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SPRITZ ON THE TERRACE OR ANTIPASTI INSIDE — ORANGERIE NEUKÖLLN IN KÖRNERPARK FOR COFFEE, LUNCH AND COCKTAILS

SPRITZ ON THE TERRACE OR ANTIPASTI INSIDE — ORANGERIE NEUKÖLLN IN KÖRNERPARK FOR COFFEE, LUNCH AND COCKTAILS

The first time I stumbled on Kôrnerpark I imagined it to be Paris: the grand lime trees, the bubbling fountain, the palm-lined terrace… If Orangerie was open then it may have been just enough to convince me. The elegant interior and arched windows are a relief from the bustle of Hermmanstrasse and Karl-Marx-Strasse just blocks away. Orangerie was opened in May 2022 by owners Simon Braus and Max Gerolstein (who previously ran Kreuzkölln bar Schwelgerei). Before that time, the space was a cafe called Zitronencafé which lay dormant before Simon and Max reopened it with their all-day cafe and bar concept. The building was originally designed to be an old orangerie, though it never operated as one. The high ceilings and rooms that meander into one another make the compact venue feel both spacious and intimate.

The interior, designed by Jacqueline Spiers, mixes high bar seating and more relaxed seated tables. Some glow under a neon red sunset-like arch, others underneath hung lamps and printed artworks. The terrazzo bar and walls, washed with forest greens, beige and pink, feel classy and modern. You can come for your morning coffee and cake (we loved the homemade lemon poppyseed), sample the weekly-changing lunch dish or end the day with cocktails and antipasti to match. Head Chef Finia Ulmer has designed a succinct and delicious (all vegan!) menu with antipasti and a rotating seasonal dish. Our recommendation? If you’re a sweet cocktail drinker try the peach and rose spritz, or if you prefer them a little more bitter, go for the Herrlich spritz with Campari, grapefruit and passionfruit. Then find a seat in the window and spend a few hours grazing on antipasti and gazing at one of Berlin’s most beautiful parks to add a little sophistication to your sunny day.

Text: Savannah van der Niet / Fotos: Robyn Steffen

Orangerie Neukölln, Schierker Str.8 (in Körnerpark), 12051 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Tue–Sun 11–0h

@orangerie_nk

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LE BROT — THE CHARMING FRENCH BAKERY IN DONAUKIEZ

LE BROT — THE CHARMING FRENCH BAKERY IN DONAUKIEZ

In the middle of the chaotic half of Fuldastrasse (that is, the half in Donaukiez) is the most charming bakery – no! Boulangerie! – of Neukölln. Its name is Le Brot. On the sidewalk, the entrance is flanked by those special-charming white-black woven bistro chairs that you always think must have some ultimate French name you just don’t know. Inside, it’s cozy, personable, small. Light wood, no seating, friendliness and baked goods. And what baked goods! If you bite into the leafy croissants, you’re immediately in France. But not in Oh-lala-Paris, but in a village square, somewhere in the countryside, where there is exactly one café, one butcher and this very bakery, where everything tastes like vacation and sun and that certain je-ne-sais-quoi. Baguettes, chocolate rolls, brioche, quiche, madeleines – everything in the display looks and smells fantastic, and is soft, juicy, crunchy. Le Brot is a neighborhood bakery without airs and graces. Though it does have a small refrigerator in case you forget the organic eggs or butter for Sunday breakfast. Of course, you can also get a coffee, nutty and mild. Have it to take away, or to enjoy on the woven bistro chairs, watching the hustle and bustle in the street and maybe even thinking you’re on vacation for a moment. Le Brot is especially recommended for those at home on Easter weekend. Because there’s filled brioche: sour cherry, vanilla and chocolate. La classe, les classiques!

Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Le Brot, Fuldastr.54. 12043  Berlin–Neukölln; map
Mon–Fri 8–18h, Sat 8–16h & Sun 8–14h

@lebrotberlin

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A SLICE OF TAIWAN BY TIERGARTEN — BUBBLE TEA AND DOG-SHAPED WAFFLES AT G4

