963 Berlin

The story

963 Berlin: Modern Levantine Cuisine Near the Spree River

A Borderless Culinary Home

963 Berlin brings Levantine cuisine to the heart of the city, drawing its name from the Syrian country code that founder Ribal Sibaee dialed to connect with his roots. Raised across Saudi Arabia and the United States, Sibaee partnered with executive chef Mohamad Karim to build a kitchen that treats every plate as a staged scene. Their shared goal remains straightforward. They want guests to taste a heritage that travels freely without losing its grounding.

Techniques That Honor Tradition

The Levantine cooking here reinterprets familiar foundations using precise methods and unexpected pairings. Tartufal pairs truffle-infused falafel with fresh carpaccio, while Molokiyah arancini wrap pulled chicken inside a risotto-style shell glazed with lemon and garlic. Slow-cooked lamb shank rests on smoked rice alongside a rich jus, proving that comfort food can carry structural ambition. This approach recently earned a single spoon rating from the Schlemmer Atlas, recognizing how far the menu has moved past standard mezze spreads.

Space, Sound, and Sweet Endings

White tablecloths anchor the dining room, balancing the modern interior against the warm hospitality expected in Arab tradition. Guests often finish with Sumacilla cocktails or the Qahwa martini, both built around house-made syrups and regional botanicals. Dessert plates shift between creamy barazik ice cream trapped between flatbreads and chocolate-kunafa tarts topped with burnt marshmallow. The final notes leave a clear impression of care.