Forget everything you’ve ever thought about dreary emergency rations in the pantry. In Schöneberg’s Akazienkiez neighborhood, restaurateur Thomas Vetter has created an unusual hotspot for foodies with the Sardinen Bar, a place entirely dedicated to pickled sardines. If you’re looking for authentic enjoyment and laid-back camaraderie, you’ve hit the jackpot here. The concept revolves around high-quality canned fish from Portugal and France, served stylishly right at your table. We checked it out for you to see why this spot has been a perennial favorite since 2016.
Canned Fish: A Gourmet Experience at the Sardinen Bar
Have you ever tried aged sardines that have been allowed to mature for several years in fine olive oil? That’s exactly what makes them so appealing: the longer the fish rest in the can, the more tender their texture becomes and the more delicately the flavor develops. On the menu, you’ll find a huge selection of hand-picked delicacies from small producers in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Concarneau.
By the way, the history of canned sardines began in 1824 in Nantes, France. Merchant Joseph Colin used Nicolas Appert’s invention of heat sterilization to pack sardines in oil and tin cans. What initially served as a long-lasting food supply for the military and a delicacy for the upper class quickly evolved into a global mass-market product thanks to industrial mass production.
Vintage Sardines and Culinary Diversity
At the Sardinen Bar, it’s by no means just plain oil-packed sardines that make their way onto your plate. Look forward to spicy variations with chili, lemon, or sea salt, as well as aromatic tuna, smoked salmon, mackerel, and delicate fish spreads. The fish are served with crispy baguette, creamy labneh, poached eggs, or fresh leafy salad, while cheese and ham platters perfectly round out the menu. To make the evening complete, the team pairs the savory fish specialties with carefully selected natural wines, artisanal sparkling wine, and craft beer.
To get there by public transit, simply take the U7 subway line to the Eisenacher Straße station, from which it’s just a three-minute walk to the restaurant.
📍 Location: Grunewaldstraße 79, 10823 Berlin-Schöneberg
📆 Date and time: Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (closed Sundays and Mondays)
⏳ Duration: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed evening of enjoyment
💵 Cost: Cans ranging from €8 to €16 (vintage sardines may be slightly more), wine starting at around €6 per glass
ℹ️ Website: https://www.sardinenbarberlin.com/
