Meet Berlin's Elite

What do Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mick Jagger and Otto von Bismarck have in common? They've all dined at Borchardt's, a Berlin classic situated between Gendarmenmarkt and the Brandenburg Gate. Opened in October 1853, the fashionable restaurant was nearly destroyed in World War II, then left to decay during the reign of East Germany's communist government. But under new management, Borchardt's gained a new lease on life after the Wall fell, and it's now a magnet for Berlin's political and social élite.

Roland Mary and Marina Richter rented the building in 1992 with a plan to create a Parisian-style place in the heart of Berlin. "We just knew it would work," says Mary.

Style Watch: Rattan Revolution Diversions: All Talk Food: Season to Taste Outdoors: Comfy Camping

A guest at Borchardt's could bump chairs with German Cabinet Ministers, the Rolling Stones, Leonardo DiCaprio or Cameron Diaz. Hillary Clinton dined here in July 2003 with Stefan Aust, editor of the newsmagazine Der Spiegel. "It's very central and the food is good," says Ursula von Langermann, head of the North American division at the German Foreign Ministry. "Whenever I have an international guest I take them here, and if Chancellor (Gerhard) Schröder or Foreign Minister (Joschka) Fischer walk in, they're just floored."

The fare ranges from Parisian-style dishes, such as terrine of foie gras or entrecôte, to classic Wiener schnitzel—which are pounded flat and nearly as large as a baseball glove. The wine list offers a broad international selection. On a really good expense account? Try the 1985 Château Mouton Rothschild 1st Cru Class for a mere $433.

Reservations are a good idea, though a limited number of tables are held for guests who just drop by. Journalists and politicians alike are allowed to work their sources over lunch. But a word of caution: be discreet, and don't take notes.