Since I moved to Germany 5 years ago, I have to admit that the Germans have fundamentally changed a few things about me. The number one thing: bread. I love bread now! Germans are VERY good at baking bread. I am now obsessed with bakeries, pastries and bread, so I start many of my days in Germany with a walk to a nearby bakery for a gluten-filled treat. From artisanal sourdough bakeries to cozy vegan cafés serving hearty breakfast platters, Berlin is a city that knows how to eat in the morning.
As Germany’s foodie hub, Berlin is a city that knows how to rise to the occasion when it comes to delightful pastries, hearty bread, and Instagram-worthy brunches.
If you’re a fellow carb enthusiast or just someone on the hunt for the perfect brunch spot, you’re in for a treat – both literally and figuratively. I can almost guarantee you’ll find a breakfast spot you love in Berlin. Whether you’re craving a flaky croissant, a vegan breakfast burrito, or a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, Berlin’s bakeries and brunch spots cater to every taste. Join me on this doughy journey as I unveil all of my favorite bakery and brunch spots in Berlin.
gorilla
A small-batch neighborhood bakery will always make me swoon, and Gorilla hits all the right notes with their Neukölln (or Schöneberg) location. Sourdough serves as the foundation for many of Gorilla’s creations, including croissants, loaves and pastries. Don’t miss the Kouign-amann. There are also incredible Roman pizzas and focaccia tray bakes here! The small cafe overlooks the main bakery through massive glass windows, letting visitors enjoy the magic of the fermentation and baking process. They also have a great brunch here if you’re looking to savor and enjoy with friends!
Albatross
Unconventional yet deeply delicious flavors are the star of the show at Albatross Bakery. Think beetroot bread or pumpkin cream stuffed croissants. Everything in the pastry case will tempt you, so choose whatever looks delicious on that day. On the day I went, I was in the mood for a croissant but there are no wrong choices! This is one of the most acclaimed bakeries in Berlin, and supplies over 50 different coffee shops around the city. You can buy directly from the bakery for takeaway or dine-in at the small cafe.
Sofia
Tucked far back in the Sophie-Gips-Höfen in a quiet corner of Mitte, Sofi is a trendy bakery that opened in 2021 to much fanfare from Berlin locals. It might just be the best bakery in all of Berlin! While breads such as rye or sourdough are the specialty at Sofi, the proof of the pastry cannot be denied. Twice-baked croissants filled with almond or pistachio cream are particularly nice. Come early to sample the secret star – crispy croissant morning buns. I am a big fan of the gorgeous aesthetics here. From the lime wash walls to a woven basket chandelier, Sofi gives you the feel of an island hotel in the heart of Berlin.
Time for bread
One of the most beloved bakery chains in Berlin is Zeit für Brot, which translates as ‘Time for Bread’. These stylish, minimalist cafes create fantastic quality breads and pastries. Even with multiple locations around the city, it is not uncommon to see a line out the door for these baked treats. I’ve tried a number of things on the menu, and a few highlights include the pretzel croissants, the cinnamon buns, the carrot cake and the sourdough loaf. There are plenty of options to take away as well, including hearty sandwiches and espresso.
Cinnamood
If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or even just a passing sugar craving), Cinnamood will satisfy your cravings. Billed as next level rolls, this indulgent little spot is all about soft, gooey rolls topped with everything from pistachio cream to Nutella drizzle. It started with cinnamon rolls, and has expanded the offering since. Each roll is baked fresh and totally over the top. Grab extra napkins – trust me, you’ll need them.
Brammibal’s Donuts
With delightful branding in colorful pinks and blues, stepping into a Brammibal Donuts will immediately improve your mood. This is the undisputed home of donuts in Berlin. The best part? Everything is vegan! You wouldn’t know it though, because these decadent fried creations are rich, flavorful and the furthest thing from “health” food you can imagine. There is a classic menu with donuts like strawberry sprinkles and salted caramel, as well as the special menu with even more indulgent choices like tiramisu, red velvet and boston creme. Most people get a box of 4, 6 or 12 to go.
Round & Edgy
In my experience, cookies are one of those American foods that Europeans haven’t quite mastered. They’re often too crunchy or dry or bland or honestly, just not very good. Round & Edgy solves that problem – and it is vegan! This Berlin-based artisan bakery specializes in 100% plant-based, New York City-style cookies. Their offerings rotate seasonally, and there are usually only 5-6 cookies available per day, but nostalgic flavors like chocolate chunk & sea salt or white chocolate macadamia are typically on offer. They have really mastered the crispy exterior and a gooey interior. Plus, you can eat them warm if you dine in the shop.
Fine bagels
Germany doesn’t have an abundance of bagel shops (for fairly obvious historical reasons), and I miss bagels dearly. Luckily, this Friedrichshain bagel shop does a fantastic job bringing New York-style bagels and Jewish-American bakery sweets to Berlin. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu here, but make sure you order your bagel with cream cheese – they are GENEROUS with the schmear here. If you’re not interested in any of their pre-made bagel sandwiches, you can design your own bagel sandwich, customizing the cream cheese, bagel & toppings. They even have vegan options! Settle in for an hour or two because this shop also doubles as a bookstore.
