Crackers & Team

Meet the Crackers crew, where passion for food, flair for service, and love for design blend into the perfect recipe for unforgettable experiences. From the moment we swung open our doors in November 2014, we’ve quickly become a favourite haunt for those seeking an urban escape. Our team, a lively mix of culinary experts, service enthusiasts, and creatives, has been the secret sauce behind our success, earning us a spot as a trendy haven in Berlin. 

Our kitchen is a melting pot of innovation, where chefs from diverse backgrounds bring their culinary dreams to life, always with a smile and a dash of fun.

Our service and bar teams, are the heartbeat of our restaurant, welcoming every guest with open arms, ready to guide them through an evening of casual sophistication. All set against a backdrop of contemporary design that transports you to a timeless escape, where the music, the mood, and the flavours intertwine to create an experience that’s more than just dining out—it’s about making memories. 

Step into Crackers and let us whisk you away on a journey where each bite is an adventure!

Cookie Heinz Gindullis

Cookie Heinz Gindullis is more than just a name; he’s a pioneering force in Berlin’s gastronomic scene.

Born in London, Cookie’s adventurous spirit led him to Berlin in 1992 at the tender age of 17 years old. Starting humbly as a dishwasher, he quickly made a mark, hosting unique parties on the unexpected nights of Tuesdays and Thursdays leading him to open the legendary Cookies Club. Yet, one of Cookie’s boldest moves was opening Cookies Cream, a vegetarian fine dining restaurant in Berlin long before the trend took off, showcasing his forward-thinking approach and dedication to innovative cuisine. 

In 2014, he transformed Cookies Club into today’s trendy and atmospheric restaurant, Crackers. Recognized for his trailblazing contributions, Cookie was honoured with Berlin’s Meisterköche ‘Gastronomy Innovation’ award in November 2022. 

With his fingers always on the city’s gastronomic and nightlife pulse, Cookie stands as a testament to innovation, continuous growth, and a passion that keeps reinventing Berlin’s culinary narrative.

Patrick Ziegert

Patrick Ziegert: Mastering the Art of Flavour as Co-Head Chef

From the scenic locales of Freiburg to the bustling heart of Berlin, Patrick Ziegert’s path to the culinary world was as unexpected as it was destined. Originally setting his sights on nautical studies, Patrick soon realized that his true calling was in the sizzle and chop of the kitchen, not the ebb and flow of the sea. His culinary voyage began in earnest at Hamburg’s acclaimed Tiefenthal restaurant, where he sharpened his skills and cultivated a profound passion for gastronomy.

March 2020 marked a pivotal moment in Patrick’s career when he joined the CRACKERS family as a sous chef. Despite the tumultuous times brought on by the pandemic, Patrick’s steadfast dedication and remarkable talent did not go unnoticed, earning him the honor of “Sous Chef of the Year” by Rolling Pin magazine in 2021.

Now, sharing the helm with Felix Klawitter as Co-Head Chef since 2022, Patrick infuses every dish with his signature blend of freshness, subtlety, and uncompromising quality. With a palate attuned to delightful international influences, he expertly melds traditional cooking techniques with the finest, carefully selected natural ingredients. Under the joint guidance of Patrick and Felix, our menu is a testament to culinary innovation and a love for vibrant, flavor-rich dishes. At CRACKERS, a meal prepared by Patrick is not just food; it’s a journey—an adventure in taste that promises to be as exhilarating as it is satisfying. Join us to experience the culinary artistry that Patrick brings to every plate, complemented by Felix’s creative vision.

Felix Klawitter

Felix Klawitter: Global Flavours Maestro and Co-Head Chef at CRACKERS

Since rejoining our team in March 2022, Felix Klawitter has brought a rich tapestry of culinary experience to CRACKERS, underpinned by his successful three-year stint at Orania. His journey through the kitchens of esteemed venues like Hotel Adlon and Sra Bua by Tim Raue has honed his culinary style—a delicate balance of simplicity and sophistication, beautifully enriched with Asian and Latin American influences.