A SLICE OF TAIWAN BY TIERGARTEN — BUBBLE TEA AND DOG-SHAPED WAFFLES AT G4

Just across from Tilla-Durieux-Park near Potsdamer Platz is where you’ll find a bona-fide gem: Taiwanese cafe g4. Enter the light-flooded space, take a seat on one of the colorful chairs from French designer Moustache and enjoy bubble tea and matcha cake from Stephanie, the cafe’s founder and a Berliner with Taiwanese roots. A sense of design and attention to detail is what makes this place special: a fresh brew is made for every serving of bubble tea, which you don’t always get with these drinks. As for the flavors, you can choose from classic bubble teas with taro root or matcha and fruity boba pearls or go for a peach or winter melon oolong lemonade. Complete your drink with the likes of salty cream cheese foam before specifying your desired sweetness level (we recommend 10 percent). Food-wise, our highlight was the fluffy tapioca-filled “Simbayaki” waffles. These are inspired by the traditional Taiyaki waffles from Japan, but instead of being fish shaped, they take the form of Simba, Stephanie’s dog. The pooch-shaped sweets are served steaming hot in cute ceramic bowls. In addition to homemade bubble tea, cakes and traditional snacks, you’ll find Taiwanese pastries by Dickertisch in Dusseldorf as well as something inedible but still very cute: handmade vegan candles by fufu:tofu.

Text & Photos: Natascha Hamel

g4, Eichhornstr.1, 10785 Berlin–Tiergarten; map
Mon–Fri 12–18h & Sat–Sun 13–19h

@__4gg4__

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ALWAYS TOGETHER — KOREAN 2D CAFÉ TREND COMES TO MITTE

ALWAYS TOGETHER — KOREAN 2D CAFÉ TREND COMES TO MITTE

You don’t necessarily have to wear color to stand out in Berlin. That’s why Xiao Xue and Andy are bringing black and white to Mitte with the city’s first 2D cafe: Always Together. The pair brought the trend with them from Korea, where these eccentric cafes have long been a phenomenon. The hand-painted interiors of these cafes transport you to another world. The walls, floors, chairs and tables are painted in such a way that three-dimensional objects merge with each other, giving you the impression that you are sitting in a lifesize drawing. The drinks and desserts served are memorable, too: we were particularly impressed with the bingsu, a dessert that melts in your mouth like snow. Made of crushed ice, you can sweeten it with condensed milk, frozen yogurt or ice cream. Always Together has seven varieties: a traditional recipe with red beans, one with Korean rice cake and almonds, and one with Oreos and caramel Biscoff (there are vegan options too). If you aren’t ready for ice-cold drinks, we highly recommend the Ube Latte, which gets its purple color and sweet, nutty flavor from the Filipino yam. It warms you up from the inside, adds some color to the table, and is a bolder alternative to the traditional latte. Sweet treats and fun drinks: who knew the 2D world was so tasty?

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Luna Schaffron

Always Together, Große Hamburger Str.24, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Sat 11–20h & Sun 12–18h

@cafe_alwaystogether

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ALL-DAY BRUNCH IN LAID-BACK, SUNNY SURROUNDINGS — VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN DINING AT BLUMENTAL

ALL-DAY BRUNCH IN LAID-BACK, SUNNY SURROUNDINGS — VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN DINING AT BLUMENTAL

At Blumental it’s back to the roots. The historic building with its red brick façade used to be a workers’ canteen. Now it’s a place to get together and eat well – very well. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Kreuzberg on Engeldamm, the cafe and restaurant is entered via a yellow curtain which leads to a relaxed and spacious interior. It’s full of nice details, like the pastel paint and the turquoise bar with a terrazzo counter. Then there’s the open kitchen, where the (all-women) team create their dishes. Examples include the “Amore Ajvar” with sourdough bread, kale chips, pickled onions, sun dried tomatoes, baby spinach and ajvar. It’s already one of our favorites and is perfect for brunch and lunch.

If you’re not quite in chill mode, no problem: Blumental is creating an area for co-working, and you can already bring your laptop and sit on one of the sofas and get a few things done. For sustenance you can order a freshly squeezed juice or a slice of homemade cake (we recommend the chocolate and raspberry). Best of all, if you don’t manage to finish your dish, the rest goes into a zero-waste machine to become compost. The collective behind the cafe has lots of food experience and a lot of energy: almost everything here was built and designed by the team and their friends. This vibe makes Blumental not just cozy, but highly inviting too. Whether it’s brunch for two or coffee with the whole clique, there’s room for everything here.

Text: Dave Alcantara / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Blumental, Engeldamm 64, 10179 Berlin–Mitte; map
Wed–Sun 9h–18h

@blumental_berlin

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