Lutter & Wegner has approximately nine locations across
Germany, with the majority of them in Berlin. Their original restaurant, is
located just steps away from the bustling Gendarmenmarkt and is huge. Not only
is there the main restaurant (with subdivided eating areas), but there’s also a
sizeable wrap around patio and a smaller dining area beside the main building.
For wine lovers, you may want to request a table in the smaller
building as the walls are stocked ceiling to floor with wine bottles. Despite
the abundance of tables, you’ll still want to make a reservation - even during
our Monday evening visit they were turning away some walk-ins.
To start, we shared the caeser salad (€9.50), which was a
decent size. Unlike the North American version, Lutter & Wegner’s also
includes sweet cherry tomatoes, onions and two types of mild olives. There was
still a garlicky kick to the dressing, but it was lighter and closer to a
vinaigrette than a creamy sauce.
Their schnitzel (€14.50 for a half or €22.50 for a full
order; half order pictured below) is amazing and unlike any I’ve tried.
Pounded
to the thickness of felt, the veal is coated in an ultra-fine bread crumb
coating. It’s unclear whether it’s fried or baked, as the schnitzel is dry and
not greasy at all, yet there’s a great crunchy crust. Inside, the veal is moist
and because air pockets separate the meat and the crust, the bread crumb
coating doesn’t get soggy.
A dish of squashed potato salad accompanies the schnitzel making
it a filling meal. The dressing, an oil and vinegar mixture, isn’t overly heavy
and the thinly sliced cucumbers and radish provide additional crunch and
freshness.
My husband’s sauerbraten (€19.50)
was much heavier consisting of tender sliced beef that’s like pot roast. The
beef is very flavourful having been marinated in a spiced vinegar and wine
mixture, with the vinegar giving it a sour tang. On the side was some overly
sweet and mushy sauerkraut, nicely roasted potatoes and crunchier fresh
cabbage. It’s an interesting dish with an acquired taste – one that my husband
loves and was looking forward to.
At first, I was apprehensive about visiting a “tourist
district” restaurant to sample traditional German comfort food. However, my
experience at Lutter & Wegner was wonderful and I hope to taste such superb
schnitzel again.
How To Find Them
Location: Berlin, Germany
Address: Charlottenstrasse 56
Address: Charlottenstrasse 56
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
