Fully deserving of its Michelin star, eating at this elegant dining hall in the Mädchenschule building on Auguststrasse - the heart of Mitte's art district - is one of Berlin's finest gastronomic experiences. New head chef Arne Anker, former sous chef to Sergio Hermann at the three-starred Oud Sluis in the Netherlands, has reinvigorated the restaurant with a new lease of life since assuming the top spot in mid 2015.
Whilst the focus is still very much on locavore eating and seasonal dishes, Anker's subtly shifted the emphasis towards vegetarian dishes, serving up lighter, fresher plates although meat is still amply represented on the menu. Given Pauly Saal deals with its own hunters for fresh game, farmers and fishermen, the quality of the meat, fish and vegetables is extraordinary. Another new development are the 2, 3 or 4-course lunches and magnificent 4, 6 or 7-course dinners, giving diners ample opportunity to sample the full scope and range of textures and flavours on offer at this perennial favourite.