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ROOT IN THE HISTORIC HOTEL TELEGRAPHENAMT: WHERE CULINARY DIVERSITY MEETS TROPICAL FLAIR
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ROOT IN THE HISTORIC HOTEL TELEGRAPHENAMT: WHERE CULINARY DIVERSITY MEETS TROPICAL FLAIR

Where important messages were once sent around the world in rapid-fire telegram style, today focuses more on culinary statements. At Root, the kitchen operates with swift precision but luckily, you won’t notice a thing. Instead, you’ll experience a welcoming sense of conviviality in this spacious venue. The restaurant’s open layout is striking, thanks to its impressive glass ceiling, and it seamlessly integrates into the historic Hotel Telegraphenamt. So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary setting for your next dinner, the hotel’s inner courtyard is the perfect spot. During the day, the glass ceiling floods the space with natural light, creating a greenhouse-like atmosphere filled with lush greenery — an ideal backdrop to enjoy the creations of Steve Großmann and his team. Design details pay homage to the building’s historic pneumatic tube system, while the textiles’ color palette enhances the greenhouse aesthetic. In line with the hotel’s international character and the site’s history, the menu is eclectic yet follows a guiding principle: inspired by the restaurant’s name, Großmann aims to return to roots while forging new connections. This vision is reflected in sushi creations that blend influences from around the world, with a strong focus on craftsmanship and quality, developed in collaboration with sushi master Ryota Terashima. Some of the menu highlights include appetizers like crispy baby calamari with wasabi mayo or seared beef tataki with ponzu vinaigrette, yuzu caramel, and crispy shallots.

I was particularly taken with the “Root Specials”. Lobster Poutine and fries in three variations: with truffle, à la Cacio e Pepe, or plain. Among the main courses, you’ll find dishes like “Root Orange Chicken” or braised Wagyu with truffles. And if there’s still room for dessert, you get to choose again: classic French with Crème Brûlée or Japanese with a trio of Mochis. But that doesn’t have to be the end of your evening. If you’re like me and tend to “taste” more than your stomach can handle (and could use a little digestive nap) order one more thing: the à la carte hotel room. You’ll find this special offer right below the dessert options on the menu. And the next day, continue with a leisurely lunch at the bistro, which opens at noon. Whether you’re coming with a date, business partners, family, or your 20 best friends, at Root, there’s always space. And maybe even new, inspiring company, as Berliners and travelers come together here, conversations unfold, and stories are passed on. All that with an open view of the Berlin night sky.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Root

Root, Monbijoustr.11, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Thu–Sun 18–23h30 

@restaurant_root

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AFTER LEGENDARY POP-UPS COMES ALL-DAY EATERY “BAR BASTA” WITH A PERMANENT LOCATION

AFTER LEGENDARY POP-UPS COMES ALL-DAY EATERY “BAR BASTA” WITH A PERMANENT LOCATION

Since the beginning of March 2025, Bar Basta has been enriching Casa Camper with an all-day concept that rethinks familiar classics and celebrates radical hospitality. Following the successful pop-up era with Lobb, Arash Ghassemi and Cäcilia Baldszus’ captivating atmosphere and delicious dishes are now available at any time of day, every day of the week. Sit by the large window front (which can be completely opened up in good weather!), the perfect place for people-watching. Despite the hustle and bustle in the central corner, Bar Basta offers an intimate feel – and you’ll surely bump into familiar faces after your second visit. Culinary delights of all kinds are available here: Pop in for breakfast, for example for a creamy scrambled egg with Comté, fresh sourdough bread with ricotta, tahini and warm honey, or certainly a croissant and a freshly squeezed juice on the way to the office. At the weekend, the breakfast is renamed “Weekend Boozy B” and, as the name suggests, it’s not only worth it for the specials on the menu (such as the Ol’ Dirty Basta aka. ODB Sandwich), but also for the drinks, which I’ve been dreaming about regularly since my Lobb visits. Tonight (20.03.), Arash and Cäcilia will officially launch the evening concept, the philosophy of which remains true to the pop-ups: Look forward to an honest and relaxed atmosphere, intense flavors and yes – lots and lots of sauces! The menu consists of changing dishes and classics that come and go.

