Raven

This neighborhood area is often frequented for its bars, cosy eateries, coffee shops, and brunch spots in which Raven serves up a combination of all these elements.

The wine list is really nice here, very international. I particularly enjoy the Bordeaux is the colder months and their Spanish or Italian reds during warmer days. The atmosphere here is very modern elegant with its white interior, dressed in white chandeliers contrasted with bold patterns of black splashes to give it a trendy feel. Normally, I do the Sunday Brunch or sit in the front casual dining areas for sushi lunches. Occasionally if we are in the area at a later hour of the night, (perhaps on the way to Bar du Nord) and passing by, we stop in for some light tapas and cocktails before heading on.

Business dinners and events are often held at this local spot, because the atmosphere is really subdued, however I have heard many comment on how generously the bill can rise when footing payments on larger parties. Unless one has an expense account, it is wise to keep this destination to an intimate meal for two, as it additionally is a great location to get to know someone and chat on a personal level.

The sushi here is tasty, but I do prefer other restaurants a bit more. I give Raven most of the stars due to atmosphere, I enjoy it. I also dub them stars for their Sunday Brunch since a good brunch is hard to find in Hamburg sometimes. Germans very much seem to like preparing fresh breakfast at the home rather. Only ladies lunch do brunches around the city on Sundays from what I have noticed.

Menu options outside of sushi here are quite savory though, so be sure to try fish and meat main courses. The fusion of Asian inspired spices really add great volume to normally more simply prepared Hanseatic style dishes.

I was veryexcited about Persian menu, got a nice lamb stew with french fries served on top?!?!? Still trying to get idea behind it
They know how to cook rice though, amazing! Rarely you can get a rice like that and normally it would be in Persian restaurant (old trick: loads of butter!).
The place itself is trendy, stylish and even kind of posh I'd say. Service was great, helping us with menu choices and attending us whenever we needed. Large selection of coctails and they taste good! For smokers there is a spacious smoking room with sofas. Very funky lounge (should have taken a photo).
On that evening there was a big group of high-school kids selebrating something. I suddenly felt so old Three stars are not because of my problems dealing with age though: nice place but not the one you absolutely have to come back and tell your friends about.

So yes, we had a private room and dedicated service.


And a little part of me would like to think that when the Board and senior managers of a major review site hold a strategy session in a restaurant or hotel, someone somewhere thinks that putting on a "good show" would be a decent idea.


Having said all of that, I thought Raven was excellent. We chose it precisely because the private room is superb and because the owner was willing to suggest and agree some simple choices upfront (with sushi at its heart) so that we could talk and debate strategy and not menus.


The main dining area and bar is smart, bold and modern with a real buzz and has really good reputation. The private room is similarly stylish and comes equipped with full AV equipment.


The owner greeted us when we arrived and the dedicated waiter was always attentive and quick with helpful suggestions.


The curry soup was a great way to excite the taste buds and the range of sushi was light, delicate and moist. A few of us indulged in deserts and my chocolate pudding was delicious if entirely unneeded.


I would highly recommend Raven for any similar events and from what I could see, for any serious dining pleasure.

Sushi and miso soup here was OK.
Cheese plate is excellent!
I will go back for their lunch menu and try out their brunch on Sunday.


Have not tried out their brunch, but I like going there on week-ends with my kids just to sit in the lounge area and enjoy coffee and juices.