Lunch in Berlin just got a lot more interesting.
Thanks to a tip from a Cee Cee Newsletter I went to Ruben & Carla on Linienstrasse a couple of weekends ago. I was intending to have the Pastrami sandwich but having checked out the menu I decided to follow the Chef’s suggestion and plumped for the mixed sandwich (Pastrami and Turkey) instead.
As I was there on the Saturday of Gallery Weekend in Berlin the area around Linienstrasse was busy and a number of other customers arrived shortly before or after me.
This meant I had to wait a while but not an excessively long time for my sandwich for which I received an apology when it arrived (always appreciated though in this case not necessary).
And that’s when I got my first look at my sandwich.
And what a sandwich it was.
The paper in which it was wrapped was presumably there so that the contents didn’t scatter to the four corners of the Earth when it was cut in half.
The sandwich was packed with meat that was moist and beautifully flavoured and was perfectly complimented by the salad and mustard. I’m salivating now just writing about it!
When I asked for the bill I was offered an Espresso as an apology for the wait (which I declined as I’m not a coffee drinker). I pointed out that I would happily have waited longer for a sandwich that good.
It was so good that I went back a few days later to try the burger.
I was served by the same person and greeted warmly as a returning customer (“Ah, Mr Pastrami, welcome back”) and when I asked about the weekly burger special he went inside to get the board. I thought this meant that there were a number of options but when he reappeared I understood. The weekly special came with: Bacon, Pepperoni, Brie, Gorgonzola, Tomato, Onion, Rocket, Salad leaves and dressing.
As I’m not a fan, I asked for the special without the Brie.
And like the sandwich the burger was a feast for the eyes.
I was a little worried that so many ingredients in one burger meant they would be competing for attention on my taste buds but I needn’t have been concerned.
When I was paying the bill I was asked how the burger compared to the sandwich (it’s always nice to be asked for feedback on your meal I think) and I had to say that it was great but that I had enjoyed the sandwich so much that there could only be one winner.
My one criticism of my meal was that there was too much salt on the chips but when I mentioned this, my feedback was appreciated.
When you leave a restaurant with a smile on your face as well as a full stomach you know that they’re doing something right.
The Pastrami and Turkey sandwich has to be the best sandwich I’ve had in Berlin with the Roast Beef sandwich at Luigi Zuckermann and the Club sandwich at Barcomi’s Deli also highly recommended.
The burger was fantastic but for me didn’t quite match up to the star quality of Da Birdhouse at The Bird.
Next time I go (and there will be many more times) I think I may have to try the house speciality, Tagliata – a sliced sirloin steak on rocket, topped with a sauce and served with fries.
Ruben & Carla is on Linienstrasse near the corner with Oranienburger Strasse. Here’s a few more details:
This place looks absolutely awesome! I know that after eating there I might require an angioplasty, but it looks worth it! lol Great food post!!
Ha ha! As I was eating the burger I could hear my Dad saying to me “get your cholesterol tested!” (he had heart surgery a few years ago so he’s understandably worried about me).
Gosh, that looks heavenly…guess I know where I’m going for lunch now 😉
KP, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Thank you AndBerlin for the great artcile, it is perfectly descibed, we are delighted to read each word of it. Come back soon
Carla (from Ruben & Carla! )
I’m so glad that you found my write up and more importantly that you liked it. I love your food and that coupled with the great service is a winning combination. I’ll certainly be back soon. Keep up the good work!
Pastrami is fabulous, especially if the place goes through enough of it. Romanian style tongue comes a close second, BTW.
After all, who doesn’t want a little Romanian tongue?
Ha ha! I’ll keep an eye out for it.
That settles it – I will have to go back to Berlin!
As good a reason (or excuse) to come back as any!
Got’s to go, and I think that’s going to be later today/Sunday. 🙂 By the way, the last time I had tongue, that was “tacos de lengua” at 4am in the middle of Mexico City this past March … mmmmm …