After 10 pm, the bar opens for everyone and for me personally, the motto here is always: “You’ve come to stay.” It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already snacked your way through the menu or only made it to Mitte now after work; reach for the cocktail menu and be surprised by specials such as the Negroni Sbagliato or Mimosa Pitcher, or order your favourite classic, just à la Lobb. “Our time with Lobb was so special that we couldn’t say no when Casa Camper offered us a permanent spot. With Bar Basta, we want to capture exactly this feeling: You’re in a new city, discover a restaurant or bar, walk in spontaneously – no reservations, no waiting list – and get surprised by the atmosphere, the food and the drinks,” says Arash. And even though I’m not new to the city and Bar Basta hasn’t been foreign to me since day one, I’m always captivated by the team, the food and the atmosphere – and so the city sometimes feels new, but anything but foreign. Like a place that isn’t your home but still feels like it, because you know that family and friends are awaiting you here. 

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Arash Ghassemi, Jana Langhorst

Bar Basta, Rosenthaler Str.53, 10178 Berlin–Mitte; map

@basta.berlin
@lobb.berlin
@casacamper 

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MORE THAN MERCH & MASALA: PATAKHA CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF INDIAN CUISINE & TEAMS UP WITH BERLIN DESIGNERS

MORE THAN MERCH & MASALA: PATAKHA CELEBRATES THE DIVERSITY OF INDIAN CUISINE & TEAMS UP WITH BERLIN DESIGNERS

Do you already own merch from your favorite restaurant? It’s a thing these days in Berlin. If not, here’s your chance. Indian restaurant Patakha has just dropped a small collection. The idea came from two regulars — fashion professor Antje Drinkuth and costume designer Christel Rehm — who teamed up with owner Gaurav to create a uniform for staff. But why stop there? Now, guests can get in on it, too. The graphic prints were designed in collaboration with Danish designer Lind Haugaard and screen-printed by hand in Berlin on certified organic cotton tees. The result: vintage Indian motifs on oversized shirts that capture the energy and meaning of “patakha” (firecracker). If you stop by tomorrow (14.03.2025), you’ll walk straight into a celebration — of the new collection and Holi, India’s festival of colors. Expect more to-go dishes than usual and a lively crowd. A perfect chance to get a taste (literally) and then come back another time for a full deep dive into the menu. Best enjoyed with family and friends and with plenty of time because, as with most Indian restaurants, the menu is extensive. And I know why… The kitchen here is run by three chefs, each from a different part of India: one from the north, one from the south, and one from Bengal. That diversity comes through in the food. You’ll find some classics, of course, like Aloo Gobi and butter Chicken. But also dishes you might not have tried before. A must-try starter is Pani Puri: crispy, bite-sized spheres filled with potatoes and tamarind, served with tamarind-mint water. They’re an explosion of flavors.

There’s a strong lineup of vegan and vegetarian dishes, with some gluten-free options, too. The Eggplant Kari is just as satisfying as any meat dish, and the Lemon Rice with mustard and peanuts is a must-order side. The best way to experience Patakha is to order a mix of dishes and share. Everything comes in individual hand-crafted ceramic bowls, turning the black-and-white tiled tables into a feast for the senses. The restaurant itself is intimate but feels open, thanks to colorful glass panels offering a peek into the kitchen. Owner Gaurav hails from Punjab, which is also the focus of his first restaurant, Prince of Punjab (formerly Bahadur) in Wilmersdorf. With Patakha, launched in early 2024, he’s created a more playful concept. On weekends, the restaurant also serves brunch, opening its doors during the day. But no matter the hour, Patakha is full of flavor. So when will you become a fan and start repping your new favorite Kreuzberg-Indian spot?

