Her: "I've already eaten but I'll go with you and have a drink". Me: "Sure. You know I'm going to check out a lot of places before deciding, right?" Her: "That's fine" 10 minutes later, after walking two blocks with me checking menus, ambience, and prices: Her: "JUST PICK A PLACE!!!" I practically sprinted over to Al Hamra, a place that had intrigued me a few nights prior when I noticed how popular it appeared and saw patrons outside enjoying a hookah. The place is very appealing. First, it's in Prenzlauer Berg, where I was staying and where I'd also recommend you stay. This berg is very safe-feeling, and each street off the main drag waits to be discovered for its abundance of appealing bars, restaurants, cafes, and vintage clothing shops. Al Hamra is one such discovery. Second, it appears to be adored by this neighborhood which is filled with young families. And third, there's the food. Specifically, a meatless Mediterranean plate they have at dinnertime. You might get an idea of its deliciousness if I tell you this is the only place I ate at twice during my stay in Berlin and I ordered that both times. Yes, that good. Al Hamra falls a bit short only in the following areas: * It can be a long time before your order gets taken and longer still before your food or drink arrive. * The seats can be oddly uncomfortable; there are couches which create odd angles from which to reach your food. Twice I was seated at what is an old-fashioned sewing machine table complete with the foot lever on the floor. It all adds to the charm of the place even if it is not overly comfortable. * No English language menus but if you see someone eating something that looks good just inquire. The friend who joined me here stuck to drinks (full bar) that first visit, indulged in the Mediterranean plate the second visit, then returned back a couple more times for breakfast and use of their wi-fi. After her first breakfast there she reported that she'd ordered soft-boiled eggs and received three sunny side up eggs so that speaks, perhaps, to that service thing. Still, she kept returning. Warm feeling place, very popular with the neighbors, excellent food. I wish there were an Al Hamra down the next block from me back at home. read more

Al Hamra - This Mediterranean platter was something I'd eat again tomorrow and the next night too. Excellent. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Berlin, BE

When I first arrived in Berlin in early October of last year, I was shocked by how cold it was already. With it being in the 70s back home (both homes, KC and NYC), I was ill prepared for weather hovering around 50F. Bring on the dreary, rainy early evening, for the ultra warm and cozy interior of Al Hamra beckoned, the Aurora Borealis of Prenzlauer Berg. Get it: dim lighting, candles on each table, walls painted in rich tones and the smells of coffee, cigs, and delicious food all combined so that I felt like I had just stepped back into the womb of my mother, had she been Omma Kolsoum, the Egyptian Billie Holiday. Now for the food. Berlin has its share of doner stands, what NYers call Falafel joints, and although many people swear by the delicious offerings contained within, as a vegetarian, I beg to differ. For starters, in Berlin doner stands do the unthinkable: they serve falafel with *mayo* instead of tahini. A travesty! I digress. The best Middle Eastern food I had in Berlin was at Al Hamra, in large part to the lovely atmosphere, true, but the food, it was so damn good! They didn't only have the standard Middle Eastern fare, either, but some of the best nachos I've ever had (I think I put on about 5 pounds eating here repeatedly over the span of 2 weeks). I also had a panini that was utterly delicious as well. Their drinks were absolutely *die*vine. I'm a huge fan of glühwein and Al Hamra's was just right. Nothing like drinking hot wine in cold weather. It makes it not only bearable but enjoyable! Other lovely things about Al Hamra: free wireless, decent outlets, computers if you come without your own, friendly waitstaff that don't hate you for not being fluent in German (I wish, sadly, I can barely manage a few words), excellent coffee drinks and I do recall them having soymilk, too. I can't wait to return to Berlin, surely my favorite European city, and spend some chilly evenings in the warm embrace of Al Hamra. read more

Location: located in the center of excitement of prenzlauer berg. A very hip area of berlin. Many other clubs and bars in the area. Food: for the arabic food experts,it is only a few notches over the average. For the average Joe,it is probably seen as very good quality. there is shishas available, and the lower flour turn into a cool party location or a mini concert area at some days of th week. Service: below average. Often unfriendly, basic at best. Nevertheless, the location makes a great place to hang out, do some work using their WiFi connection while enjoying some arabic raki, or flirting with the mean cute ladies hanging around....4 stars. read more

