Freundschaft
Berlin, Germany · Mitte
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About Freundschaft
Freundschaft is the kind of wine bar Berlin needed—a somm-driven temple to the grape run by industry veterans Willi Schlögl and Johannes Schellhorn, whose expertise and irreverent charm define the place. Anchored by a stunning 26-meter oval oak bar designed to spark conversation, it houses a serious cellar of 4,000 bottles with particular strength in Austrian and German wines, earning recognition as the Best Austrian Wine List in Germany and the DACH region. The food plays a supporting role—Austrian bar snacks like Semmelknödel and Leberkäse—but the real draw is the ever-changing list and the sommelier guidance that makes every glass a discovery.
Good to know
Ask for guidance on the Austrian and German sections—this is where Schlögl and Schellhorn's expertise truly shines, and you'll find gems that rarely appear on Berlin lists.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The kitchen keeps things deliberately simple, focusing on hearty Austrian soul food that won't distract from the wine—Spinatknödel, goulash, and a burrata that regulars swear by. Portions are sized for grazing through multiple glasses, with execution that's clean and confident if not ambitious. It's bar food done right, meant to fuel conversation and keep you in your seat, not to compete for attention with what's in your glass.
Vibe
LivelyThe rock 'n' roll energy and communal seating around that massive oak bar create an atmosphere that lives up to the name—Freundschaft means friendship, and the layout encourages it. Expect a lively, convivial crowd of wine lovers, industry folks, and curious travelers, with art-covered walls and Zalto stemware signaling serious intent beneath the relaxed surface. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends, and the hum of conversation can build to a pleasant roar.
Service
Service runs on sommelier knowledge and passion, with the team eager to guide you through the list and share stories behind the bottles. When the owners or their trained staff are on, the experience sparkles with warmth and expertise, though consistency can waver when they're slammed. The vibe is casual and informed, not stuffy—expect friendly banter and genuine enthusiasm, though a few visitors have noted unevenness in hospitality on busy nights.
Setting
The 26-meter oval oak bar is the architectural centerpiece, a bold statement that turns strangers into neighbors and makes solo drinking feel social. The space is intimate and warmly lit, with curated art pieces lining the walls and a tactile, lived-in feel that balances polish with approachability. Located in Mitte, it's accessible and central, with a design that prioritizes conversation and connection over flash.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- One of Berlin's deepest and most thoughtfully curated wine programs, especially for Austrian and German bottles
- Somm-driven expertise from industry veterans who genuinely love sharing their knowledge
- The convivial, conversation-sparking atmosphere around that spectacular oval bar
Don't go for
- A full dinner experience—this is a wine bar with snacks, not a destination for ambitious cooking
- Guaranteed table service consistency during peak hours when the team is stretched thin
Details
Mittelstraße 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
€€