Mitte’s jewel, Themroc, is an unmarked blip of a place that still maintains some of the residue of its former life as a smoky, DDR, working-class imbiss. But we are more than willing to erase that history from our minds in the face of an unpretentious, charming French-inspired menu and exquisitely simple interior. Records albums from Elvis to Miles Davis line the walls (though in an appropriately ad-hoc kind of way), while jazz and chanson lovingly fill the air. Timeless Scandinavian modern and Thonet-like furniture beg that you stay for extra drinks.

The wood paneling and terrazzo tiled floor make way for the open kitchen which turns out two menus daily. Soups change regularly—zucchini with cilantro, chilled green tomato—and make for great accompaniments to the main courses which are slightly playful, but never over the top. We particularly appreciated the perfectly pink grilled venison steak with jäger-sauce.

With shockingly affordable prices, our new favorite is clearly a sort of foodie community center, as made evident by the eatery’s windows constantly fogged by those experiencing gastronomical elan.