Our Restaurant

The Ganymed Brasserie could easily hold its own on La Croisette in Cannes, and this quintessential eatery would be just as popular in Paris. Fortunately, however, this charming restaurant is located right on the Spree: Here on Schiffbauerdamm, you can enjoy classics like coq au vin, steak frites, or choucroute garnie in a French atmosphere, but above all, you can relive memories of your last Mediterranean vacation with a fine shellfish platter or “Fine de Claire” oysters. A wide range of saltwater and freshwater fish perfectly complements the high-quality menu. From zander from the Havel to salmon from Norway and sole from the Atlantic: this specialization in maritime diversity is virtually unique in Berlin. The recipes are traditional, the ingredients fresh. The Ganymed Brasserie has achieved true fame in the capital for its steak tartare, which is prepared fresh at the table.

Serving you since 1931

As traditional as the Ganymed Brasserie may seem, its location in this Wilhelminian-style building is steeped in history: at the end of the 19th century, the neighborhood was still firmly in the hands of shipbuilders and shipyard workers, who found a popular gathering place here—in what was then a newly constructed building. Starting in 1919, the area began to change, and the shipyards were replaced by shops and residential buildings. A bank moved into the restaurant. It wasn’t until 1931 that the magnificent space was reclaimed for the restaurant industry: As the upscale Restaurant Ganymed, it quickly attracted the capital’s social scene; later—during the GDR era—cultural figures such as Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel mingled here with politicians and social elites. Unfortunately, the fall of the Berlin Wall did not go well for the former hotspot; the Ganymed was forced to close. But after an extensive renovation in the mid-1990s, the restaurant has been reviving its glorious past since 2005.

A popular hangout in Berlin’s Mitte neighborhood

As a brasserie, the Ganymed Brasserie has also made a social comeback and has since become a gathering place once again for prominent figures from politics, society, and culture, as well as for Berliners and tourists who appreciate fine food and drink. The Ganymed Brasserie, named after the cupbearer of the Greek gods, fits right into the neighborhood, which is world-famous for institutions such as the Friedrichstadtpalast, the Berliner Ensemble, and the Tränenpalast. The government district, the boulevard Unter den Linden, and the shopping mile Friedrichstraße are also nearby.

In the spring of 2020, owner Michael Pankow, in collaboration with four other restaurateurs, completed Berlin’s largest summer terrace on Schiffbauerdamm, turning the waterfront location into a must-see destination.

Text: Kerstin Riedel

Around the Ganymed Brasserie

Our French restaurant is located right on the Spree River in the heart of Berlin. Whether you’re enjoying the impressive view of the TV Tower and the Reichstag from our terrace overlooking the Spree or experiencing the flair of France in our elegantly appointed dining rooms, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience with us. Thanks to the Ganymed Brasserie’s central location, you can easily reach the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the government district, or the magnificent boulevard “Unter den Linden” from here.

Culture lovers will enjoy a visit to the Berliner Ensemble, located right next to the Ganymed Brasserie. The Friedrichsstadtpalast, the Komische Oper, and the Admiralspalast also attract visitors with their exclusive events.

The bridge on Weidendamm leads directly to the Friedrichstraße S-Bahn station. From there, you can reach Hackescher Markt, Potsdamer Platz, the main train station, and Zoo Station in about 15 minutes.

Boat tour on the Spree

On the other bank of the Spree, directly across from the Ganymed Brasserie, is the “Bruno Winkler” boat company. This is where a tour boat departs for a one-hour “Spree cruise.” The boat passes Museum Island, the Cathedral, the Chancellery, the Central Station, and much more. Enjoy Berlin from a completely new perspective! For more information, visit reedereiwinkler.de. After your Spree tour, we look forward to welcoming you on our sun terrace or in our French restaurant, which is just a three-minute walk from the dock.