Located on a diagonal side street in the overlooked district of Schöneberg, this candle-lit French restaurant is a temple of authenticity in these days of fusion and fast food.

Their best dishes, cooked and served in their trademark cast-iron Dutch ovens, present delicious versions of leisurely stewed kitchen clichés such as boeuf bourguignon, alongside deceptively plain-sounding dishes like their signature appetizer oeufs cocotte truffés, made from egg and truffle shavings.

Although inevitably vulnerable to the trappings of French service (waiting times can be on the long side), La Cocotte also delivers the kind of French cuisine we revere the most: simple and slow-cooked, hearty and hale.