Sagrantino

Berlin is a city of contrasts - on one hand it reminds people of art, culture, theatre, parks and museums, each with a fascinating history of its own - and on the other, it makes you think of the amazing nightlife, the shopping destinations, cafés and live music concerts. The success of Sagrantino, a welcoming wine bar and Italian restaurant, is proof of the fact that the people of Berlin love good food and wine as much as music, fine art and shopping.

If you're in Behrenstrasse and wishing to relax in quiet surroundings, at candlelit tables and over some of the best Sagrantino wine in the German capital, this stylish destination could prove to be just what you're looking for. Some of Italy's most flavoursome and popular dishes are served at prices that seldom fail to infuse a frisson of pleasure.

Owner Daniele travels back and forth between Berlin and Umbria to bring back fine Sagrantino - the most famous red wine of Umbria - rich, tannic, powerful and age-worthy with attractive soft bramble and savoury fruit notes. Diners enjoy sampling glasses of this Old World wine and small snacks of grilled meat, pasta, aged cheeses and truffles that are served from lunchtime onwards.

You could start your day with the breakfast that is served from 7:30am, and could include fresh croissants, fruit salad, cheese, salami, muesli, buttered toast, eggs, and cups of tea or coffee. At lunchtime, there are vegetable, fish, lentil, potato and barley soups, fresh salads and the day's pasta, all for 5.90 euros.

In the evening specials of tagliolini with tomato, basil and Parmesan, lasagne, and crêpes with salmon make pleasing appearances on tables. Starters encompass plates of cheese and salami; mozzarella and anchovies on toast; salted beef that appears with lemon oil and Parmesan, and veal pâté with Tabasco.

The classic Italian starter of carpaccio comes to you drizzled with olive oil or lemon juice and served with capers, red onions, rocket or mayonnaise. Fresh and colourful salads with ingredients such as pears, pine nuts, ham, walnuts, tomato and fresh basil are popular as healthy mains.

Desserts have a retro feel with favourites like crème brûlée, tiramisu and lemon mousse.

Sagrantino gladly makes arrangements for guests who wish to tour Umbria's fruitful vineyards.