Headed to both at the end of August on a RS tour. Any recs from anyone? We are from NYC so used to good food, looking for great ambiance and a local feel. Thanks all!
The guide on your tour and also the staff at the hotel will be able to offer suggestions on great restaurants in the vicinity of your hotel.
Some more criteria would help, e. g. location of hotel, otherwise we send you through half of Berlin which has more area than NYC (e. g to Landhaus Tomasa).
Could you also describe a little bit more your understanding of "great ambiance"? For example Golvet has a certain ambiance to me but I do not know if you like 7 course menus in an urban lounge atmosphere. If ambiance means old to you "Zur Letzten Instanz" can be your choice.
"local feel": Borchardt has a very local feel, a good kitchen but no ambiance to me. Can local also be Italian kitchen? For example Ristorante Piccolo Mondo is a very well frequented restaurant with a very good kitchen. If you want to try a Berlin Biergarten version with strong focus on Berlin kitchen Jäger & Lustig is an option.
Any no-go's? Is a high-class steak house such as Grill Royal too mono?
Finally the price level is a relevant criteria. Berlin has 23 restaurants listed in Guide Michelin 2023 but for example Tim Raue is not the cheapest way of dining.
Some good old original players with local color were closing recently such as Reinhardt's, Haus der 100 Biere and Mommsen-Eck but also some new ones try their best.
In every case for end of August I recommend reservations because IFA fair starts Sept 1st.
Event tip for culture after dining: Long night of museums on Aug. 26.
In Prague (Praha) if you like meat the Kantýna is pretty good. You pick what you want cafeteria style. Drinks are served. It gets crowded. You can check out the Honest Guide too for local Prague recommendations too.
https://lokal-dlouha.ambi.cz/en/. Great cheap beer and local food.
For reliable info on all things Prague, including food, check out Jason's Living Prague Web site: https://livingprague.com/
Jason may be considered the Rick Steves of Prague. His walking tours are also worthwhile, although you'll already have plenty of time with local guides.