For a long time, delicious bagels were one of the few culinary delights that Berliners had to travel to New York for – or at least to Friedrichshain, which felt a similar distance away, depending on your perspective. But things are happening in the city. Beste Bagel is the name of the latest store dedicated to endless squiggles, and the name says it all. Located at the northern end of Potsdamer Straße, it offers brightly colored tiles, creamy cream cheese, and, most importantly, perfect bagels. Suppose Tiergarten is too far away for a good breakfast. In that case, you’re in luck: Lap Coffee (Life Among People) on Rosenthaler Straße, known, among other things for its changing food collaborations, currently has three classics from Beste Bagel on offer: cream cheese (+Lox) or a vegan version with cucumber. Plus, Lap’s excellent coffee – Matcha and chai latte are also available! If you fancy something sweet, you should definitely try one of the “cubes” made from croissant dough: you can choose between Pistachio cocoa, salted caramel and hazelnut cocoa. What could make you feel more metropolitan on an early winter morning like this? The small, reasonably new store also offers other reasons to visit: changing art, lovely staff, and a concept full of charm: “creating small spaces where everyone can enjoy Life Among People;” sounds a lot like the East Coast.

Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Luna Schaffron

Beste Bagel, Potsdamer Str.68, 10785 Berlin–Tiergarten; map
Tue–Sun 09–16h

Lap Coffee, Rosenthaler Str.62, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Fri 8h30–17h, Sat–Sun 10–18h

@bestebagel
@lapcoffee_

Bonjour Berlin – there’s a new gem on Urbanstraße! Opening October 2023, Boutique de La Maison doles out distinctive French treats. If the name sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of the popular cafe La Maison on Paul-Lincke-Ufer. And that’s right! Owner Andreas Altmeyer has now expanded with a second location. Andreas is originally from Frankfurt am Main, and his passion for French baking began in his childhood: when he moved to Lyon for love in 2000, he also discovered his love for French cuisine. So, when he left Lyon for Berlin, he found himself in need of a cafe with French pastries and good coffee. With the support of a French baker friend, he decided to bring the patisserie world of France to Berlin. Thus, the first La Maison was launched in May 2019. With its growing popularity, the idea of Boutique de La Maison was born. The new spot on Urbanstraße has a completely different design and almost looks like a lab – or just like a fashion brand’s boutique: minimalist, clean and airy design with no tables to sit at – just tall wooden chairs by the window. The large counter is the centerpiece.

Here, along with ready-to-eat sandwiches and hearty croissants, lie graceful cakes and pies. The seductive scent of butter and coffee invites you to explore the boulangerie section. Here, of course, you’ll find the perfect croissants (even vegan ones!), pain au chocolat, and almond pastries. Or how about a classic baguette? A cookie with that? No matter whether you want to take the pastries with you or prefer to enjoy them over a coffee right there, you know you’ll be back, because there’s a lot to try. And who knows, maybe Andrea’s new favorite, the marzipan poppy seed bun, will become your favorite too. So why go far away when the good things are so close? Take a short trip to Urbanstraße and enjoy a taste of France.

Text: Theresa Garwing / Photos: Luna Schaffron

Boutique de La Maison, Urbanstr.70A, 10967 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Mon–Sun 7–18h

@lamaisonberlin