Berlin has cafés aplenty, but there are none quite like Heide’s. OK, so strictly speaking, Heide’s isn’t so much a café as it is a deli, according to owner Heide Proett. But instead of worrying about semantics, you should pay a visit to the magical shop on Rykestraße, where so many delicious things await that you’ll want to stay a while. And thankfully you can — on weekends, Heide — who, following a career in marketing and PR, has fulfilled her long-standing dream of opening an Italian deli — whips up an a delectable breakfast menu, from ricotta pancakes to poached eggs with crispy bacon and hazelnut vinaigrette. If the dishes weren’t so satisfyingly filling you could stay right on for lunch, indulge in an afternoon tea of homemade cake and then dive in to the insanely good spaghetti bolognese or mozzarella crostini. There are also lighter options like salad on the Italian evening menu, which changes frequently. The experience is topped off by a fine selection of wine and a smile from Heide and her team. Heide’s is a place to feel good in, to while away the morning with a good book, to bring your parents to, to have an aperitif at — all occasions are perfectly catered for. And if you want to take a slice of it home with you, pick up a treat from the deli wall, which is stocked with everything from olive oil to chocolate. (Text: Nina Kuhn / Photos: Heide’s)

Heide’s, Rykestr.52, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map
Wed-Fri 12-22h, Sat-Sun 10-18h

Nina Kuhn hails from Hessen and has lived in Berlin since 2010, following stint in New York, Paris and Milan. Three years ago she founded the interior and fashion label Rianna + Nina, together with Rianna Kounou. The duo sell worldwide and also have a Berlin store on Torstr.62.