Restaurant - Restaurant MASTAN

The simplest dishes reveal true mastery. The Kreuzberg restaurant MASTAN takes up this challenge and brings fine bistronomy to Berlin. The former head chef of "Aux Lyonnais - Alain Ducasse" - Yann Mastantuono - has left Paris to fulfill his dream in Berlin: a restaurant of his own that combines contemporary French bistro cuisine with the traditions of the South of France. Born in Marseille, he grew up with the cuisine of the south of France and matured into a master of bistro cooking thanks to Alain Ducasse. The "bistro" here is to be understood in the French sense of the word: A small restaurant with a short, often changing menu, authentic and skillful cuisine without chichi, prepared with fresh and seasonal produce, and accompanied by a well selected wine list. The cuisine of MASTAN combines the style of contemporary French bistros with the traditions of the south - Provence, the Mediterranean and the diverse regions of south-west France.

Thanks to creative ideas, craftsmanship at the highest level and good produce, MASTAN brings the typical joie de vivre of the neighboring country and the simplicity of bistro cuisine with fine dining techniques to the point.

Owners Yann Mastantuono, chef, and Dorothée Louise Recker, painter (All photos Florian Kroll)

What's on the table is determined by the seasons and the harvests. Yann Mastantuono works with seasonal, preferably regional and natural products, cooking French recipes with subtle nuances, intense aromas and authenticity and express them in his own way. In addition, the wine list at MASTAN offers a well-assorted selection of French wines. Whether traditional wines, organic wines or natural wines - regardless of the method, these are always authentic and unadulterated wines that reflect their terroir.

As is customary in French bistros, there is also a counter in the "Le Zinc" tradition, where guests can enjoy typical specialties such as French cheese and charcuterie from the Basque Country with their wine, or a selection of "En-cas" - small dishes and finger food to share, which are served with the aperitif. Whether at the white-clothed tables, on the beautiful terrace or at the simple bar: at MASTAN, the focus is on joie de vivre and enjoyment, so you can forget about everyday life for a few hours!

Chef and owner Yann Mastantuono

After his training and initial experience in sophisticated kitchens in his home city of Marseille, Yann Mastantuono moved to Paris. There he got to know and love bistro cuisine. He honed his technical skills and his knowledge of regional produce, particularly as head chef at the restaurant "Le Verre Volé Sur Mer". The former wine shop is considered a pioneer when it comes to natural wine and the kitchen is also brash and adventurous. In 2016, 3-star chef Alain Ducasse brought Mastantuono on board and entrusted him with his parisian restaurant "Aux Lyonnais" as head chef. There, Mastantuono was able to further develop his experience with first-class bistro cuisine and at the same time acquire comprehensive skills for managing a top restaurant. After this intensive period, which earned him recognition in the French gourmet scene, he finally wanted to open his own restaurant - in Berlin, whose exciting gastronomic scene he had become increasingly enthusiastic about during numerous visits.

Restaurant manager and artist Dorothée Louise Recker

Dorothée is Yann Mastantuono's partner and closest collaborator. The Norwegian-born Franco-German, a graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, made her debut as an artist in Berlin before meeting Yann in France. She joined the project as a matter of course and now supports him as administrative manager and in the day-to-day organization of the restaurant. She has also taken on the design of the interior - from putting together a few works of art and old mirrors to her own mural, which stretches the entire length of the restaurant room. Like him, she grew up in the south of France, and they both share a love of good food, wine and the French way of life. Dorothée continues her career as an artist at the same time. Her work is represented by Galerie Lætitia Gorsy at the Leipziger Spinnerei.