What does a gorilla and a loaf of bread have in common? We asked Gorilla Bäckerei founders Frithjof Wodarg, Matteo Angioi and Marlon Briceño about the name behind their bakery in Schillerkiez. The seemingly odd moniker is in fact a homage to the striking metal gorilla statue that previous occupants Batman Elektronik had displayed outside their shop. Designed by interior architect and carpenter Mathilde Gaudin, Gorilla is a bright, open space that opened in December 2020. Full length windows flood the bakery with natural light, putting the handicrafts center stage and allowing customers to watch the full kitchen process.
When we visit, a child watches the loaves being made and one of the bakers smiles and tosses some flour at the window. The team are friendly, their internationality reflected in the well-crafted and diverse offerings: a selection of Romano pizzas, French breakfast pastries including brioche and croissants, plus coffee from Passenger. As for the bread, you can pick from a selection of classic round-form sourdough and well-crafted baguettes, with the nut loaf a particular favorite. And although the namesake gorilla has been taken away, in its place is a neighborhood bakery that is proving just as well-loved.
Text: Scarlett Peeters / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Gorilla Bäckerei, Hermannstr.211, 12049 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Open Wed–Sun 8–17h for takeaway.
@gorilla_baeckerei