. Still only facing and speaking to my friend though and never acknowledging me, he confirms the details (table for 2 etc).

For this entire exchange the owner has not acknowledged me once, even when it was clear my friend did not make the reservation. The owner acted as if my friend was here to eat alone.

I’ve experienced this type of “invisibility” many times before in restaurants, cafes etc as a black woman when I’m with a white friend. Some friends have even noticed. Sadly it isn’t a new experience for me. It was particularly weird this time though as the owner had a clear reason to address me personally but chose not to.

This kind of blatant passive aggressiveness was an unfortunate start to this evening but I decided to look past it in that moment.

The owner then led us outside to a table for 2. This table had no kind of covering above it and since it had been raining periodically that day, I asked if we could sit at the other 2-person table which was covered by a parasol. The owner then proceeded to give an absolutely incoherent response about why we couldn’t sit there. Inexplicably he put it down to assigning seats based on when the reservation appears in their system (i.e - when someone makes a booking online or via phone, not to be confused with the time they actually reserved the table for).

To be clear, we were here at 6pm on a Friday. This place was largely empty — majority of their outdoor seats were free. His explanation had nothing to do with when the other people "assigned" to that table were showing up, which might’ve been more understandable.

As his “explanation” made no sense, we were very confused. We questioned further why it’d not be possible to switch. We weren’t making unreasonable requests on a packed night. They owner continued to struggle to give us a logical explanation and asked us if we wanted to sit inside instead. I was ok with that just to end this awkward situation.

However, my friend asked him directly why he didn’t want to sit us there. For some reason, he asked her if she spoke German and switched language. Perhaps he didn’t think that I too spoke German? Spoiler alert: His rationale was not more coherent in German. He then added, in English: “it has nothing to do with you” as if to suggest he wasn’t at fault.

Ultimately, the owner randomly offered us a 4-person table outside (under the awning) with the condition that we were ok sharing with other people later. We took those seats.

Btw both 2-person tables remained unoccupied for almost our entire our ~90-min stay. They only seemed to be taken in the last 15-20 mins before we left. It would've been possible to sit at the covered table.

This experience has left a bad taste. Even giving the benefit of the doubt, the experience was undeniably strange. As a visible minority, familiar with both overt and covert kinds of bias, the owner’s behaviour struck me as being uncomfortable with my presence and only wishing to deal with my white friend. During my previous visits here, my partner usually made the reservation or wait staff have served us so this was my first experience with the owner directly.

The wait staff that served us during this visit were lovely and attentive. They managed to be inclusive of both me and my friend. I left a tip for their sake but will not be giving this place...

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Kreuzkölln, Lala Restaurant at Dieffenbachstraße 11 is a culinary oasis that stands out in Berlin’s dynamic dining scene. Specializing in Turkish cuisine, Lala redefines traditional dishes with a modern twist, offering a unique and delightful experience for all diners. From the moment you step inside, Lala envelops you in an atmosphere of understated elegance and cozy sophistication. The décor effortlessly blends contemporary design with rustic charm, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home.

Lala’s menu is a testament to the chef’s unparalleled creativity and dedication to culinary excellence. Each dish is a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. The starters tantalize your taste buds with innovative combinations, while the mains showcase a mastery of technique and a deep understanding of Turkish flavor profiles. The desserts are nothing short of divine, providing the perfect sweet conclusion to an unforgettable meal.

What truly sets Lala apart is its impeccable service. The staff are not only professional and attentive but also exude a genuine passion for hospitality. They are well-versed in the intricacies of the menu and are always on hand to offer insightful recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. Their warm and personable approach adds a personal touch that makes every visit to Lala feel special.

In conclusion, Lala Restaurant in Dieffenbachstraße 11 is a culinary gem that offers an extraordinary dining experience. With its exquisite Turkish food, exceptional service, and charming ambiance, Lala sets a new standard for dining in Berlin. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a memorable meal, Lala is the perfect choice. It’s a place that promises not just a meal, but a delightful journey through the world of flavors. Highly...

When a quick buck supersedes any form of hospitality, you know you shouldn’t go there anymore… Booked a table for 2030 on a Saturday and arrived on time. After sitting down and ordering relatively quickly, most of the food came out uncommonly fast (under 5 minutes later). Drinks weren’t even on the table yet. We’ve been here multiple times before and always enjoyed it however the food this time was very average. We tried to catch the someone’s eye multiple times to order another drink and some water to no avail. Eventually we got someone’s attention and asked for another drink only to have them come back 2 minutes later and say we had to leave because the table was reserved for someone else. The plates hadn’t even been cleared and there was still food on the table. We got 1 whole generous hour to sit, order, eat, and leave. The manager was entirely disinterested in the situation and initially turned his back when asked to clarify why no one had mentioned that we had an hour time slot for our reservation. The waitress was nice enough and said she had been given the wrong info and that we could have the table for another hour but at that point the vibe was pretty much dead and we wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Surely you check what time a table was seated before telling them they have to leave immediately? I've worked in hospo for a long time and dislike leaving bad reviews however after ruminating on this experience for a couple of weeks I think it's deserved. Maybe it was an off day but it was an unpleasant experience which definitely won’t be repeated and I'd advise against going here. There are better places to eat which provide actual hospitality and service and don't kick you out with food still...