What do luminaries like Barack Obama, Mick Jagger, Karl Lagerfeld, Gerhardt Schröder and Bryan Singer have in common? All have been photographed power-dining at this classic French-German brasserie that is on par with New York’s Balthazar or London’s Cipriani.

Established in 1853 by A.F.W. Borchardt, the restaurant was a meeting place for the city’s elite. It still is today. The subdued mauve interior, high marble columns and simple white-table clothed setting bring attention to the politicians, investment bankers and fashionable industry folk chattering away. Meanwhile, executive chef Markus Herbicht commands a formidable kitchen, churning out rich fare like tender steaks, terrine of duck, buttery oysters sourced from Brittany, and gorgeous Wiener Schnitzels breaded to a paper-thin crisp, available in both women and men sizes. A bottle from Borchardt’s stellar wine list helps the night pass by with lubricious, delightful ease.

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