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Some places stay with you because of what you ate; others because of who you were with. Kaibar Brasserie did both for me, effortlessly. The first time I went to Kaibar, it was date night. The room was candlelit, cozy, and softly buzzing in that way only good restaurants manage. The Berlin-Mitte-based restaurant Kaibar sits somewhere between the familiar and quietly exciting. Before founding Kaibar in 2025, Berlin-raised owner Tran, Duy Khanh, spent years working across various bars and kitchens. “Before there was land, there was the sea.” is the leitmotif. The sea, the origin of all movement, is also where the name Kai comes from. In Japanese, it simply means sea. Blue accents frame the space, from the deep tones of the exterior seating, reminiscent of old theater chairs, to the subtle details inside. Shell motifs appear on plates and throughout the decor, small nods to the sea that feel intentional rather than themed. In winter, it feels cozy and intimate. In summer, it opens up, and the terrace can make you forget you’re in the middle of Berlin.
At its core, Kaibar is a fusion brasserie, blending French technique with Japanese ingredients. Organic ingredients and careful sourcing aren’t a trend, but a philosophy. Sharing is what the place is built for. Plates like fresh oysters and temaki are easy to order, pass around, and linger over. We started with seared scallops and ceviche — both gone in seconds. My partner chose the salmon from the Chef’s Grill, grilled over a Japanese konro, using charcoal to create deep, smoky flavors, served with carrot purée, asparagus, edamame, and saffron sauce, melting like butter with every bite. I went for the “Truffle e Pepe Udon”. Rich and silky. The kind of dish that makes you insist, “You have to try this”. To drink, we sipped on a cocktail called Last Lychee in Paris — floral, playful, slightly nostalgic, served in a classy glass. As for the dessert, the Vanilla Crème Brûlée was just right: crackly on top, creamy underneath. While the Matcha Tiramisu was surprisingly light. Both desserts close the night on a softer note, leaving you scraping the bowl for every last morsel. Opened in May 2025, it already feels like a place people return to. A restaurant that became “our spot”. Kaibar isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about sharing dishes, stories, and falling in love all over again.
Text: Stefania Basano / Photos: Kaibar Brasserie
Kaibar Brasserie, Große Hamburger Str.32, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map
@kaibarmitte
Sometimes you don’t need a grand plan. Just a place where your phone can be forgotten, the wind moves through open windows, and the day is guided by sunlight, not appointments. Casas Barril, on Portugal’s west coast near Ericeira, is exactly that kind of place. Owner Julia, who divides her time between Berlin and Portugal, created a conscious counterpoint to everyday city life in 2025. Two houses, reduced to the essentials, open to everything happening outside. Nature, light, wind, sea. The architecture is understated: wood, linen, warm tones, clean lines. Large windows bring the Atlantic straight into the living room. Views instead of decoration. The smaller Garden House feels like a bright studio. Kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom flow seamlessly into one another. Outside, a sheltered terrace awaits, perfect for your first morning coffee or long evenings watching the waves roll in.
The larger L-Shape House opens even further toward the landscape. Open living areas, a freestanding fireplace, and generous terraces allow indoor and outdoor to merge. Wake up with a view of the sea and fall asleep to it again. Both houses share an infinity pool, a small open-air cinema, and a spacious communal terrace. A place for shared dinners, natural wine by the campfire, or quiet hours under the stars. The coast around Ericeira is considered one of Europe’s best surf spots. Cliff paths, hidden bays, yoga studios, cafés, and beach bars are all just minutes away. And if you start missing city life, Lisbon is within reach. Whether for a long weekend, a remote-work escape, or a few weeks away, Casas Barril is one of those places where you slow down and suddenly remember how good that feels.
