Berlin is a city that lives and breathes coffee. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-blown coffee geek, this city has some of the best specialty coffee spots in Europe. With sustainability and quality at the heart of Berlin’s coffee culture, you’re never far from an excellent brew. From hidden gems to beloved institutions, here’s your guide to the best cafés in Berlin—where you’ll sip like a local and discover stories behind every cup. And trust me, it’s worth more than just a pit stop on your Berlin food tour.
A Quick Dive into Berlin’s Coffee History
The story of coffee in Berlin really starts after World War II, when Berlin’s cafés history was shaped by Italian immigrants who brought their beloved espresso with them. Back then, Berliners had little exposure to coffee as we know it today. But that changed as Italian cafés popped up around the city, transforming Berlin’s relationship with the drink. Over the decades, Berlin developed its own coffee culture, which today is shaped by the 3rd wave coffee movement, emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing.
This means when you visit sustainable cafés in Berlin, you’re supporting farmers, drinking high-quality beans, and lowering your carbon footprint—all while enjoying some of the best brews around.
The 14 Best Cafés in Berlin
1. Bonanza Coffee Roasters
Bonanza is where Berlin’s modern coffee obsession began. Known for their beautifully designed spaces and expert roasting, Bonanza sources beans directly from farmers and focuses on sustainable practices.
– Pro Tip: Go for their flat white—it’s creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced.
2. The Barn
A Berlin institution in the 3rd wave coffee movement, The Barn is all about excellence. They work closely with farmers and have built a name on quality and sustainability. The flagship café in Mitte is the perfect stop for coffee aficionados.
– Pro Tip: Try the pour-over. Their single-origin brews let you taste every flavor note.
3. Five Elephant
Located in Kreuzberg, Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, Five Elephant is a must for both coffee lovers and cheesecake addicts. They roast their beans with a focus on sustainability, and their café is welcoming with a laid-back vibe.
– Pro Tip: Order a slice of their famous cheesecake with an espresso. You won’t regret it.
4. Coffee Circle
More than just great coffee, Coffee Circle is a company with a cause. They donate a portion of their sales to projects in coffee-growing regions, focusing on sustainability in every cup.
– Pro Tip: Their espresso tonic is a refreshing, zesty take on your caffeine fix.
5. Father Carpenter
Hidden in a quaint courtyard, Father Carpenter offers an escape from the city bustle. Their focus on ethically sourced beans and sustainable practices makes every sip meaningful.
– Pro Tip: Their flat white pairs perfectly with their signature banana bread. A match made in heaven.
6. Silo Coffee
Located in the heart of Friedrichshain, Silo Coffee is known for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Their all-day brunch menu is top-tier, and the coffee is just as impressive.
– Pro Tip: Get the avocado toast with a cappuccino. The perfect start to a Berlin morning.
7. Chapter One
Chapter One in Kreuzberg is a pioneer in 3rd wave coffee in Berlin, and it shows. This cozy spot is all about single-origin beans and showcasing unique brewing methods like V60 and Aeropress.
– Pro Tip: Ask for the Aeropress brew. It’s a deep dive into the flavors of the bean.
8. Populus Coffee
Populus Coffee is located in Neukölln and is known for its attention to detail in both coffee and sustainability. They roast their own beans and work directly with farms that prioritize ethical practices.
– Pro Tip: Go for their seasonal espresso blend—it’s full of rich, complex flavors.
9. Flying Roasters
This small roastery in Wedding is all about transparency and sustainability. Flying Roasters is one of the leading voices in Berlin’s ethical coffee movement, sourcing directly from farmers and paying fair wages.
– Pro Tip: Their cold brew is a perfect pick-me-up for a sunny day, and their freshly roasted beans are great to take home – for a really great price.
10. Calm Coffee
Tucked away in Friedrichshain, Calm Coffee lives up to its name with a serene atmosphere and excellent service. The beans are sustainably sourced, and the café itself focuses on a zero-waste approach.
– Pro Tip: Their filter coffee is a standout—go for the V60 and taste the difference.
11. 19grams
Originally known as Tres Cabezas, 19grams is a key player in Berlin’s specialty coffee scene. They roast their own beans and are passionate about sustainability, with cafés all over the city.
– Pro Tip: Their Nitro Cold Brew is a must-try for a smooth, creamy coffee experience.
12. Green Wall Coffee (Lichtenberg)
In the quieter neighborhood of Lichtenberg where we live, Green Wall Coffee is a true hidden gem that offers locally roasted beans and a strong focus on sustainability. We often get our beans from Norbert, the extremely knowledgeable and friendly owner of the shop. The vibe is relaxed, making it a perfect stop away from the usual tourist trail.
– Pro Tip: Try their signature espresso and pick up a bag of their house-roasted beans for home brewing.
13. No Fire No Glory
This Prenzlauer Berg spot is a favorite among locals who care about their coffee’s origins. No Fire No Glory is committed to direct trade and transparency, ensuring your cup is both ethical and delicious.
– Pro Tip: Their batch brew filter coffee is the go-to for a quick, flavorful cup.
14. Oslo Kaffebar
Bringing a Scandinavian touch to Berlin’s coffee scene, Oslo Kaffebar is a cozy spot with top-notch brews. They partner with local roasters and focus on sustainable practices, making this a great choice for a guilt-free coffee break.
– Pro Tip: Go for their signature filter coffee. It’s clean, crisp, and perfect for slow sipping.
Pro Tips for Sipping Like a Local
When embarking on your Berlin coffee tour, it’s all about trying new things and diving into Berlin’s sustainable food culture. Here are a few tips to make your café experience unforgettable:
– Go Local: Many of these cafés roast their own beans, which means you’re getting coffee that’s incredibly fresh and packed with flavor.
– Try the Filter: While espresso-based drinks are popular, Berlin’s cafés excel at filter coffee. Give it a shot to taste the full profile of the beans. Might take a bit longer, but it’s worth it!
– Pair with a Snack: Berlin’s cafés also offer some amazing bites. Whether it’s Five Elephant’s cheesecake or Silo’s avocado toast, don’t miss out.
– Take Beans Home: Many cafés offer freshly roasted beans you can take home, so you can relive your Berlin coffee experience wherever you are.
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Whether you’re here for a day or a week, make sure to sip your way through the best specialty coffee Berlin has to offer. These cafés aren’t just about great brews—they’re about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and celebrating the city’s unique coffee culture. So grab a cup, and enjoy Berlin like a real local!
Book Our Authentic Berlin Food Tours Today!
Looking to make the most of your time in Berlin? Want to sip some top-notch specialty coffee, devour delicious food and desserts, all while learning about Berlin’s wild history and soaking in the local vibes? Want to meet like-minded foodies and knowledgable local guides? Then come join us on one of our exceptional food walking tours that take you way off the beaten path!
On our Berlin Gourmet Food Tour and Berlin Vegan Food Tour, you’ll indulge in Berlin’s 3rd wave coffee culture like a true local—because who wants tourist traps when you can eat, drink, and explore like a Berliner?
Don’t miss out on the tastiest way to experience Berlin—book your tour today!
If you have questions about our food and craft beer tours, please always feel free to get in touch with us!
