As soon as you set foot into Honiggelb, your mood becomes just that bit sunnier. This light-filled, high-ceilinged cafe is uniquely, boldly yellow – from the Melitta crockery and geometric chairs to the 1970s wall-mounted oddments in various honey hues. Opened in 2019, the cafe is equally popular amongst friends catching up over matcha lattes as it is for freelancers using the quiet, light corners for a working lunch. Speaking of lunch, you could come here every day and still find something new to eat: the salads and soups are made fresh daily, along with more substantial special plates (think veggie favorites like chile sin carne) prepared by owner Idil and her onsite kitchen team. For smaller bites, the feta scones with carrot, paprika and ricotta hit the spot, while the NY cheesecake has a cult following amongst regulars. Once you’ve made your choice and taken a seat in front of the south-facing windows or by the plant wall, you won’t want to leave this bright little oasis. (Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)

Honiggelb, Turmstr.10, 10559 Berlin–Moabit; map
Tue–Fri 11–17, Sat 10–18
@honiggelbberlin

Is the Berlin winter really still dragging on? We know a place where spring fever is taking over – not only because of the soft pastel shades of the interior but in the colorful, fresh cuisine inspired from far and wide. We’re talking about the Rocket + Basil cafe run by Sophie and Xenia von Oswald, whose “Das Brunch” series has been inspiring us since its launch in July 2017. The cuisine here escapes conventional categories, largely due to the unique background of the two sisters, who grew up as German-Iranians in Australia with stops in Istanbul and London along the way. This diversity is reflected in the menu, where fresh herbs and spices from Asia and the Middle East meet western classics. The result is wonderfully innovative creations like the cardamom porridge with apple-kumquat topping and the “Winter Kuku,” a Persian frittata filled with herbs and roasted seasonal vegetables. Are you after something for on the go? The coffee and cake here won’t let you down either: lemony pistachio cake with rose water or full-bodied tahini Halva brownies. Your winter culinary oasis awaits. (Text: Lisa Staub / Photos: Becca Crawford, Rocket & Basil)

Rocket + Basil, Lützowstr.22, 10785 Berlin–Tiergarten; map
Tue–Fri 8–16h, Brunch Sat–Sun 9–16h
@rocket_and_basil