Via Lattea (Berlin)

There are almost 20,000 Italians in Berlin - that makes them the third largest immigrant group in Berlin, after Turkish and Polish.  Other than the bad driving and the loud chatters, the Italians have also contributed to the Berlin food scene - there are Italian restaurants and delis and shops everywhere.  It's fantastic, and it's not just your general pizzerias and trattorias, you get authentic regional foods.  Via Lattea, for instance, is a Puglian restaurant.



Situated in Prenzlauer Berg, it is a small restaurant that seats up to 30 people, and perhaps 10 more on the tables outside on a nice summer day.  The interior is elegant and charming, you go in and there's a deli where you see the fresh cheeses, cold cuts and wines.  With a couple of small tables for casual dining, simple decor and gorgeous lights.  Go further in and there's a larger, quieter seating area.  

The food is good.  Simple, authentic, prepared to you by a proud, passionate Puglian chef that loves his food, which already tells you something about the quality of the food. 

Linguine with saffron, zucchini and shrimps. The sauce was creamy and flavorful and simply fantastic.  The pasta was a tad overcooked, perhaps to suit the German taste-buds. 

The lasagna was...decent.  It had 15 layers, it really was decent at best, especially in comparison to the other dishes. 

Puree of fava beans with sauteed chard.  It sounds boring, I know, but this was amazing.  Perfectly cooked and seasoned with the taste of extra virgin olive oil running through every creamy bite.

Small gnocchi with cheese and pork cheek. Rich, but not too heavy. 

Via Lattea
Address: Prenzlauer Allee 41, 10405 Berlin, Germany
Phone:+49 30 44017237
Food: 4/5
Average price of a main: €8
Good for: a casual date