Inside Richard Bistro, the high, dark-hued wood ceilings and kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows give the dining room the feel of a Gothic cathedral. The restaurant occupies an unassuming 19th-century Gründerzeit building in Kreuzberg, but the interior is a deliberate contrast – its historic architecture serves as a gallery for modern furnishings and large contemporary paintings. This building on Köpenicker Straße has lived many lives, cycling through uses as a dance hall, a punk club, and a cinema before this current incarnation.
The kitchen follows a similar philosophy of unpretentious craftsmanship, turning out modern European dishes rooted in Mediterranean market cuisine. The menu is built on fresh ingredients, with starters like Fines de Claire oysters served with white kimchi and dill oil, or artichoke with chimichurri. For main courses, you might find a cutlet of turbot à la meunière or Barbary duck breast with 'quatre épices', alongside vegetarian plates like agnolotti filled with taleggio and spinach. Desserts are just as considered, with options like a goat cheese crème brûlée with poached pear.
It’s a Michelin Guide-recommended spot, and the refined but not trendy atmosphere makes it a common choice for birthdays and other special occasions. Booking online is the standard way to secure a table. The restaurant has announced it will close permanently on December 15, 2025.