Just behind Suarezstraße in Charlottenburg, known as the go-to destination for antique enthusiasts, Lotta Tagesbarreopened in spring 2024. Nestled in the basement of the Carlotta apartment building — a creation by Grüntuch Ernst Architekten, renowned for their transformation of the former women’s prison in Kantstraße into the Hotel Wilmina — the location is no coincidence. Both share a serene inner courtyard, enveloped by the old building’s ivy-clad walls. Within a light-filled, minimalist space, Lotta Tagesbar offers a haven where homemade specialties are crafted from regional ingredients, and guests are invited to linger throughout the day. Mornings commence with specialty coffees and indulgent brunch options: think grilled sourdough layered with pea mash, pickled and fermented vegetable delights, apple bread topped with orange cream, and fresh waffles with berries and crunchy buckwheat. All complemented by freshly squeezed fruit lemonades or their signature chai latte. On my visit, the “Croque Wilmina,” boasting homemade pastrami, Blomeyer’s cheese and kimchi sandwiched between grilled sourdough bread, immediately caught my attention.
Embracing the tradition of Italian day bars, Lotta caters not only to early risers but also to afternoon crowds with enticing aperitivos. Alongside the daily menu, a curated selection of wines, delectable cocktails and evening snacks awaits, featuring homemade vegetable pickles, cream cheese infused with chive oil, goat’s cheese paired with caramelized walnuts, and honey-salted nuts. On balmy summer evenings, Lotta offers a serene escape for early gatherings, tucked away amidst flowing courtyards and verdant foliage, yet centrally located within the city. For those infrequently visiting the West, Lotta Tagesbar beckons with offerings to bring home. Revering the regionality of its offerings, the bar collaborates closely with neighborhood suppliers, showcasing a range of selected products from nearby coffee roasters and Berlin producers, alongside their creations such as jams, granola and pickled vegetables.
Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen
Lotta, Pestalozzistr.55A, 10627 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
@lotta.tagesbar
