Chapter III • Gastronomy & Lounges

The Culinary Salons: Haute Cuisine and Grand Traditions

Gastronomy at Hotel Adlon Kempinski is not merely an amenity—it is the continuation of a 120-year culinary standard originally established by Lorenz Adlon himself, who began his career as an elite wine merchant and imperial caterer.

1. Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer: Two-Star Michelin Refinement

Perched on the mezzanine overlooking Pariser Platz, the Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer represents the hotel’s crown jewel in haute cuisine. Bearing two Michelin stars, the dining salon offers an intimate, velvet-draped sanctuary where classical European culinary principles are interpreted through modern, precise German craft.

The culinary philosophy focuses on exceptional ingredient provenance: pristine seafood sourced from cold Atlantic waters, venison from Brandenburg hunting reserves, and seasonal herbs harvested from regional estates. With silver cloches, tableside sauce ceremonies, and an award-winning cellar numbering over 1,200 curated labels, it is a masterclass in classic continental service.

Plated culinary course at Restaurant Quarré overlooking the Brandenburg Gate
Intimate tables at Restaurant Quarré offering direct views of the Brandenburg Gate.

2. Restaurant Quarré: Franco-German Brasserie Elegance

Situated on the ground floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive summer terrace directly on Unter den Linden, Restaurant Quarré provides a luminous, relaxed counterpoint to the Esszimmer.

Here, diners enjoy refined brasserie classics executed with textbook perfection:

  • Chateaubriand Carved Tableside: Served with silky béarnaise and regional potato gratins.
  • Königsberger Klopse: The quintessential Prussian delicacy elevated with tender veal, caper berries, and velvety beetroot glaze.
  • Sole Meunière: Filleted tableside with clarified Normandy butter and fresh lemon.

3. The Lobby Lounge & Elephant Bar: Berlin’s Diplomatic Drawing Room

At the true physical and emotional heart of the property sits the Lobby Lounge, clustered around the legendary marble Elephant Fountain. In the afternoon, the room hums with the clink of porcelain during the signature English Afternoon Tea, accompanied by live harp or grand piano.

In the evening, the atmosphere transitions seamlessly into the Adlon Bar. Renowned for its bespoke cocktail menu celebrating pre-prohibition standards, it also serves the most famous luxury currywurst in Germany—crafted with proprietary sausage recipe, truffle-infused sauce, and gold leaf flakes—a playful tribute to Berlin’s iconic street-food culture within the lap of imperial grandeur.

Culinary Overview at a Glance

Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer: 2 Michelin Stars • Formal Attire • Reservations mandatory weeks in advance.

Restaurant Quarré: Smart Casual • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner • Summer terrace onto Pariser Platz.

Lobby Lounge & Elephant Bar: All-day dining, classic high tea, and late-night diplomacy.