Would you rather sit beneath the red umbrellas, facing Charlottenburg’s handsome prewar façades, or settle into the mustard-yellow banquette surrounded by oversize paintings? Either way, Bottega Seppel is inviting — the kind of Charlottenburg restaurant where you end up staying longer than planned. And that’s about more than its considered interior. The attention to aesthetics is personal. Lidia and her partner, Luiz, both native Berliners, have touched nearly every plank of wood and tile in the place with their own hands. They charred timber, knocked down walls, laid tile, and applied generous amounts of color before Bottega Seppel finally opened in October 2024. The name, which to my ear suggests something closer to a humble neighborhood tavern, is a remnant of childhood. Seppel was an old nickname. For Lidia, it still conjures “long evenings around the table, clinking glasses, good food, loud laughter and the lovely feeling that there’s always room for one more.” We start on the sheltered terrace, where the red umbrellas evoke vacation mood. French bistro chairs and the unhurried rhythm of a Charlottenburg evening do the rest. Around us is the pleasant blur of conversation — different languages, different subjects. The easygoing arrival soon gives way to some unexpected crunch. Tiny crisp curry leaves on a scallop are surprisingly delightful. So is the little arancino perched on basil mayonnaise, the sort of crunchy bite that makes you salivate for another. But then…

….the house-made ricotta arrives, creamy and served with vegetables. While you’re still wondering how they do it quite so smoothly — from inside, incidentally, you can peek into the open kitchen — the main course may already be on its way. We glance at the plates across from us, purely because friends happen to be sitting there (the world is small, or perhaps it’s just Charlottenburg). They order the tartare — one serving, then another the moment the plate is licked clean. We, however, have gone for the “Seppel Chicken”. The bird is in the logo, after all. It sounds considerably less fancy and looks the part, too, but its straightforwardness is precisely the appeal. “Simple is good,” as the Seppel team likes to say. Things become less simple when you turn to the drinks list, or merely look around at what’s landing on neighboring tables. The vivid green Basil Smash is hard to ignore, and the Espresso Martini appears to have a loyal following. The wine selection is extensive, but we keep things uncomplicated (and coordinate with the umbrellas) with the very good house rosé, followed by the nonalcoholic house spritz with beetroot, which is pleasingly, mercifully, not sweet. A little sweetness is welcome at the end, though, particularly in the form of chocolate mousse with sea salt. And there is another ingredient that seems to season everything at Bottega Seppel: genuine warmth, courtesy of the people working there. It may be the most important one, and one reason you leave this Charlottenburg restaurant not only full, but in a noticeably better mood. And if the name has been ringing a bell, you’re not imagining it. There is now a smaller, more casual sister called Seppli. But that’s an outing for another day.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Aditya Christian

Bottega Seppel, Giesebrechtstr.3, 10629 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map

@bottegaseppel

With over twenty years in hospitality, focusing on events and pop-up bars, Eva Drohner yearned for a permanent venue to call home. Out of that longing, Bari, a new daytime drinking destination, was born. Nestled in Kreuzberg near Maybachufer, Bari is a lively daytime drinking hangout that offers a refreshing take on Italian-American cuisine, blending comfort classics with a twist. Think of dishes like schnitzel smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, perfectly paired with a cocktail or two. Noticing a gap in Berlin for Italian-American food, Lucas Klemm stepped in with a creative menu that blends American flavors with traditional Italian recipes, with Virginia Vallesi perfecting dishes. This approach results in home-style plates for contemporary diners like Parmigiana and Rigatoni Ragu Bianci, a cherished family recipe passed down from Klemm’s mother. Among the standout entrées is the Baby Gem Salad, a simple yet mouthwatering salad of lettuce, caramelized cashews, and radishes doused in ranch dressing, which will no doubt be a crowd-pleaser. And since Drohner wants Bari to be a day-drinking hub, the bar menu is quite impressive, showcasing Italian spirits like Campari, Amaro, and Vermouth expertly woven into drinks such as the Negroni, Americano, and Fluffy Garibaldi.

For those seeking lighter, more daytime-friendly options, the menu features a delicious Margarita and Muddy Paloma (a creative spin on the classic). If you’re not in the mood for cocktails, they have something for everyone, including Meckatzer beer, shots, and a variety of non-alcoholic options. Looking ahead, Bari plans to further upgrade its cocktail experience by introducing signature drinks and house-made infusions. But for now, guests can savor the current lineup of refreshing drinks and imaginative dishes, making Bari your go-to destination for a delightful afternoon drinking gathering.

Text: Yolanda Evans / Photos: Mohit Amlani

Bari, Friedelstr.37, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map

@bari.berlin

A few years ago, Fabi Eberlein set off in search of a new adventure. Instead, he returned with an idea for a restaurant. Influenced by his time across Asia, his passion for deep-sea fishing, and his curiosity about what makes a memorable dining experience, he created Fat Henry — a seafood-focused restaurant tucked away in Mitte. It’s a spot that invites people from all walks of life with a more laissez-faire and unforced approach to dining. Originally, Fat Henry started as an oyster market stall, and, along the way, Fabi met the people who would become key members of the Fat Henry team, including the restaurant’s head chefs. While the menu is mainly inspired by Japanese-Peruvian fusion, Chef Hai and Milan don’t limit themselves to any one cuisine or traditional concept. Instead, the kitchen takes a more creative approach, refining dishes based on seasonality, new ingredients, and fresh ideas. Of course, we had to start with oysters, each with its own twist: a classic mignonette, wasabi salsa, yuzu salt, and Fat Henry’s kimchi spice. Moving on to the main plates, the white fish ceviche with yuzu and coconut milk was the perfect balance of citrus and lightness, while equally gorgeous to look at, thanks to its pop of color.

The fatty Balfegó bluefin tuna ponzu melted in our mouths with every bite. To continue the yuzu theme, we paired it with the Yuzu Sour made with Roku gin, as well as the Shiso Smash, a new addition to the menu that is worth ordering again. Although seafood sits at the heart of the menu (the restaurant’s logo is a fish), they also offer vegetarian and vegan options. We tried the sriracha rice bowl with avocado and strawberries, something that looked ordinary but surprised us with its richness and delicious flavor. The interior of Fat Henry looks straight out of my Pinterest board, with details inspired by a love of mid-century modern architecture and design. It’s a warm and intimate setting. Much of that attention to detail is thanks to Fabi’s younger sister Franzi, who worked alongside Lily and Jessica from Kore Projects to bring the concept to life. They also collaborated with Felix Klein Design on the woodwork and furniture, which defines much of the space’s character, while the stools were designed by Valentin Lilgenau. Whether you come for the oysters, the tuna, or simply a good evening, Fat Henry is shaped by creativity, curiosity, and a team that enjoys what they do.

Text: Stefania Basano / Photos: Isabelle Marten

Fat Henry, Joachimstr.7, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map

@fathenryberlin