Text: Susi Churas / Photos: Casas Barril
Casas Barril
@casasbarril
Every year, I look forward to the New Year. Sometimes it’s the Year of the Water Monkey, then the Year of the Wood Snake or, as will be the case on February 17, 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse. Perhaps you’ve heard of this before, or maybe you’re wondering why I seem to be a few months off. Unlike in the West, many countries across East and Southeast Asia — especially China, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea — celebrate the Lunar New Year according to the traditional lunisolar calendar. It’s also known as Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Seollal in Korea, or Tết in Vietnam. Because the celebration follows the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar. The twelve zodiac animals rotate annually, and we are now moving from the Year of the Wood Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse. The importance of this holiday becomes particularly visible in the news. Around this time, one of the world’s largest annual migrations takes place as millions of people travel home to celebrate with their families. Homes are cleaned and decorated, altars are prepared, and new clothes are worn, especially in red, a color associated with luck and prosperity. Red envelopes filled with money — hongbao in Chinese or lì xì in Vietnamese — are among the most cherished gifts. And, of course, food plays a central role, often tied to symbolism and superstition. (read more)
A whole steamed fish represents abundance and prosperity. Dumplings resemble gold ingots and symbolize wealth, long noodles stand for longevity, and sweet rice balls express unity and togetherness. Because of this deep cultural meaning, the Lunar New Year is celebrated widely across the diaspora as well. Berlin, too, offers plenty of places to mark the occasion with festive dishes. At Moii Café in Charlottenburg, a small but charming Taiwanese café, you’ll find mooncakes alongside beautifully crafted cakes and drinks. My favorites are the Osmanthus latte with jelly, the milky jasmine tea cake, and the mango sponge roll. For a classic celebratory meal, Jolly Restaurant is a longtime favorite, known for its Peking duck: crisp, lacquered skin and tender meat wrapped in thin pancakes or baos with sweet hoisin sauce. Perfect for sharing with family and friends.
At Dumpling Nian, combine two lucky dishes on one table: steamed sea bass with ginger and spring onions in soy sauce, alongside handmade dumplings filled with pork and Chinese cabbage, shrimp, or beef and carrots. Weekend brunch at Meet You Restaurant is another highlight. Their Shanghainese menu includes homemade dumplings, xiao long bao (soup dumplings), jianbing (crispy Chinese crêpes), baos, chili wontons, and warm soy milk. My tip: come with a group and share everything. If you’re craving southern Vietnamese comfort food, Saigon Cơm Niêu is my personal go-to. Alongside dishes like Bánh Canh Cua (a spicy crab noodle soup), they serve Thịt Kho Tàu, caramelized pork belly with whole eggs, traditionally eaten during Tết. The round eggs and square pieces of pork symbolize harmony, completeness, and family unity.
For a more cultural experience, visit Linh Thứu Pagoda during the holiday. Besides the beautiful temple setting, there’s vegan food, music, and the chance to light incense and make wishes for the year ahead. The celebrations continue at Dong Xuan Center, where you’ll find handmade bánh chưng and bánh tét (sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves with mung beans and pork), red sticky rice (xôi gấc), and varieties of chè desserts. For Korean New Year traditions, Han BBQ offers an all-you-can-eat samgyeopsal (pork belly) barbecue until 17.02.2026, including rice, banchan, and salad. And at Dotori, a special four-course menu inspired by traditional Korean New Year dishes is paired with Korean beverages, an elegant way to welcome the Year of the Horse. However you choose to celebrate, the Lunar New Year is ultimately about gathering, sharing food, and starting fresh together. Berlin offers many ways to do just that.
Text: Alice M. Huynh / Photos: Matthieu Joannon, Alison Pang, Robyn Steffen
Alice M. Huynh grew up in the Allgäu Alps and has called Berlin home for over a decade. After beginning her career in New York’s fashion industry, she slowly turned toward what truly excites her: travel and food. Today, she works as a content creator focused on lifestyle, culinary culture, and travel.
Moii Café, Fasanenstr.46, 10719 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Jolly Restaurant, Am Kupfergraben 4/4a, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Dumpling Nian, Eisenbahnstr.4, 10997 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Meet You Restaurant, Fasanenstr.41, 10719 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Saigon Cơm Niêu, Bülowstr. 9, 10783 Berlin–Schöneberg; map
Han BBQ, Kantstr.120/121, 10625 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Dong Xuan Center, Herzbergstr. 128-139, 10365 Berlin–Lichtenberg; map
Dotori, Gustav-Adolf-Str.159, 13086 Berlin–Weißensee; map
@alicemhuynh
@moiicafeberlin
@dumplingsnian
@meetyou.china
@saigoncomnieu
@hanbbq.berlin
@dotori.berlin
And if there’s one thing that makes a cocktail even better, it’s something to snack on. That’s exactly what Ringbar is made for. A place to pop in for one drink, maybe two tacos, but somehow end up staying the whole evening. Instead of predictable bar food, find Mexican-inspired finger food with surprising twists: grilled cactus with caramelized onions and halloumi, or tacos filled with hibiscus blossom and bean paste. On the side, there’s homemade guacamole and spicy salsas for dipping and sharing. While you settle into the sofas, drinks are mixed behind the large red bar. Espresso martinis, classics, and ever-changing creations. Everything feels relaxed, unpretentious. Exactly the kind of place where you feel at home right away. Between candlelight, rough plaster walls, and rotating art exhibitions, time slips by almost unnoticed. And then there’s Tuesday. Taco Tuesday. The perfect excuse to stop in midweek. If you still have room, crispy churros are a sweet finale. Whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a quick bite, or settling in for a long night of drinks, Ringbar is one of those spots you meant to visit briefly but end up lingering far longer than planned.
