Just a few steps from otto, you’ll find Vadim Otto Ursus and Sören Zuppke’s latest project. What first appears to be a simple wine bar quickly reveals itself as something more — Pluto is a place to meet, a space to linger. Those who come here tend to stay longer than planned, sharing a bottle with new acquaintances, unexpectedly bumping into friends, chatting at the bar, and losing track of time. There are no reservations. Instead, guests find their own spot among the three interconnected rooms. One evening, you might perch on a wooden stool in the narrow hallway by the bar; the next, you could be sipping wine while leaning against the windowsill or settling into the cozy bench. Inspired by French caves and Spanish pintxo bars, Pluto embraces informality. The atmosphere feels familiar, while the interior — designed in collaboration with kore projects — favors materials that grow more beautiful with time: cherry wood, zinc and hand-molded clay tiles. The warm red walls glow softly, mirrors create shifting perspectives, and the lighting is always dimmed. The wine list features a collection of the team’s personal favorites — an invitation to drink together, with plenty of stories and anecdotes waiting to be shared. The selection blends experimental and classic wines, with a focus on biodynamic producers from across Europe, alongside a dedicated champagne list, draught beer and classic aperitifs. And then, of course, there’s the food — intuitive, simple and product-driven.

Some nights, it’s baguette with butter, a whole block of cheese or homemade Mangalica ham. Other times, rustic classics take center stage: pork head terrine, veal tongue salad or marinated mussels. Depending on the season, these are accompanied by a bowl of cherries, a plate of sliced tomatoes or a refreshing sorbet. Pluto works closely with producers from Brandenburg and takes a holistic approach to ingredients. Whole animals are sourced and processed together with sibling restaurants otto and Trio. “We wanted to create a space that feels lived-in, where there’s no barrier to connection,” say Vadim and Sören. “Pluto isn’t a concept — it’s a place in motion, always alive. A space where you can eat and drink from the heart. A bar we built with friends, to share with friends.” We’ll raise our glasses to that — to Pluto, to Sören and Vadim, who seem to turn every location into a new favorite, and to the lasting mark they’ve left on our little Berlin cosmos.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Robert Rieger

Pluto, Kastanienallee 27, 10435 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map

@plutoberlin