Defne

Defne is a Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant on the Planufer in Kreuzberg, on the street that runs along the Landwehr Canal. Kreuzberg has been the centre of Berlin's Turkish community for decades, and while the area is famous for its snack bars and bakeries, Defne offers a more relaxed, sit-down evening of Turkish and Mediterranean cooking in a calm setting by the water.

The menu draws on the cooking of Turkey and the wider eastern Mediterranean. Start with a spread of meze to share, such as dips, salads and small vegetable dishes, then move on to grilled meat, fish or vegetarian main courses. The style suits sharing, and ordering several starters for the table is a good way to try more of the kitchen's range. Turkish and international wines are available, along with other drinks. Check the current menu with the restaurant, as dishes change.

The restaurant suits couples, groups of friends and anyone wanting a good-value dinner in a pleasant neighbourhood away from the busiest tourist streets. Vegetarians do well here, thanks to the many meat-free meze. It is a comfortable place for a leisurely meal rather than a quick bite.

Defne is open every day from 4pm until midnight, and the kitchen serves warm food until 11pm. Booking ahead is a good idea at weekends and on summer evenings, when the area along the canal is popular. Contact the restaurant by phone or email to reserve.

Kreuzberg's Turkish heritage goes back to the 1960s and 1970s, when many workers arrived from Turkey and settled in the neighbourhoods close to the Wall. Today the district has everything from simple grill houses to bakeries and modern restaurants, and Defne represents the more leisurely, sit-down side of that food culture. Plan to linger over several courses and a glass of wine, and come for an early dinner in summer if you want to enjoy the light over the canal before or after your meal.

The Planufer lies between Kottbusser Tor and Schönleinstrasse stations, both about five to ten minutes' walk away on the U-Bahn. Before or after dinner, walk along the canal, which is lined with trees and benches, or visit the Turkish market on the Maybachufer on the opposite bank, held on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. The bars of Kottbusser Tor and the Graefekiez are also close by.