MontRaw describes itself as a Mediterranean restaurant, which is certainly the spirit of its menu, but its voice is unique and special. On our recent 10 day trip to Berlin we ate dinner there twice and cannot find enough kind things to say about it. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the noise level remarkably low, so we could talk to one another (and the staff!) in a normal tone of voice. The service could not be better.
As for the meals, their web page is absolutely correct. They start with the finest ingredients and turn them into dishes that work beautifully. We ordered the duck liver paté (so good we ordered it both nights), the artichoke salad, the stuffed cabbage, the gnocchi "Parisienne", and the hanger steak. The paté combined pomegranates, pistachios, and rhubarb relish--no surprises, but so carefully put together to make exquisite tramezzini. The artichokes were perfectly fried, tender and full of flavor, and complemented well with some chicory. The gnocchi were sauteed (not boiled) and served with both white and green aspargus. Again, the key was a delicate touch with pecorino to flavor the gnocchi, and great execution to get the asparagus cooked just right. Finally, the hanger steak: the other ingredients were potato pavé, broccoli, burnt pepper, caramelized onion cream, and chimichurri. The last four work with the steak, not just beside it, and the potato "cobblestones" help clean your plate.
We hope we can find an excuse to return to Berlin and eat here again. read more