Margaux

It is restaurants like Margaux that are earning Berlin a reputation as a fine-dining capital, and it's no accident that this modern establishment on the Unter den Linden has already won a coveted Michelin star. Michael Hoffman is the genius in the apron, and his modern twists on classic French dishes have won over more than the odd admirer. Dishes like stewed lobster with black Perigorde truffles get the mouth watering as soon as they are spotted on the menu. Acolytes of Dionysus will be unanimous in praising Margaux's superior wine list - although the sparkling interior decor may divide the critics.

Very nice. Inventive cuisine. Pigeon and Foie were marvy. Attentive and competent service. Good wine matches with tasting menu. Goat cheese sorbet. who'd of thunk it. Very professional and competent staff without being stuffy. Good recovery skills. Beauty and competency are seldom found in the same package. Katherine Hoffman is a wonderful exception to the rule, and makes a marvelous front of the house complement to husband Micheal's very fine kitchen. Absolutely worth their Michelin star maybe more.