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Brasserie Debrosses
Exquisite, un-missable, and, considering you are eating at the Ritz-Carlton, exceptionally well-priced (around 17 euros for a main course). In the Ritz-Carlton, Potsdamer Platz 3. Tel. 030 33 77 77. Daily 18:30-23:30, http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Default.htm
Entrecote
This long corridor of a restaurant, around the corner from Checkpoint Charlie, serves traditional French cuisine and a set menu for just 15.50 euros (green salad, tender-grilled sirloin steak in a herb sauce, the finest French fries in Berlin). Dessert (crême brûlée, full force chocolate mousse) is worth the extra expense. Vegetarians will not be disappointed with their alternative, a good mix of vegetables covered in a rich Gruyère cheese sauce. The atmosphere makes for conversation, and the outdoor seating is pleasant. Schützenstr. 5, U-Bhf Kochstr., Tel 2016 5496, www.entrecote.de, Mon-Fri 12:00-24:00, Sat 18:00-24:00, main courses 12.50-24 euros, major credit cards accepted
Ganymed
This serious French brasserie proudly sits on the banks of the Spree in the very premises of the former GDR’s elite restaurant. The Marseille-born chef offers a wide range of dishes at the confluence of traditional French and gourmet: high-quality ingredients and professionally executed food spiced up with that little je ne sais quoi which defines the house style. So expect the freshest seafood in town, and a clientele as diverse as the menu. Schiffbauerdamm 5, S+U-Bhf Friedrichstr., Tel 2859 9046, www.ganymedbrasserie.de, daily 11:30-2:00, main courses 7.90-45 euros, major credit cards
La Cocotte
La Cocotte is all about atmosphere: white tablecloths, a long counter bathed in a dim red light, a lounge area in the back, hip French background music. Traditional dishes are updated to better suit modern tastes, with a wide choice of mussels, coq au vin, boueuf bourguignon and other (never heavy) casseroles. The unique blend of inexpensive good food and pleasant, trendy surroundings attracts a mixed clientele of French, German and international regulars. Vorbergstr. 10, U-Bhf Eisenacher Str., Tel 7895 7658, www.lacocotte.de, daily 18:00-late, main courses 7.50-13.90 euros, EC accepted
La Muse Gueule
Among the many French cafés that have sprouted out in the Kiez recently, only to this one do we go again and again. Simple laid-back atmosphere, friendly owners and great homemade quiches, (French) cheese or charcuterie plates and a weekly French standard as plat du jour - all well-priced, pretty generous and without an ounce of French-derived chichi. Good music, sometimes live. Perfect for an aperitif and snacks or a simple summer dinner. Pleasant outdoor seating, just across from the Kulturbrauerei. Sredzkistr. 14, U-Bhf Eberswalder Str., Tel 4320 6596, daily 17:30-late, from 4:80-11 euros, cash only
La Petite France
Owner Dominique Tortorella, half-Corsican/half-Parisian, puts the emphasis on food rather than image and Breton chef Alain Huro does the customer proud. Dishes are chosen from across France and changed weekly, assuring freshness and flavour. During our visit, spinach-filled mushrooms in a Roquefort cheese sauce and duck in a rich orange sauce were treats served up in an explosion of colour. Be sure to save your appetite for the freshly-made profiteroles and crepes Normandes! Knobelsdorffstr. 27, U-Bhf Sophie-Charlotte-Platz, Tel 325 8242,www.lapetitefrance-berlin.de, Mon-Sat 17:00-1:00, main courses about 16 euros, cheaper vegetarian, cash only
MarcAnn’s
This French bistro is the real McCoy, serving buttery croissants, fruit tarts and other homemade patisserie for breakfast. Beat the lunchtime swarm and come midmorning for fantastic salads, soups and sandwiches, all fresh and flavorful. Balsamic dressing is accented with mustard-seed while baguettes packed with high-quality camembert, brie, etc. are sprinkled with herbs de provence. Wash it down with a café glaceé while gazing at colorful walls and soulful photography. Invalidenstr. 112, U-Bhf Zinnowitzerstr., Tel 2838 6171,www.marcanns.com, Mon-Fri 7:00-18:00, Sat 8:30-14:00, from 0.80-5.50 euros, cash only