Berlin’s lack of strict licensing laws means that many bars and clubs stay open round the clock and late nights mean late breakfasts. Indeed breakfast in Berlin often means brunch – there’s no real distinction between the two.
As many hotels charge extra for a somewhat lame variant save your money and enjoy a real Berlin speciality at one of its cafés or restaurants – most places serve all morning and many all day, so there’s no rush to grab your place before the buffet closes.
The German capital has been serving wonderful breakfast spreads since before the Wall came down, and with so many different styles to choose from we decided to help out by listing six that each offer something special…
When you crave chocolate – even for breakfast – Fassbender-Rausch
Image obtained from Flickr.com under Creative Commons (c) Ayaaa
Some people just can’t get enough chocolate. Berlin has just the place for you. At their Gendarmenmarkt store, Fassbender-Rausch sell just about every variety you can imagine either loose or in boxes. You can also gaze in awe at scale models of the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate made from the sweet stuff. With your appetite suitably aroused head upstairs to Europe’s first Chocolate Restaurant. It may not make for the healthiest breakfast in the world and you’d not last long if you made it a daily event, but it’s worth it for a lone splurge. Fassbender & Rausch’s huge selection is complemented by excellent coffee – in case that sugar kick isn’t enough to get you going.
Fassbender & Rausch Chocolatiers am Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin. U-Bahn to Stadtmitte
http://www.fassbender-rausch.com/
When you want to enjoy some old-fashioned Viennese style – Café Einstein Stammhaus
Image (c) www.overgaard.dk
A Berlin institution since Cold War days, Café Einstein is Viennese coffee house and restaurant located in an attractive old villa with all the authentic touches; wood-panelled walls, leather sofas and pristinely-clad waiters. All the usual suspects are on offer and of the utmost quality – you’ll not find better Apfelstrudel this far north of the Austrian capital. A range of newspapers are available which are best read over a pastry while checking out the luvvies at the other tables (it’s a favourite hang-out of the Berlin theatre and art scene. No half measures here – Café Einstein roasts its own coffee and of course bakes its own bread and cakes – and yes, serves breakfast all day long in case you were late getting to bed after last night’s triumphant gallery opening.
Café Einstein Stammhaus, Kurfürstenstrasse 58, 10785 Berlin. U-Bahn to Nollendorfplatz
http://www.cafeeinstein.com/en/
When you’re after a little peace and quiet (as well as a great breakfast) – Cafe Rix
Image (c) iwanowski.de
Café Rix is a Neukölln classic still relatively undiscovered by those living in a different kiez. It’s equally worth visiting to start or end your day (with breakfast either way) and is big enough to offer a little privacy and peace and quiet should you be feeling a little fragile. It’s quite well hidden in a backyard off the main drag in Neukölln, Karl-Marx-Strasse, but is worth hunting down – it’s an oasis in a very busy part of the city. The large indoor seating area used to be a ballroom which is apparent from the huge mirrors in the hall and the old-fashioned decor. As well as regular brunch, Rix has a buffet every Sunday and on public holidays from 1000-1430 with a substantial choice – if you can get up in time. In the summer the courtyard outside transforms into a pleasant place to sit beneath the chestnut trees with a coffee or a beer – Rix serves local craft beer too.
Café Rix im Saalbau Neukölln, Karl-Marx-Strasse 141, 12043 Berlin. U-Bahn to Karl-Marx-Strasse
When you want to cosy up indoors – Oranium
Image (c) warsteiner.de
Oranium is another well-known establishment which excels at brunch and breakfast. Prices are fair and the food is very good – they are especially good at crepes. It’s a wonderful place to escape the cold as the comfy armchairs and cost atmosphere provide the warmth you need when the thermometer starts diving during the long Berlin winter. As you might have guessed from its name Oranium is located on Oranienburger Strasse so there’s plenty to do when you finally decide to drag yourself out again.
Oranium, Oranienburger Strasse 33/34, 10117 Berlin. U and S-Bahn to Friedrichstrasse, S-Bahn to Oranienburger Strasse
When you need something to suit everyone – More
Image (c) e-concierge.de
If you have strange tastes, or picky guests, More is your best bet for breakfast in Berlin due to having probably the longest menu in the city. You can have a Continental, British or Oriental breakfast and More even caters for those weird vegetarians too. It is a little more expensive than other places but the premium is worth it. The café itself is stylishly decorated in a very modern and minimalist style and service is friendly and professional.
More Restaurant, Motzstraße 28, 10777 Berlin. U-Bahn to Nollendorfplatz
When you want to enjoy breakfast outdoors on a sunny day – Cayetano
Image (c) cayetano-berlin.de
When the sun comes out, Berlin shines. For an alfresco breakfast with a difference head to Friedrichshain to visit Cayetano. It’s a Spanish-influenced place with great egg dishes and tapas. The seating area is perfectly located for people-watching in this lively area. On a warm day you can’t beat sitting here with an omelette or a breakfast platter and chilling out.
Cayetano, Simon-Dach Str.14, 10245 Berlin. U-Bahn to Friedrichshain
http://www.cayetano-berlin.de/#start (German only)
great to see Cafe Rix here! it is one of my favorite places to have breakfast in berlin. and it is only a few blocks away from my house