überlin

Defne was a favourite of ours even before we moved to Berlin. We discovered it while strolling along the Landwehrkanal one spring, took friends there on subsequent trips, and continue to use it as our go-to for intimate mid-range dining. Defne serves a reasonably priced fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish in the leafy surroundings of the quiet canalside street, Planufer. Menu highlights include the generous meze sharing plate, the hilariously named Hungry Wolf (sizzling lamb), the sometime-special lamb shank and dishes made with the fresh seafood available every Friday and Saturday. Booking is advised in summer, when the small restaurant and its pretty terrace fills up, but well worth it.