Founded in 2007 by Berlin nightlife legend Cookie Heinz Gindullis, Cookies Cream helped pioneer something that, at the time, felt almost radical, a fine-dining restaurant built entirely around vegetables. Long before plant-forward cuisine became a global culinary movement, Cookies Cream was already proving that vegetables could command the spotlight.
Inside, the atmosphere balances industrial minimalism with a warm, buzzing energy. The dining room is sleek yet relaxed, reflecting Berlin’s effortless mix of creativity and nonchalance. Guests come as much for the vibe as for the food: artists, fashion insiders, and curious travellers all converge here, drawn by the restaurant’s reputation as one of the city’s most distinctive tables.
The kitchen’s philosophy is simple but quietly ambitious: seasonality above all else. From spring through early autumn, much of the produce comes directly from nearby Brandenburg, including vegetables grown in a dedicated garden in Krielow. In winter, the menu evolves to showcase fermented roots, preserved vegetables, and organic seasonal ingredients, turning necessity into creativity.
The result is a seven-course tasting menu that feels both refined and playful. Expect dishes that elevate humble ingredients into works of precision: earthy vegetables layered with surprising textures, subtle acidity, and unexpected depth. The cooking is modern without being fussy, letting each ingredient speak with clarity.
Equally thoughtful is the wine program, curated by sommeliers Jan Wienecke and Hai Trinh. Their European-focused selection leans toward sustainably produced wines, offering pairings that enhance the menu’s delicate balance of flavors. For those skipping alcohol, the non-alcoholic pairing, often featuring house-made infusions and fermentations, is just as carefully crafted.
In 2018, Cookies Cream earned its first Michelin star, a recognition it has maintained ever since. Yet despite the accolades, the restaurant has retained the relaxed spirit that made it a Berlin institution in the first place. There is no stiffness here, just thoughtful cooking, great wine, and a sense that you’ve stumbled into one of the city’s best-kept secrets. More than fifteen years after opening, Cookies Cream remains one of Berlin’s most influential restaurants. It’s a place where vegetables take center stage, sustainability is taken seriously, and the dining experience feels unmistakably Berlin: creative, a little rebellious, and endlessly exciting.