We walked a very long time in Berlin looking for a restaurant with affordable prices, vegetarian and meat offerings, and enough outdoor seating for our group. We discovered Al Hamra. I ordered the Hummos Hanchen and a Radler. Apparently, the Radler is a Berlin thing - beer and lemonade. It is an unusual flavor. The Hummos Hanchen was wonderful with its grilled chicken's slightly spiced exterior and juicy interior. The hummus was presented in the center with oil and spice. Cucumber, tomato and jalapeno slices finished this plate. Service was friendly. Our waiter did not use a notepad, so we were notably impressed with his memory. They do have English menus. read more

The food is nice and the waitress is really nice but I will never come back. The reason is that I've overheard the waitress being very embarrassed as she was apologizing/recommending that the customers that wanted a table really should sit outside because they owner doesn't like Israelis, and that in the past he told her to approach them less, so f they'll sit outside this will make her service easier for her. I waited to the morning to write this review, but I'm still shocked. There's no point in discussing the food or uploading pictures in such a place, this incident is straight ahead a deal breaker. read more

This is THE PLACE to brunch (for me) in Berlin. I've been here for years and still have not found a place that can compare with the freshness and selection of food. The service is quite adequate for Berlin... Not to mention Prenzlauer Berg. This place has been around since before the tight ass yuppies took it over. Nevertheless, most of the people that go there are pretty relaxed. read more

This place earns most of the stars for it's atmosphere inside. Great vibe here, alternative, but classy, and the couches and sofa chairs offer comforts you find at home. The inner decor is very middle-eastern and contributes to the comfortable vibe. Coffee is excellent, as is their cheesecake. I've heard their prices are steep, but honestly, I hadn't noticed even though I was financially impotent at the time :-/ Highly recommended for something good off the beaten path. read more

Al Hamra is a restaurant/café that is definitely worth a visit. I am quickly becoming a regular here, especially the Sunday brunch buffet for EUR7.40 offers a great variety of tasty dishes, both oriental and continental (the scrambled eggs are excellent!). But even during the week this is a great place for a tasty oriental lunch. read more

This is one of my favorite places in the city! Chill atmosphere, delicious, affordable menu, and every once in a while they have a cool band or an open mic night on the lower level! I always end up stopping by here when Im in town! read more

al hamra is a place where i really like to hang out, both inside (cozy sofas, dim light) and outside (sitting at one of the small tables, watching the people passing by). even if it's well-frequented it's quite a relaxed place to go. the food is good (ok, you're still in berlin but it's for sure above average) and nothing can beat their homemade mint-lemonade. oh and on sundays they have a big brunch buffet. not much more to say, recommended! + great atmosphere, decent food, fair prices, free wifi (they actually provide a few computers for their customers), great homemade mint-lemonade - sometimes the service could be a little better, the wine is ok but not more than that read more

Die Kulterreiche des Alten Orients (selon la carte) ... On a lazy day or night, travel plans, dreaminess. Meanwhile, in the dining room upstairs: middle eastern cuisine, comfy couches, candles, friendly service, WiFi. Downstairs, some evenings: live music read more

This was the restaurant I was eating in when I decided to move to Berlin! It was January 2008 and I was having brunch with a big group of people. The Sunday Brunch is quite good at 7+ euros. We stayed the whole It's got a Moroccan feel and the food is quite nice. I also watched the Eurocup final here and was one of the only Spain fans but it didn't matter :) read more

Nice place to hangout and have a drink, and nice Hummus too. What's there not to like!

Al Hamra has been a part of me and my life ever since I'd moved to the neighborhood. My best friend worked here. We celebrated birthdays, weddings, New Years, farewells, homecomings .... I feel I've celebrated the past 15 years there. Plus uncountable regular evenings during the week, discussions, watching Soccer, listening to poets, concerts, performers ... Eating wonderful Oriental food and enjoying the Palestinian hospitality of the family-owned business. Please, do never shut down this place - not one minute there was a waste for me! read more

I love the food but they have a serious service problem. Sometimes they are nice and friendly, but last time i was here they didnt even bring me the card, i was sitting there for 40 minutes right in front of the bar and they didnt treat me at all. And im a friendly guy And i love their food. Too bad! read more