Now as Co-Head Chef alongside Patrick Ziegert, Felix plays an integral role not just in dish creation but in shaping the culinary ethos of our team. His approach to cuisine transforms each meal into a unique dining experience, weaving traditional techniques with bold, international flavors to create something truly extraordinary.

Within our kitchen, Felix’s leadership extends beyond cooking. He is pivotal in training and guiding our dedicated team, fostering a culture of culinary excellence that resonates through every aspect of our service. Working in tandem with Patrick, Felix helps orchestrate a menu that’s as dynamic and innovative as the city around us. Together, they ensure that each dish not only meets but exceeds the high standards our guests expect, making every plate served at CRACKERS a testament to culinary artistry. Join us to savor the creative energy and exquisite flavors that Felix brings to our table, making every visit a memorable journey of taste.

Paul

Meet Paul, our esteemed Restaurant Manager at CRACKERS

A familiar face in the CRACKERS family since 2022, originally hailing from Stuttgart, Paul made the exciting leap to Berlin to pursue a career in the world of hospitality, a decision that would change the course of his professional journey.

With over two years of dedication to our company, Paul’s story with CRACKERS is one of growth and commitment. His journey began as a host at Cookies Cream, and his passion for creating exceptional guest experiences soon led him to the role of Assistant Manager at CRACKERS.

Beyond his professional prowess, Paul is a true enthusiast of the Berlin nightlife scene, particularly a big fan of the legendary Cookies Club. When he’s not ensuring that every guest has a fabulous night at CRACKERS, you’ll often find him cruising around the city on his bike, exploring new culinary delights, and, of course, enjoying the vibrant nightlife Berlin has to offer.

With a unique blend of professionalism and charm, Paul is at the heart of making sure your dining experience at CRACKERS is nothing short of fabulous. Join us, and let Paul and our team create unforgettable memories for you.

Chris

Meet Chris, our remarkable Shift Manager at CRACKERS, who has been adding flavor and flair to our team for the past two years. 

Originally hailing from Bavaria, Chris is a psychology student by day and a hospitality hero by night. Chris’s journey in the world of hospitality ignited at the tender age of 16, and since then, he’s been captivated by the fast-paced and multifaceted nature of the industry. At CRACKERS, he found his second home, driven by the thrill of every unique evening and the unbeatable team dynamics that make it all feel like family.

What does Chris love most about his role at CRACKERS? It’s the ever-changing atmosphere, the incredible team, and the warmth that envelops the restaurant, making every guest feel right at home.

When he’s not charming guests at CRACKERS, Chris transforms into a culinary wizard in his own kitchen, whipping up delicious bakes and hosting unforgettable dinners for friends.

Swing by and let Chris regale you with his sassy humor and impeccable service. Who knows, you might even get a sneak peek into some of his cherished recipes!

Fabio

Introducing Fabio, our mixology maestro with Roman roots, now bringing his unrivaled skills to CRACKERS!

With an impressive 16 years of bartending experience under his belt, Fabio’s passion for tequila and mezcal is bound to take your taste buds on an exhilarating journey.

Straight from the heart of Rome to the vibrant streets of Berlin, Fabio is an integral part of our talented bar team, always striving to push the boundaries of mixology. With a penchant for crafting exceptional cocktails featuring tequila, mezcal, scotch, and a touch of bitterness, Fabio’s creations promise unique and unforgettable experiences with every sip.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Fabio enthusiastically recommends trying our ‘Rey Misterio’ and ‘American Dream’ from our exciting new menu. And for those who share his love for mezcal and tequila, you’re in for a treat, as Fabio is constantly concocting outstanding new recipes that are sure to delight your senses.

Join us at CRACKERS, where Fabio and our talented bar team are ready to surprise, delight, and ensure that your visit is filled with good times and unforgettable concoctions.