Text & Photos: Elisabeth Rogov
Ringbar, Schwarzast.1, 12055 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@ringbarberlin
Are there colors other than gray? Right now, it’s hard to believe. This week, CC’s Calendar tips go looking for them: in sensual installations, close-knit connections, deep red cake, and Roman pizza. We’ll find our first splash of color on Thursday (12.02.) at Curly Bar. Sapphic Y(e)arning invites you to a sapphic (women-loving) bar night. Knitting, crocheting, sitting together. Grandma hobbies reimagined as social practice. If you’ve never held a needle before, someone will show you how. If you come alone, you’ll find company at the mix-and-meet tables. Admission is free, with donations welcome for the Dyke* Festival Alles Bien. After colorful yarn projects, the search continues. On Friday (13.02.), Coco Schütte opens her solo exhibition I Forgot the Color where I came from at Eigen + Art Lab. Everyday objects merge into proud, sensual sculptures that explore how norms shape our relationship to space, identity and community. The exhibition is accompanied by a score by Europa in Flames and a text by Karoline Franka. If you’d like to stay in the art cosmos, head to the halls of the Universität der Künste Berlin. At the end of the winter semester, graduates of the Faculty of Fine Arts present their final projects. Until Saturday (14.02.), the exhibition spreads across the foyer, garden and concert hall, offering fresh perspectives on current questions, forms and approaches.
A red velvet raspberry cupcake and a good book? From Thursday to Sunday (12.–15.02.), Dilekerei, Chapters, and Botanic Art are hosting a Valentine’s pop-up. Expect cupcakes in red velvet, raspberry and chocolate berry, plus books and flowers. Perfect for a sweet little break, either at the café or between the shelves at Chapters. On Saturday (14.02.), Common serves a Valentine’s special with Roman-style pizza. Reservations recommended. We continue on Sunday (15.02.) at Stoke. Here, the afternoon slowly drifts into evening with wood-fired pizza, a few dishes from the grill, and sides by chef friends. Wines come from Gut Oggau, cocktails from Dominik of Green Door Bar. Next Thursday (19.02.), Hamburger Bahnhof leaves its usual tracks and goes on tour. Annika Kahrs opens the series with Strings / Alone Togetherat the Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin. Music, performance, and space intertwine in a work that gains its strength from exploring new territory. A free evening for anyone who enjoys experiencing art where it sounds different, resonates differently, and finally, takes on color.
Text: Emma Zylla / Photos: Hürriyet Bulan, Sophie Doering, James Nelson, Stoke, Tina Willim / Credit: Staatliches Institut für Musikforschung
Curly Bar, Adolfstr.17, 13347 Berlin–Wedding; map
Sapphic Y(e)arning 12.02.2026 from 19h
@allesbien
@curly_bar_berlin
Eigen+Art Lab, Torstr.220, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map
I Forgot The Color Where I Came From 14.02.–14.03.2026. Opening 13.02.2026 17–20h
@cocoschuette
@eigenart_lab
@europa.in.flames
@karofranka
Universität der Künste, Hardenbergstr.33, 10623 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Abschlussausstellung Bildende Kunst 12.02.–14.02.2026 10–18h
@udkberlin
Dilekerei, Eulerstr.11b, 13357 Berlin–Gesundbrunnen; Stadtplan
Chapters Bookshop, Wilsnacker Str. 60, 10559, Berlin–Moabit; Stadtplan
Valentine’s Pop-up 12.02.–15.02.2026
@dilekerei
@chapters_bookstore
@botanicart
Common, Karl-Marx-Str.176, 12043 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Valentine’s Day Special 14.02.2026 18–22h30
@common.berlin
Stoke, Lindenstr.34–35, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Pizza Party 15.02.2026 from 14h
@stoke.berlin
@gutoggau
@greendoorbar
Musikinstrumenten-Museum, Tiergartenstr.1, 10785 Berlin–Tiergarten; map
Strings / Alone Together 19.02.2026 20h. Find tickets here.
@annikakahrs
@hamburger_bahnhof
ANMELDUNG