Berlin: Daniel Humm student Catalin “Cata” Ghinea becomes head chef at the Flaneur / Bristol Hotel on Kurfürstendamm

Catalin Ghinea: A chef with international Michelin-starred experience

Catalin Ghinea is responsible for the kitchen. The 35-year-old chef, who grew up in Bucharest, acquired a solid foundation in fine dining through stints in London and New York. At 19, he moved to London, where he worked his way up from pubs and breakfast restaurants to Michelin-starred cuisine. His career included positions at Claude Bosi's Bibendum (two Michelin stars) and Nuno Mendes' Chiltern Firehouse. In Berlin, "Cata" Ghinea worked for Meir Adoni as Executive Chef at Layla.

A personal highlight of his career was his time at the renowned Eleven Madison Park in New York under the direction of Daniel Humm. The restaurant has been repeatedly voted the best in the world and holds three Michelin stars. There, as a member of the kitchen team, Ghinea gained invaluable experience at the highest level within a year, which profoundly shaped his culinary style.

European brasserie with Berlin character

At the heart of Kurfürstendamm, where high-end boutiques meet the boulevard's vibrant atmosphere, FLANEUR is emerging, offering a European take on brasserie culture. Its location within the Bristol Berlin, a historic City West hotel – formerly a Kempinski – underscores the project's ambition. FLANEUR brings a new concept to Berlin's culinary scene, drawing on the expertise of a top chef with an international Michelin-starred background and the unique ambiance of the Ku'damm. Michelin-starred cuisine is not the goal. The location is also challenging. Since Reinhard's closed, the owners have changed frequently. Yet, the site briefly held a Michelin star in the 1970s! Back then, it was the Kempinski Grill, which, strictly speaking, was never actually on the corner, but rather to the right of the entrance. Flaneur was formerly the Kempinski Eck.

The eventful gastronomic history of a Berlin address: From Kempinski Corner to FLANEUR

Few other places in Berlin embody the capital's ever-changing culinary history as much as the address Kurfürstendamm at the corner of Fasanenstraße. What began in 1918 as a Kempinski branch is today a reflection of Berlin's urban development – ​​and is experiencing yet another new beginning with the announcement of FLANEUR for October 2026.

Reconstruction and glory years: Kempinski Grill (1952–2005)

In 1951, Friedrich Unger, the grandson of Berthold Kempinski, began construction on the first five-star hotel of the post-war era on the same site – a symbol of Berlin's reconstruction. The hotel opened in 1952, along with the legendary "Kempinski Grill" – later renamed "Bristol Grill".

The grill evolved into a gastronomic institution, featuring an open flame grill at the center of the small dining room. Here, luminaries from politics and show business dined: John F. Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, Liza Minnelli, Hildegard Knef, Romy Schneider, and Curd Jürgens. Harald Juhnke was a regular and often drank until the wee hours in the legendary hotel bar. In the 1970s, under head chef Bernhard Schambach, the Kempinski Grill was even awarded a Michelin star.

FLANEUR: The next new beginning (October 2026)

With the announcement of FLANEUR's opening in October 2026, the next change of tenant is already confirmed. Catalin Ghinea, 35, who brings international experience in Michelin-starred restaurants (including Eleven Madison Park in New York), will be responsible for the kitchen. The concept: a European brasserie with a French culinary foundation and a Berlin twist – relaxed enjoyment on the Kurfürstendamm. Whether this venture will last longer than its predecessors remains to be seen.

Catalin Ghinea

Daniel Humm's student, Catalin Ghinea, will become head chef at the Flaneur / Bristol Hotel on Kurfürstendamm. The concept combines a French culinary foundation with a Berlin twist.