January 2025

Ikigai Tea Bar: Berlin's newest matcha hotspot

© Ikigai Tea Bar

At the Ikigai Tea Bar, everything revolves around high-quality, traditional matcha. In the heart of Berlin, you can enjoy the finest Ceremonial Grade Matcha - pure or as a latte, classic or with a twist (e.g. in combination with Earl Grey or Yuzu). The minimalist design and relaxed atmosphere make the store the perfect place for a little time out. Also on the menu: creative matcha desserts and plant-based milk alternatives - at no extra charge.

Ikigai Tea Bar - Kronenstraße 66, 10117

Zerö Kebap: Fantastic veggie kebab with homemade, vegan meat

© Zerö Kebap

In Brunnenstraße, Zerö Kebap is setting new standards for the classic kebab - with a focus on plant-based alternatives and high-quality, fresh ingredients. Instead of meat, an innovative, homemade alternative made from plant-based proteins is used in the crispy bread, combined with fresh salads and spicy sauces. In addition to the kebabs, there are also dürüm, bowls, sandwiches and various vegan drinks. Important note for all vegans: Crumbled cheese is available on request. This is not a vegan substitute product, but classic cow's milk cheese.

Zerö Kebab - Brunnenstraße 5, 10119

Charming little sandwich bar Italian style

© Catbird

In Akazienstraße, Catbird brings Italian street food to Schöneberg. In addition to fantastic pizza slices, they also serve panuozzo sandwiches - crispy pizza bread filled with vegetables, cheese or meat. Perfect for on the go or a quick lunch. Choose from varieties such as Reuben, Truffle Chicken or Firenze with mortadella, pistachio and stracciatella. Served with fresh focaccia bread with pesto, tomato sauce or even Nutella.

In the morning - Cafe Audrey

© Food Adventures Berlin 

In summer, Café Audrey with its French bistro chairs and marble tables invites you on a French vacation in the middle of Berlin. But the café is also a great place to go during the colder months - especially for lovers of good coffee. The coffee comes from Berlin's Five Elephant Roastery and is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious cakes and pastries on display inside the café.

At the weekend, things get a little more extravagant with a small but fine brunch menu. You'll find it there: Crispy French toast with seasonal fruit, maple syrup and a scoop of creamy ice cream on top. Also very tasty: the Eggs Pablo with poached eggs, aioli, baby spinach, chorizo and hollondaise sauce on a delicate brioche. In general, all dishes are prepared with great care and attention to detail, so you can't go wrong with your choice - whether sweet or savory.

Lunch - Ishin

© Food Adventures Berlin

Ishin serves good quality Japanese home cooking at fair prices and in a central location. Whether for a business lunch, a snack between meals or dinner with friends: Ishin is the place to go when it comes to good Japanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The first branch opened in Berlin in 1996 and since then several other locations have followed, both in the city center and in the City West.

Last but not least, the restaurant is often frequented by Japanese people living in Berlin: a sign that authentic and honest cuisine is served here. The menu? Ranges from crisp salads to fresh sushi and warm bowls. When it comes to sushi, you have the choice between various menus or an individual composition - with a selection of maki, nigiri, uramaki (also known as California roll) or sashimi. We also recommend one of the hot dishes, such as the hearty dons (rice-based bowls) or the specialty Cey-Ro steamed in a bamboo bowl with fresh fish or vegetable variations.

Evening - Gazzo

© Gazzo

Admittedly, the Gazzo is not exactly an insider tip and has been hyped for quite a while. But we think: rightly so. Apart from that, the idea of making pizza with sourdough is not only new, but also a real hit in terms of taste. Another advantage: the sourdough, which matures for several months, also makes the pizzas much more digestible. In addition to the special dough, another focus is on the quality of the individual ingredients, which are sourced from sustainable cultivation and regional producers wherever possible.

In addition to a few starters, there are ten pizzas to choose from on the menu. For example, the Pizza Bianca with portobello mushrooms, spinach leaves, pine nuts and fresh herbs. Or perhaps you'd prefer a Bufala pizza with Brandenburger buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce and basil? Either way, the main thing is that you leave room for dessert afterwards: the secret favorite alongside the sourdough pizzas is the homemade soft ice cream - either with boiled cinnamon apples and sprinkles or olive oil and sea salt.

Japan Plaza

© Japan Plaza 

Japan Plaza is a new spot for exclusively Japanese food and products. You can choose from typical snacks, exotic KitKat varieties, traditional spices and sauces as well as special niche products that are otherwise difficult to find. The store is rather small, but is complemented by the bistro of the same name next door, where you can round off your visit with delicious ramen, Japanese curry or donburi. 

Japan Plaza - Rochstraße 14e, 10178 Berlin Mitte