Relish, Berlin Review

Dining at Relish, the elegant restaurant housed within The Westin Grand Berlin, felt like a natural extension of the hotel’s refined yet welcoming atmosphere. From the moment we were shown to our table, the experience was defined by calm confidence, attentive service and an unspoken promise of a memorable evening. The setting is stylish without being intimidating, striking a balance between classic luxury and contemporary comfort that encourages you to relax and savour the occasion.

Once seated, we began our evening in celebratory fashion with two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rosé. Light, vibrant and beautifully chilled, it set the tone perfectly. The delicate notes of red fruit and subtle freshness made it an ideal aperitif and gave us the sense that this was going to be an unhurried and indulgent dining experience. Service was warm and intuitive, with staff allowing us time to enjoy our drinks while guiding us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm.

When it came time to choose our starters, it was clear that Relish places great emphasis on flavour balance and quality ingredients.

I opted for the pumpkin cream soup, accompanied by ginger, coconut and chilli. The soup arrived beautifully presented and delivered exactly what it promised. Rich and velvety in texture, the sweetness of the pumpkin was perfectly complemented by the warmth of ginger and the subtle heat of chilli. The coconut added a gentle creaminess that tied everything together, creating a dish that was both comforting and complex. Each spoonful felt thoughtfully layered, warming without being heavy and refined without losing its sense of heart.

“Relish delivers a dining experience that feels polished yet personal.”

My partner chose the lobster bisque, a classic dish elevated through careful execution. Deeply aromatic and luxuriously smooth, the bisque showcased the natural sweetness of the lobster while allowing the fennel and saffron to add depth and elegance. The flavour was rich but never overpowering, with a beautifully rounded finish that lingered just long enough to be memorable. It was the kind of starter that immediately sets expectations high for what is to follow.

For the main course, we both settled on the fillet of beef, weighing in at a generous 180 grams. This decision felt like a safe choice, but it quickly proved to be anything but ordinary. Both fillets were cooked precisely to our request, tender and full of flavour, with a perfect sear that locked in the richness of the meat. The quality of the beef was evident from the first cut, buttery soft and deeply satisfying without needing unnecessary embellishment.

To accompany the fillet, we selected a trio of sides that elevated the dish even further. The mini baked potatoes were crisp on the outside and fluffy within, offering a simple yet satisfying contrast. The truffled mashed potatoes were indulgent and silky, with the earthy aroma of truffle adding a luxurious note without overwhelming the palate. The green beans provided freshness and balance, lightly cooked to retain their bite and vibrancy, rounding out the plate beautifully.

Although we had every intention of exploring the dessert menu, the richness and generosity of the meal left us happily content. Instead, we chose to linger over a bottle of the 2019 Vicente Gandía Rioja Raiza Reserva. Smooth, well structured and full of character, it paired wonderfully with the beef and sides. Notes of dark fruit and gentle oak made it an ideal companion to end the evening on a relaxed and indulgent note.

Relish delivers a dining experience that feels polished yet personal, where quality ingredients, skilled cooking and attentive service come together seamlessly. Whether you are a hotel guest or visiting specifically for dinner, it is a restaurant that rewards taking your time and enjoying every detail. Our evening there was one of understated elegance, excellent food and genuine hospitality, making Relish a standout destination within The Westin Grand Berlin.