The best cafés and coffee spots in Germany

Barcomi's

American-born Cynthia Barcomi was a professional dancer in Berlin for eight years before she opened her first eponymous café in 1994, in the city’s Kreuzberg district. Offering speciality coffee and home-made cakes and bakes, the café has become something of a local institution and Barcomi, who has published seven books on baking to date, is a local legend. Following the success of the café, Barcomi’s Deli opened in the Mitte area and serves a variety of salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches and bagels, as well as the signature bakes. We particularly love the original Barcomi’s location and recommend the rich chocolate brownie or generously iced cinnamon roll, accompanied by a perfectly roasted espresso.

Barcomi’s, Bergmannstrasse 21, 10961 Berlin, +49 (0)30 694 8138

Café Hüftgold

Café Hüftgold’s motto is ‘indulgence without regret’ and the counter here is piled high with an incredible selection of home-made cakes, tarts and pies. Hüftgold actually means ‘love handles’ (a plump waist) and this is not a place to decline that extra slice of cake. The café offers savoury snacks, such as rye bread sandwiches and cheese toasties, as well as lighter options including croissants or bircher muesli for breakfast. The real appeal of Café Hüftgold, however, is its sweet options and customers should opt for one of the home-made cakes, served with cream, and a rich, hot drink – we like the authentic chai latte and the café also makes an excellent cappuccino.

Café Hüftgold, Ackerstrasse 113, 40233 Düsseldorf

Zeit für Brot

Zeit für Brot (‘time for bread’) is a bakery that aims to reinvigorate our love of bread, returning to traditional methods and using only the highest-quality ingredients. The concept is based on the three principles of quality, sustainability and closeness. In terms of quality, the team aims to provide the best bread in the whole of Frankfurt. Ingredients are 100% organic, completely additive free and from sustainable sources, while production processes are devised with sustainability in mind. The element of closeness comes from the relationship between baker and buyer: Zeit für Brot welcomes anyone who wishes to watch the master bakers at work and children are often invited to make their own mini bakes. As well as undeniably delicious breads, the bakery serves a selection of home-made sandwiches, pastries, cakes and coffees.

Zeit für Brot, Oeder Weg 15, 60318 Frankfurt, +49 (0)69 5699 8150

Heilandt

Heilandt opened its first branch in Cologne’s popular Belgian quarter and the successful café has opened a second location in the city’s Sülz neighbourhood. Heilandt roasts its own beans and the team here are experts when it comes to creating the perfect blend. Treating coffee as far more than just a morning pick-me-up, the café presents the drink as a gourmet treat to be savoured. Whether you opt for a rich espresso, a milky cappuccino or a latte, you can be sure it will be brewed to perfection. A menu of light snacks is also available and, if you’re as impressed with the coffee here as we are, you can choose from a range of whole and ground beans to take home.

Heilandt, Sülzburgstrasse 1, 50937 Cologne, +49 (0)221 4210 8381

House of Small Wonder

The first House of Small Wonder opened in the trendy Williamsburg area of New York in 2010. The cool city of Berlin seemed a natural choice for the second branch of this hugely popular café, which offers American food with a Japanese twist. The no-reservations eatery is renowned for its breakfasts, brunch and pastries, and is always busy at the weekend. Bread, croissants and other baked goods are freshly made throughout the day and the menu features seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Classic dishes have been updated with Japanese touches – think Okinawan taco rice or eggs Benedict with wasabi hollandaise. Fans of more traditional breakfast options are also well-catered for and we recommend the French toast-style croissants with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

House of Small Wonder, Johannisstrasse 20, 10117 Berlin, +49 (0)30 2758 2877

Occam Deli

Occam Deli is inspired by the traditional delicatessens of New York, which first appeared on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Offering delicacies from various cuisines – including American, Italian, French and Oriental, as well as a mix of them all – these specialists brought a cosmopolitan flavour to the city’s food scene. At Occam, you will find gourmet food and drink from around the world, from fine teas and coffees to cured meats and high-quality oils. The menu offers light bites and larger options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and dishes change daily depending on the best seasonal ingredients. You can also order a snack or sandwich to take away or buy some high-quality groceries to enjoy at home.

Occam Deli, Feilitzschstrasse 15, 80802 Munich, +49 (0)89 3834 6346

Hej Papa

In Hej Papa’s small, open-plan kitchen, you will find the café’s chefs preparing seasonal dishes, with ingredients sourced from organic farms in the Hamburg area. For breakfast, pick up a speciality coffee and a crisp bread roll filled with cheese, ham and home-made pesto. Alternatively, why not choose the signature special of quark (light, soft cheese) with fresh fruit and house-roasted cereal? The lunch menu changes each day, as does the cake menu, depending on which ingredients are in season. The inspiration behind each dish is simple: the Hej Papa team cooks what they love to eat. The space is also home to a small deli selling pestos, jams, oils, chocolates and other delicacies.

Hej Papa, Poolstrasse 32, 20355 Hamburg, +49 (0)40 6687 2747

Stereo Café

You might not be familiar with the names Sascha Arnold, Niels Jäger and Steffen Werner yet, but these three men are certainly making their mark in Munich. The friends, who have known each other for over 20 years, run a variety of venues in the city, including a nightclub, café, hotel and an organic juice bar. They also own Stereo Café, a stylish light-filled space on the first floor of a historic building which also offers a delightful sun terrace – perfect for the warmer weather. Pop in to enjoy a range of dishes from the daily changing lunch menu, great coffee and home-made cakes, or an aperitif later in the day.

Stereo Café, Residenzstrasse 25, 80333 Munich, +49 (0)89 2421 0143

As If Record Store Café

Laid-back, unconventional and unpretentious, As If Record Store Café is the perfect venue for anyone who loves good music and good food. By day, customers can browse the selection of records and vintage clothing while enjoying delicious home-made cakes and speciality coffee, as well as a variety of fresh light bites and soft drinks. In the evening, the café’s kitchen prepares simple yet delicious meals, such as hearty sandwiches and burgers, or healthy, filling salads. This venue is a favourite among local music enthusiasts and the atmosphere is always warm and lively.

As If Record Store Café, Brüsseler Strasse 92, 50672 Cologne, +49 (0)151 5224 8314