The team behind Frea are a busy bunch: following the opening of their restaurant in 2019, the sustainable experts have launched Berlin’s first zero-waste spot for baked goods: Frea Bakery. The Mitte cafe, which opened its doors in April 2022, sticks to the original ethos of founders David Johannes Suchy and Jasmin Martin, namely “Full Taste. Zero Waste”. As with the Torstraße eatery, all products at the bakery are seasonal and (typically) regionally sourced, with no plastic waste produced. Any biodegradable leftovers end up in the in-house composter, with the resulting soily waste sent back to suppliers. For the interior, the team brought together local carpenters and upholsterers and furnished the space with Viennese-style chairs from Ton on Chausseestraße and tables made from recycled oak.
But it’s what they bake in the shop that’s the real pull: there’s fresh sourdough bread, vegan croissants, brioche and chocolate chip cookies, plus an eat-in menu of (hot) dishes for breakfast and lunch. Brekkie highlights include the vegan oat porridge with oat milk, Frea granola, homemade apple-lemon jam, coconut yogurt, apples and tangerines – simply an oatmeal lover’s dream. Back to the pastries for a second: our pick has to be the “Spandauer”, a crispy croissant made with custard that sells faster than, well, hot cakes. So set your alarm, grab a shopping bag and head to Frea to pick up some early-morning treats.
Text: Alison Musch / Photos: Sophie Doering
Frea Bakery, Gartenstr.9, 10115 Berlin–Mitte; map
Wed–Sun 8–15 h
@freabakery
