
The name Ars Vivendi – or better said way of life – sounds promising, especially when an italian is concerned. With high expectations we enter the restaurant on Holsteinische Strasse in Wilmersdorf on a Friday lunchtime. The establishment is unpretentious, newspaper reading gentleman, couples and other guest who seem to be regulars, sit at tables with red checkered tablecloths. An eye catcher is the opulent display cabinet, that shows the kitchens repertoire: a wide selection of antipasti, cheese and coldmeat specialities and the homemade pasta, the restaurant is known for. Spaghetti, Tagliatelle, Ravioli with Ricotta and boletus or zucchini filling – all is produced right here. Proven by the machine next door the chef handles every now and then. So far it is inviting. The daily food is written on a straightforward blackboard, there is no printed menue, and sounds good. From the small selection of fish, meat and pasta dishes we choose Cannelloni with Cime di Rape, a typical