I went to Tim Raue while I was in Berlin last month. It was a solid meal overall, but probably closer to a 1 star than a 2 star for me in the Michelin guide and felt a bit overpriced for what it was. You can tell he’s been riding off the Chef’s Table Netflix hype for a while. I think he’s even admitted in interviews that being featured on Netflix did for more business than getting a second Michelin star or getting on the 50Best list.
Service-wise there were communications issues a few times during the meal due to language barrier as it related to selecting the food menu or bottles from the wine list. I was somewhat surprised given the relatively high English fluency rates in Berlin in my experience compared to other parts of Germany or Europe more broadly and would expect even better at a high end restaurant like Tim Raue.
Food-wise, I found the Asian-inspired flavors a bit too heavy handed. They are kind of in this weird no man’s land where they are using Asian flavors and ingredients but trying to prepare and present it in a very classical European way and ultimately fails to deliver the best of either perspective.
by dushane_hill