Potsdam? Many associate the city with palaces and historic façades, but it’s worth looking beyond the well-known architecture. In the Dutch Quarter, among rows of red brick houses, small independent shops and cafés, you can discover a different side of the city. Right here, on Benkertstraße, Bussi & Amore fits seamlessly into the streetscape. And much like Potsdam itself, the place combines the familiar with the new. From morning to evening, the Austrian-inspired Bussi & Amore serves dishes ranging from brunch to dinner, accompanied by aperitifs and wine. Founded in 2024 by Julia Gockeln and Andreas Hauke as a second venue alongside Österelli, both projects center on two things above all: good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Inside as well as outside, it’s easy to find your place. Indoors, black-marble tables meet colorful paintings, a green-tiled bar counter and playful details like a disco ball give the space a light, slightly whimsical character. Outside, sit right in the middle of the Dutch Quarter, surrounded by small shops and cafés, with the distinctive brick façades forming the backdrop. A holiday feeling emerges as tourists and locals wander through the streets.
What makes Bussi & Amore particularly interesting is how it changes throughout the day. The blend of historic surroundings and contemporary atmosphere is reflected in the menu. Those starting their day in Potsdam in the morning will find both savory and sweet options. On offer are classics such as eggs Benedict with avocado or an açaí bowl with fruit and peanut butter. My personal pick for warm days is a relaxed brunch with cold mimosas. At lunchtime, dishes include a fried chicken sandwich on brioche with coleslaw and fries, lifted by sriracha and pesto that take it in a slightly different direction. Familiar flavors are combined with unexpected ones. Things become a little more experimental with burrata served with rhubarb, tomato sorbet, and herb oil (especially well suited to hot days). The dumplings with crackling and cabbage, or the avocado and burrata toast with crispy chili, also play with this mix of the familiar and the new. My favorite is the caramelised Kaiserschmarrn with apple compote, almonds, and raisins, where the Austrian influence of the place comes through most clearly. Beyond its food offerings, Bussi & Amore is a social space. For those who like to eat well and dance, events like “Urlaub im Glas” are exactly the thing: evenings with aperitifs, wine, and a live DJ playing Italo disco. What becomes clear is that, depending on when you visit, Bussi & Amore reveals a different side of itself. And perhaps it’s exactly the kind of place that turns a short trip to Potsdam into a longer one.
Text & Photos: Isabelle Marten
Bussi & Amore, Benkertstr.19, 14467 Potsdam; map
@Bussi_und_amore
