Franco Francucci opened his restaurant vis-à-vis to Schaubühne in 1996 to spread his vision of contemporary Italian cuisine in Berlin. The speciality of this homely furnished restaurant is the Bistecca Fiorentina Chianina of the white Chianina cow, known as the supermodel cow among beef experts, because of its size and beauty.

Francucci grills the steak unseasoned and serves it with truffled mashed potatoes, for which he recommends a tiny bit of salt and olive oil, to highlight the exquisite taste of the grilled fat on crisp home-baked bread. The pizza and pasta are equally delicious, and everything is made with fresh ingredients. The award-winning selection of wines are excellent, and Francucci’s itself was named one of the 25 best Italian restaurants abroad by Italy’s president, Giorgio Napolitano.