
Why sandwiches? Because they’re universal. Every culture has its take on a sandwich, from bánh mì in Vietnam to panini in Italy. And, let’s face it, you will never get sick of good sandwiches. Rochelle and Olle, the masterminds behind Romeo’s, the new hotspot at Görli, agree. Launched as a pop-up two years ago, Romeo’s became a permanent deli in mid-March 2025, adding a fresh twist to Berlin’s sandwich scene. Word spread quickly among locals, friends, and the many followers who have been rooting for Romeo’s since the first pop-ups. Rochelle grew up in the hospitality industry, with her parents running pubs in England and, later, cafés in Australia, where she regularly pitched in. After a stint in fashion, she returned to her roots. Olle was the family’s little chef from the age of six. The shock came when his babysitter caught him reaching for the whisky bottle to make a sauce. He gained culinary inspiration through his travels and time spent at Bar Normal and Sorrel. When they began conceptualizing Romeo’s in 2020 during the pandemic, one thing was clear: Berlin needed a really, really good sandwich deli.
No location could be more perfect than the former pastry shop that Rochelle and Olle frequented themselves. The interior draws inspiration from Milanese espresso bars and American diners, paying homage to the perfect, simple sandwich. The homemade focaccia, emulsions, and pickles come together in countless delicious variations. There are five signature sandwiches on the menu, along with rotating specials. The “Chicken Melt” features tender chicken, green tarragon sauce, and plenty of cheese between two slices of Keit sourdough. My personal favorite is “The Italian” — topped with two cold cuts, cheese, salad, and homemade pickles, this hefty sandwich is a dream for anyone craving New York-style deli sandwiches. Dessert specials are also a treat, though the cookies are a permanent fixture on the menu. They’re so popular that they often sell out by lunchtime. Oh, and Romeo? That’s Rochelle and Olle’s cat. A perfect name for a deli with an Italian twist.
Text & photos: Robyn Steffen
Romeo’s, Lausitzer Str.47, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
@romeosberlin