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Patakha, Urbanstr.31, 10967 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

@patakhaberlin

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SÙSÙ 素素: SZECHUAN CUISINE IN VEGAN — RECOMMENDED BY FREDERIK WEGNER
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SÙSÙ 素素: SZECHUAN CUISINE IN VEGAN — RECOMMENDED BY FREDERIK WEGNER

I almost overlooked this little spot the first time I walked past, I’m glad I didn’t because that would have been a big mistake. If, like me, you love discovering new flavors in Asian cuisine, then SùSù is a must-visit. Since December 2024, this small, unpretentious eatery on Eberswalder Straße — with its casual snack-bar feel — has been serving up vegan Szechuan cuisine. The name Sù (素) means “simple” and “unpretentious”, and the menu reflects that, offering just four starters and six main courses. The focus here is pflavor. Vegan Szechuan isn’t new to Berlin, but SùSù features dishes I haven’t been able to enjoy in a long time as they’re rarely available in vegan versions. My personal highlights? The Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl and the cold noodles with cucumber, zucchini and a fiery peanut sauce (the five-chili warning on the menu is no joke!). By the way, Cài-Kitchen from Senefelder Platz is behind SùSù, and I love seeing them take a fresh approach with new dishes. One thing is certain, I won’t be walking past this place again. Whenever I have an appointment in Prenzlauer Berg, I make sure to plan a Szechuan stopover.

Text: Frederik Wegner / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Frederik Wegner is the founder of Cerepal.ai, a robotics startup specializing in end-to-end reinforcement learning. When he’s not working on cutting-edge technology, you’ll likely find him at the bouldering gym or (better yet) scaling real rock in the forest.

Sùsù素素 Vegan Food, Eberswalder Str.29, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map

@susuveganfood

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PUBLIX — A SPACE FOR JOURNALISM, TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY & FOR CO-WORKING (WITH A CANTEEN FOR EVERYONE)
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PUBLIX — A SPACE FOR JOURNALISM, TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY & FOR CO-WORKING (WITH A CANTEEN FOR EVERYONE)

Looking for a new lunch option? With contemporary home cooking and a sun terrace? Head to Hermannstraße! The Publix Kantine is the new spot in bustling Neukölln that offers just that. The canteen is run by a team that knows the neighborhood inside out. The makers of 21Gramm (and formerly Terz), a little further down the street, have taken over the kitchen. There is a different lunch dish every day, which is vegan at its base and can be topped with omnivorous add-ons or not. During our visit, the crowd queued up for lentil stew (sausages optional) and for the crunchy, colorful carrot and beet salads. Grilled cheese on the go (with bread from Gorilla — also located on Hermannstrasse, of course), energy balls and lemon poppy seed cake for dessert or afternoon snack. But the canteen is actually a rather tempting add-on to the establishment! Publix is first and foremost a place to work. The idea was conceived by the Schöpflin Foundation in 2017 and the building opened in 2024. The foundation aims to promote independent journalism and strengthen democracy. What could be more important, especially in these times? Publix is now “a new home for all those who do journalism, shape the public sphere and strengthen democracy”. And this is exactly what’s happening here. In the middle of Hermannstrasse, editorial offices, organizations and NGOs are currently working side by side — including the business magazine Good Impact, the NGO Reporters Without Borders and the think tank More in Common — and soon maybe you? Because the building is also a co-working space. There are two models: flex and fixed. Either way, the views are excellent (on both sides). On one side the hustle and bustle of Hermannstrasse, on the other a view of the greenery. In between are conference rooms, cozy telephone booths, a library — there are even apartments for guests. And if you work in media, there is also a podcast studio and a video and editing room. So, space is there, and an incredible network of people to work alongside.

And all of this, in what I deem to be a very successful design, thanks to the architects from AFF Architekten and the interior designers from Kahatt. The interior design is particularly impressive — exposed concrete, floor-to-ceiling windows, metal and wood details and red color accents are designed down to the last detail, including the furniture concept. If you are interested, whether in a workplace for every day or in one of the rooms for special occasions, enquire online or in person. Or come to a Publix event and get to know the building and the vibe. We’ve picked out two events in March 2025 for you (see below). In any case, Publix is more than the sum of its parts, it’s a place with a dedicated team and lots of potential. All that’s missing is you! It opens at 8 a.m. — so no excuses.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Publix, Hermannstr.90, 12051 Berlin–Neukölln; map

Publix Thursday Event: “Discourse instead of destruction: How can we become a resilient information society?”13.03.2025 18h30–20h

Book Launch: “How we became so beautiful” with Rabea Weihser, moderated by Daniel Schreiber 25.03.2025 19–20h30 

@publixberlin
@publix_berlin_kantine

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