Casual lunch at Irma la Douce

BERLIN From the very beginning, it was important to restaurateur Jonathan Kartenberg to be part of the neighbourhood with his restaurant Irma la Douce. On Potsdamer Strasse, where old and new, shabby and chic, trends and tradition meet, contemporary savoir-vivre is lived. While the Michelin star attracts gourmets from all over the world in the evening, Kartenberg wants to bring the neighbourhood to the table at lunchtime - with simple dishes that are perfect for this very reason.

"Most guests have to eat quickly at lunchtime," says Kartenberg, "but I think that doesn't mean you should compromise on good flavour." That's why he makes the "Easy Lunch" at Irma la Douce a top priority and personally looks after the lunch guests. The menu is simple, but changes weekly. Every day there is a different pasta, a small salad and Mediterranean dishes. They can be accompanied by matching wines on recommendation and an espresso to finish. The inspiration comes from France and Italy, as does the feeling.

Apart from the pasta of the day (11.50 euros), the menu starts with classics such as beef carpaccio with tomato and truffle (16 euros), vegetarian quiche Lorraine with salad (11 euros) and croquettes (6 euros) alongside pickles (4.50 euros), cucumber salad (5.50 euros) and prawn fritto misto (13 euros). For dessert, mousse au chocolat (7 euros) and sorbet (5 euros) delight the lunch guests. "You can really treat yourself to our lunch just like that during your lunch break," emphasises Kartenberg. Nevertheless, he and head chef Francesco Contiero do not skimp on product quality. From now on, the lunch menu will be served Tuesdays to Fridays from 12 noon to 2 pm.

Irma la Douce is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 12 noon to 2 pm and from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm. The restaurant has around 50 seats inside and 30 seats on the terrace. Reservations by e-mail to irma@remove-this.irmaladouce.de.