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tulus lotrek
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

In a quiet Kreuzberg street, tulus lotrek Berlin transforms fine dining through chef Maximilian Strohe's transnational cuisine, where French technique meets global inspiration in one of Germany's most compelling Michelin-starred experiences.
The restaurant's story began when chef-patron Maximilian Strohe and maître d' Ilona Scholl, former colleagues at Frau Mittenmang, secured a bank loan to realize their vision of accessible yet extraordinary fine dining. Named as homage to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's gourmand lifestyle, tulus lotrek earned its Michelin star within two years of opening in 2018. The duo's philosophy centers on creating hearty, modern cuisine that warms the heart while challenging expectations—a reflection of Toulouse-Lautrec's artistic spirit translated into culinary form.
Strohe's cuisine defies easy categorization, blending French foundations with international influences through vibrant stocks and sauces that unite complex flavor combinations. The kitchen offers two seven-course tasting menus—omnivorous and vegetarian—featuring signature creations like reimagined cacio e pepe, scallops with sea urchin in XO sauce, barbecued quail with bergamot, and turbot accompanied by sauerkraut beurre blanc. Each dish conceals layers of technique beneath deceptively simple presentations, utilizing premium ingredients sourced for their exceptional quality. The vegetarian menu receives equal attention, showcasing the kitchen's versatility in crafting plant-based dishes with the same complexity and satisfaction as their meat counterparts.
Housed within a beautiful Altbau building, the dining room captivates with high stuccoed ceilings, wooden floors, and distinctive algae-green walls adorned with Rousseau-inspired jungle wallpaper that playfully conceals images of ingredients—shells, meat cuts—mirroring the cuisine's hidden depths. The Nordic wood elements and original artwork create an atmosphere of refined intimacy, while the charming terrace offers al fresco dining during warmer months. Scholl leads an all-female service team whose uniforms complement the leafy wallpaper, fostering the restaurant's signature informal yet professional hospitality that makes guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than intimidated.
Reservations at tulus lotrek require advance planning, as this intimate venue's reputation for outstanding wine pairings and innovative cuisine draws discerning diners from across Berlin and beyond. The sommelier-curated wine program features one of the city's most adventurous selections, with bottles available for purchase. For those seeking Berlin fine dining that balances artistic ambition with heartfelt hospitality, tulus lotrek delivers an unforgettable evening where every course reveals new layers of culinary creativity.
CHEF
Maximilian Strohe
ACCOLADES

(2024) Michelin 1 Star

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Classical in Europe Ranked #291

(2025) Michelin 1 Star
