Dylan Watson-Brawn
restaurant ernst
berlin, germany
Dylan Watson-Brawn, a native of Canada, began his culinary journey at the age of 16 when he diner at the esteemed Restaurant RyuGin in Tokyo with his parents and boldly asked to apprentice under acclaimed chef and owner Seiji Yamamoto. Never had a young foreigner been invited to join the team, which was an unprecedented move from the restaurant. This early experience profoundly influenced his cooking style, grounding him in Japanese culinary techniques and a philosophy that emphasizes the purity and seasonality of ingredients.
After honing his skills at world-renowned establishments, such as Eleven Madison Park in NYC and Restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, Dylan moved to Berlin, Germany. In 2014, he co-founded Restaurant Ernst in the Wedding district with his partner Spencer Christenson, starting initially a small apartment-based dining experience. Ernst officially opened its doors in 2017 and quickly gained acclaim for its intimate eight-seat counter setup, where guests can interact closely with the chefs and observe the preparation of the dishes.
Restaurant Ernst’s commitment to sourcing the best local produce and applying Japanese techniques to European ingredients has earned it significant recognition. The menu changes from day-to-day, and is constantly evolving, reflecting the seasons and produce. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star 2019, which it holds until today. In 2022, Dylan was named Gault & Millau Chef of the Year in Germany. The restaurant’s innovative approach and high standards also led to its ranking as number 55 on the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant list in 2023. Ernst continues to be a testament to Dylan’s dedication and passion for exploring the regional and seasonal bounties of Germany and Europe.