Too early in the day to drink wine for some, too late to sip coffee for others? At Mamá Café Bar, you don’t have to choose one or the other because here, you get the best of both worlds. Since September 2023, Ana has established the ideal ‘all-day hangout spot’ with a café-wine bar. Located between Rudolfkiez and Victoriastadt, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch and aperitivo with Mediterranean influences. Symple provides the specialty coffee beans. Nico, co-founder of the Berlin coffee roastery, is not only Ana’s business partner but also her life partner. Together, they have been involved in the Berlin coffee scene for over ten years — including Milch Halle in Auguststraße and the new Symple Café in Prenzlauer Berg. But let’s get back to Mamá. In addition to the almost-in-house coffee beans, there is a large selection of homemade baked goods that you can order at the counter. Also available are breakfast classics à la carte, such as the fresh sourdough bread from Neumanns with butter, soft-boiled eggs, and cheese from Markthalle Neun. For aperitivo, Ana offers a colorful selection of natural wines that pair perfectly with the small Mediterranean dishes on offer.

Olives marinated in-house, thinly sliced Iberico on warm sourdough, burrata with anchovies, and the cheese platter, are a must. The plates are perfect for sharing, allowing your group to taste their way through the whole menu. A long wooden table at the back of the room provides plenty of space, from which you can get a small glimpse of the kitchen if you’re lucky. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, the tall French windows at Mamá will open, allowing you to enjoy your aperitivo both outside and inside accompanied by a fresh spring breeze. And this Friday (08.03.2024), Ana and Nico invite you to International Women’s Day, for which they’ve put together a fine selection of wines from talented winemakers. Fresh flowers will be in abundance, but we won’t reveal any more… The best thing to do is to drop by yourself and raise a glass with friends.

Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen

Mamá Café Bar, Lenbachstr.7, 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map

@mama.cafebar

Luuv, a newcomer to the café scene in 2024, has quickly garnered Berlin’s attention thanks to the passionate efforts of its founders: Mia, her husband Hoai and his brother Minh. Their dedication to creating a unique Japandi-style café experience is clear from the moment you step inside. With its bright, minimalist decor and inviting atmosphere, Luuv strikes the perfect balance between Japanese and Scandinavian influences. What sets Luuv apart isn’t just its aesthetic appeal, but its commitment to being a family-run business. The name “Luuv” itself is a clever play on words, combining the trio’s surname “Luu” with “Love”, signifying their deep affection for what they do. Hoai’s palpable passion for the café is infectious, and it’s clear that every aspect of Luuv has been thoughtfully curated.

While originally designed to be a drinks-focused café, Luuv has become synonymous with its soufflé pancakes (which are deliciously fluffy, thanks to Mia’s baking expertise). These pancakes, available in five different varieties, have become a sensation, drawing crowds from far and wide. But the delights don’t end there. Luuv offers an array of innovative coffee creations, including Vietnamese classics like Coconut Coffee and Salted Cream Coffee, as well as unique concoctions like Earl Grey Coffee and Matcha Coffee. One standout is the Earl Grey Boba Pancake, which combines fluffy pancakes with Earl Grey whipped cream and tapioca pearls, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. In addition to its delectable offerings, Luuv takes pride in collaborating with local companies, sourcing its coffee beans from Roststätte Berlin and its croissants from Cookies & Co. Their commitment to supporting the local community adds another layer of charm to the Luuv experience. For those seeking a café visit that engages all five senses, Luuv is the perfect destination. From its mouthwatering treats to its cozy ambiance, Luuv promises an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers and foodies alike. As the saying goes, once you visit Luuv, you’ll be smitten with “luuv.”

Text & Photos: Luna Schaffron

Luuv, Dunckerstr.72, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tues–Fri 8–18h, Sat & Sun 9–18h

@luuv.cafe