Wood, fire, earth, metal and water: These are the back-to-earth elements buttressing Go-Ko, a relaxed restaurant plugged smack dab into the cluster of clothing stores lining Neue Schönhauser Strasse.

Large blonde-wood banquet tables and bench seating encourage a “modern Japan meets modern Berlin” atmosphere, though Go-Ko is decidedly too claustrophobic to be truly feng shui. A rather extensive menu features Japanese classics like soba noodle soups and appealing sushi—we recommend the Chef’s Surprise (22 Euros) and Chirashi (15 Euros)—arrive delicate and smooth, though somewhat lacking in flavor. Still, it’s a cut above the rest; reasonable prices are among other reasons to stop here after an exhausting shopping tour. Sit outside on the sidewalk space for prime real estate for people-watching.