Prix Europa Food Guide: Eating & Drinking in Berlin
Prix Europa brings media professionals from across the continent to Berlin for a week of screenings, discussions, and networking. Between panels and premieres, you will need fuel, and Berlin’s food scene delivers everything from a five-minute currywurst to a leisurely schnitzel dinner. This guide is tailored to attendees who want to eat efficiently and authentically without missing a session. Learn more about the event on the official Prix Europa page.
Berlin is a city of immigrants and counterculture, and its food reflects that. You can eat Vietnamese pho in the morning, Turkish döner at lunch, and Swabian spätzle at dinner. The key is knowing where to look and how to order, especially when festival venues are scattered across the city. Start by understanding the local street-food staples, then branch out to sit-down restaurants and market halls.
Quick Bites Near the Festival Venues
Prix Europa’s venues often leave little time for a sit-down meal. Currywurst is Berlin’s quintessential fast food: a grilled sausage sliced and slathered with spiced ketchup and curry powder, usually served with fries. It is available at countless stands, and the best way to find a good one is to look for a queue of locals. For a broader perspective on street food, check out this European street food guide.
Döner kebab is another Berlin icon, introduced by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s. A good döner is a meal in itself: seasoned meat shaved from a vertical spit, tucked into flatbread with salad, sauce, and sometimes french fries inside. Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap in Kreuzberg is famous for its vegetable version, but you don’t have to queue there for hours; many local spots offer equally tasty options. Look for a stall with a busy lunch crowd and fresh ingredients.
Sit-Down German Classics
When you have more time, treat yourself to a proper German meal. Schnitzel—a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet—is a crowd-pleaser, often served with potatoes or a salad. Bratwurst, a grilled sausage, comes in many regional varieties and is usually accompanied by sauerkraut or mustard. For a taste of local tradition, try dishes like sauerbraten (pot roast) or spätzle (egg noodles).
These classics are best enjoyed at a traditional beer hall or restaurant, where you can also sample German beers. The city has a wide range of options, from rustic taverns to modern takes on regional cuisine. Sit-down main courses in similar German venues often fall in the €18–28 range according to pricing guides, but always check the menu before you order. Reservations are wise for popular spots during festival evenings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Berlin
Berlin is one of Europe’s most vegetarian-friendly cities, with dedicated vegan restaurants and clearly labeled menus. Traditional German dishes can often be adapted: ask for mushroom sauce instead of meat gravy, or try Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) as a hearty meat-free alternative. Street food also offers plenty of veggie choices, such as falafel, halloumi wraps, and döner filled with grilled vegetables.
For a quick, delicious bite, look for Middle Eastern stands or vegan kebab shops. Even at traditional sausage stands, you’ll often find a vegetarian sausage option. To discover more about Berlin’s food culture and specific recommendations, consider checking the local event guide for the city.
Cafés and Bakeries for Coffee Breaks
Between sessions, you’ll need coffee. Berlin’s café culture is strong, with everything from third-wave specialty spots to traditional Kaffeehäuser. Prices for a latte or cappuccino vary by neighborhood and setup, so check the menu before ordering. Bakeries (Bäckerei) are perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack, offering fresh rolls, pastries, and sandwiches.
When you order at a bakery, you usually go to the counter, choose what you want, and pay before or after. It’s customary to tip small change, and many places now accept card payments. Look for a bakery that is busy with locals; that’s a good sign of freshness.
How to Order and Pay in Berlin: Tips for Visitors
In quick-service spots, you order and pay at the counter first, then receive your food. In sit-down restaurants, you’ll be seated and served; to request the bill, say “Zahlen, bitte.” Tipping is common: round up or add 5-10% for good service. Payment cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for smaller stalls and markets.
Berlin’s late-night convenience stores, known as Spätkauf or Späti, are lifelines for snacks and drinks when everything else is closed. They often have a small selection of prepared items like sandwiches and salads. If you have specific dietary needs, don’t hesitate to ask—many Berliners speak English, and menus are frequently available in multiple languages.
Food Festivals and Market Halls During Prix Europa
If you want to sample a range of dishes in one place, head to a market hall. Berlin has several, like Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, which hosts street food events on certain days. Be aware that these events may require an entrance fee, and hours can vary, so check schedules in advance. Food markets also pop up in public spaces, especially during the warmer months.
During festival periods, there may be special food trucks or pop-ups near venues. It’s always a good idea to explore the neighborhood around your hotel—local knowledge beats any guidebook. Consider the area you’re staying in; for example, staying in Kreuzberg might give you easier access to some of the city’s best street food. For accommodation ideas, check our where to stay for PRIX EUROPA guide.
Budgeting for Meals in Berlin
Street food in Berlin is generally affordable, with most items costing between €3 and €10, according to the European street food guide. A daily food budget of €25-35 per person can cover breakfast pastries, a lunch döner, and a casual dinner, if you choose wisely. For sit-down meals, expect to pay more—often €18-28 for a main course at similar German venues. Always check current prices at the venue.
To save money, take advantage of lunch specials (Mittagstisch) offered by many restaurants, which are cheaper than evening menus. Another tip: many supermarkets and bakeries offer affordable sandwiches and salads for a quick meal, and you can always pack snacks from home or a local Späti to avoid festival markups. For more ideas on saving, check the detailed pricing guide for similar German venues.
Plan Your Visit
Eating well during Prix Europa doesn’t have to be complicated. Mix a few quick street-food stops with one or two sit-down meals to experience both the fast-paced and leisurely sides of Berlin’s cuisine. Be adventurous, but also plan for convenience close to your venue. For accommodation advice, check options on where to stay.
Before you go, consider reading general tips for festival-going, such as how to get to the venues and what to pack. And remember to check the official Prix Europa website for any updates on scheduling and events. Have a great festival and enjoy the food!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to try in Berlin?
Berlin is famous for currywurst and döner kebab. Currywurst is a grilled sausage with spiced ketchup, and döner is a Turkish-style wrap. Also try traditional German dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst, and don’t miss the city’s excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
Is there vegetarian food in Berlin?
Yes, Berlin is very vegetarian-friendly. Many restaurants label vegetarian and vegan options, and you’ll find dedicated vegan places throughout the city. Street food such as falafel, halloumi wraps, and veggie döner are easy to find.
How much does street food cost in Berlin?
Street food in Berlin is generally affordable, with many basic items like currywurst or a sandwich typically falling in a mid-single-digit euro range. Exact prices vary by location and ingredient, so it's best to check the menu or the latest street food guide for current figures.
What are typical German foods?
Typical German foods include schnitzel (breaded cutlet), bratwurst (grilled sausage), sauerbraten (pot roast), spätzle (egg noodles), and pretzels. In Berlin, currywurst is a local specialty. For desserts, try apple strudel or Black Forest cake.
Where can I eat near the Prix Europa festival?
The festival venues vary, so it’s best to look for food options in the surrounding neighborhoods. Berlin has many street-food stands, cafés, and restaurants throughout the city. Check local guides for recommendations near your specific venue.