Best bagels
Celebrated for its authentic, freshly baked bagels, Beste Bagel truly does have some of the best bagels in Berlin. Signature bagels include brioche, sesame, poppy seeds and cinnamon raisin. You can top the bagels with different types of cream cheese or choose one of the signature bagel sandwiches, for example the Pastrami Bagel and the Breakfast Edition with fried egg, cheddar, bacon and caramelized onions.
Benedict
All-day breakfast lovers, this one’s for you. Benedict feels more like a dreamy brunch bistro than a typical café. The menu is massive, the cocktails are cheeky, and the vibes are buzzy. You’ll find all the sweet and savory options you could want, but a few highlights to mention are the fluffy pistachio pancakes, the beefy Shakshuka and my personal favorite the cheddar & ham pancake. Plus, this place is open all day and extended late night hours on the weekends. Yep, you can get eggs benedict at midnight here.
Brekkie 44
Beloved local chain Brekkie 44 serves up one thing and only one thing – over stuffed egg sandwiches. Perfectly cooked scrambled eggs spill out from two large slices of toasted brioche bread. You can opt for extra toppings, such as cheese, bacon or avocado. And you should definitely add on the creamy garlic sauce!
Breakfast3000
For an upscale breakfast option where dishes can run over 30 euros per plate, Früh3000 is worth the splurge. This is probably the best brunch Iäve had in Berlin. The menu offers a modern twist on traditional breakfast dishes. Think eggs benedict topped with caviar or a breakfast beef tartar. With locations in Schöneberg and Kreuzberg, it caters to early risers and late starters alike. The roast beef focaccia sandwich with braised onions, pickled honey tomatoes and truffle cream was absolutely delightful. Additionally, they make some fantastic AM drinks. I can recommend the Breakfast Margarita. You can’t really start your day any better than here.
Breggs
Located in the heart of Berlin, Breggs is a modern fast-casual breakfast eatery renowned for its innovative egg-based dishes. Similar to Brekkie44, overflowing egg sandwiches are the specialty here, along with health drinks and smoothies. If you come on a weekend, expect to wait at least 20-30 minutes for your food. There is the option to dine in or take away, and you’ll order at the self-service counter before settling in.
House of Small Wonder
Stylish and delicious? That’s a guaranteed recipe for me to visit! House of Small Wonder in Mitte is THE brunch place for trendy Berliners looking for Instagrammable Japanese-American brunch cuisine. The menu offers an ala-carte option, but the much better value is the brunch set where you will get the choice of 4 brunch dishes, a hot drink and orange juice for only €22. The dishes in the brunch set are slightly smaller than the menu options, but it is still a TON of food! Sam and I didn’t finish ours. My favorite items were the taco rice and the croque madame, but honestly all of the dishes were super yummy.
Love at First Bite
What started as a pop-up restaurant has now turned into a beloved Kollwitzkiez neighborhood staple. On a weekend, you’ll find a line waiting for tables at Love at First Bite. You can enjoy delicious breakfast classics from morning to afternoon. A few of the menu highlights include fluffy buttermilk pancakes, generously sauced eggs Benedict, and sumptuously topped breakfast sandwiches. If you don’t want to choose between sweet and savory, you can order the Crispy Chicken on Waffle.
- Address: Kollwitzstraße 42, 10405 Berlin
- Website: instagram.com
Spree gold
Spreegold is a versatile all-day eatery that blends casual dining with a modern, stylish atmosphere. Known for its extensive menu, it covers everything from hearty breakfast options and fresh salads to gourmet burgers and handmade pasta. I find this a really likeable place, but it isn’t going to blow your mind. It’s good for groups & families. With multiple locations across Berlin, Spreegold offers a reliable and delicious dining experience, whether you’re craving a nutritious start to the day or a satisfying dinner.
21 grams
Located in Berlin’s vibrant Neukölln district, 21 Gramm is a charming restaurant housed in a beautifully restored former cemetery chapel. Known for its exquisite brunch offerings and seasonal dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, 21 grams provides a memorable dining experience. The croque madame I had here was one of my favorite things I ate in Berlin on my recent trip. With its serene ambiance and stunning architecture, it’s the perfect spot for a midday brunch or weekday lunch.
Greenfinch
Berlin is a paradise for vegans – there is SO much vegan food around the city. There are also a number of dedicated vegan restaurants, including Greenfinch. Specializing in a small, rotating menu, this breezy cafe feels like something from an Australian beach down. The Prenzlauer Berg location is airy with tropical decor and a cheerful aesthetic. I absolutely loved the open-faced rainbow veggies sandwich, which was piled high with roasted veggies, avocado, red pepper hummus, microgreens and a lovely herb oil.
Kindest
Vegan comfort food is the star of the show at Froindlichst in Prenzlauer Berg. Think loaded vegan nachos, chili cheese nuggets, or pizzas topped with cashew parmesan. Froindlich recently launched a brunch menu on Friday – Sunday, and there are some bangers on this menu. Anyone who still believes that a vegan breakfast means sacrificing flavor is seriously outdated!
This post was originally published in May 2023 and updated in March 2025 after return visits to Berlin.
