Nominations from Berlin’s master chefs

BERLIN. The Berlin Master Chefs represent the development of the capital’s gastronomy like no other initiative – from classic concepts to an open, experimental and internationally influenced food scene. In 2026, they will mark a special milestone: their 30th anniversary.

Since its inception, the award has continually evolved; categories have been refined, expanded and adapted to new culinary trends. What has remained unchanged is the independent jury, which year after year honours outstanding individuals and concepts in the capital. This anniversary year also demonstrates just how much Berlin has grown as a global metropolis in culinary terms. This year’s nominations are as international, diverse and vibrant as the city itself – a reflection of its cosmopolitan character.

The 2026 nominees have now been announced. Awards will be presented in the categories ‘Berlin Master Chef 2026’, ‘Rising Star of the Year 2026’, ‘Berlin Host 2026’, ‘Berlin Scene Restaurant 2026’, ‘Berlin Neighbourhood Master 2026’ and ‘Berlin Bar Culture 2026’. The seventh category, ‘Gastronomic Innovator’, will, as is tradition, remain a surprise until the awards ceremony in November.

Dr Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Partner für Berlin: “Three decades of culinary transformation, creative excellence and a constant stream of fresh inspiration – this is evident in the history and awards of the Berlin Master Chefs. In this way, Partner für Berlin honours the spirit of gastronomic innovation as well as the long-standing quality, creativity, sustainability and consistency of the industry – all things that are of great importance to the restaurant culture of a food metropolis like Berlin. The award winners are not only culinary trendsetters, but also ambassadors for the city.”

The nominees for 2026 were selected from around 150 individuals and establishments proposed by the jury.

Berlin Master Chef 2026:

• Samuel Haas, Dae Mon
• Sarah Hallmann, Hallmann & Klee
• Daniel Remers, Barra Restaurant
• Andreas Rieger, Michelberger Hotel
• Lode van Zuylen, REMI

Rising Star of the Year 2026:

• Johannes Gehrich, Hugos
• Adar Kaplan-Mor, Loxa
• Nadav Kundel, Saint Farah
• Danas Pozlevičius, Jolie Bistrot
• Tanadon Santanaviboon, Hanuman Thai Curry House

Berlin hosts 2026:

• Antonio (host) and Louis (sommelier) Bragato, Il Calice
• Anne Garkisch (hostess and sommelière), Restaurant Bieberbau
• Anna Hernández Götz (sommelière), Bar Levain
• Sebastian Höpfner (Head Sommelier), Rutz
• Isabell Wendel (hostess and sommelière), Bricole

Berlin’s Trendiest Restaurant 2026:

• Ari’s
• File Asto
• Onette
• Saint Farah
• Tacos el Rey

Berlin Neighbourhood Champion 2026:

• Augusta on Savignyplatz, Charlottenburg (also in Schöneberg)
• Bistro GriGri, Kreuzberg
• Marcus Benser Black Pudding Factory, Neukölln-Rixdorf
• Tresen-Treff, Wilmersdorf
• The Good Things in Life, Wilmersdorf (also in Frohnau and Mitte)

Berlin Bar Culture 2026:

• Der Kleine August
• Ernst Cave
• Matrëshka Bar
• Rhinoçéros
• Rum Trader

This shortlist impressively demonstrates just how international, imaginative and vibrant Berlin’s restaurant scene is. In 2026, too, it continues to surprise with fresh ideas, bold styles and a palpable appetite for change. Bars are redefining the culture of indulgence beyond the beaten track, whilst the cuisine is sophisticated yet effortlessly cool. What’s particularly exciting this year is that the nominees are bringing their cultural roots into Berlin’s kitchens, making the scene as diverse as the city itself. It is this unique blend that defines Berlin’s culinary scene
– and has made the Berlin Master Chefs one of the capital’s most important gastronomic honours for almost 30 years.

Jury chair Tina Hüttl: “For me, this year’s list of nominees for the Berlin Master Chefs should be read in the same way as the relevant recommendations in restaurant guides, on the dining pages of daily newspapers and in city magazines — except that these are genuinely insider tips. We on the jury are not PR strategists or influencers, but journalists, food critics and experts who know this city, feel its pulse and have been chronicling its culinary scene for years. When deliberating, we always think from the guest’s perspective: where would we send someone this year who wants to experience Berlin in all its diversity? To which bar, which trendy spot, which host? This is precisely what we discussed at length during our nomination meeting — and we ourselves are constantly surprised and delighted by just how diverse, vibrant and dynamic our respective top 5 lists turn out to be in the end.”

Dr Stefan Elfenbein, Chair of the Jury: “Creamy soft mustard sauce at the old-Berlin-style bar in the new top hotspot on Bayerischer Platz, a brilliant breath of fresh air at Hugos high up in the InterConti, octopus with Tyrolean bacon accompanied by spectacular art at DaeMon on Monbijou-Platz. The jury has made its nominations – Berlin’s 30 best in six categories have been finalised! A total of around 150 suggestions were debated and voted on this year. Yes, and once again Berlin’s true hosts shine through their unwavering commitment to goodness, enjoyment and empathy. A massive thank you! This year, however, the list is a colourful and surprisingly fresh mix, with some truly exotic entries right at the top. We, the jury members, had thrown 26 potential master chefs and 23 rising stars into the fray, including, of course, Silvio Pfeuffer at Matthias, Jonas Merold at the brilliant Merold, and the lads at Eins44 (next year!). Ultimately, however, 2026 stands for brilliant newcomers such as Tanadon Santanaviboon and Nadav Kundel, who delight with flavours from Thailand, the Middle East and the Baltic states. After years in Berlin characterised by settling in, experimenting, fusion and delicious street food, these new Berliners are now also presenting the very best from their homelands at the very highest standard. We
them, cosmopolitan and open-hearted.”

The expert jury comprises the following members:

• Dr Stefan Elfenbein, Chair of the jury, correspondent for *Der Feinschmecker* and *Business Traveller*
• Tina Hüttl, Chair of the jury, *Berliner Zeitung*
• Felix Denk, editor at the Tagesspiegel
• Prof. Dr Dieter Großklaus, ‘Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ (Honorary President)
• Lorraine Haist, freelance journalist and writer for various newspapers and magazines
• Stefanie Hofeditz, freelance journalist
• Alexandra Laubrinus, Managing Director of Berlin Food Week
• Clemens Niedenthal, editor of tipBerlin & head of the food section
• Nikolas Rechenberg, Gourmetwelten
• Annika Schönstädt, freelance writer
• Dr Erwin Seitz, freelance journalist, author and food critic

The results of the 2026 Berlin Master Chefs competition will be announced at the gala on 7 November 2026.