Our 2026 information to the specialty-coffee world of Berlin, Germany, that includes each newcomers and long-time native favorites.
BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Pictures by Michaela Tomchek
When planning to go to Germany, many consider Berlin: the bustling, hip capital metropolis teeming with historical past, tradition, artwork, and, in fact, some distinctive espresso. Extremely regarded for its nightlife and museums, Berlin has turn into a real worldwide hub for Germany, and we’ve lined its espresso scene up to now—however at this time, we’re again for extra.
The record of espresso retailers in Berlin is limitless, with spots like The Barn, Bonanza, and 5 Elephant initiating the beginning of town’s specialty-coffee scene a few years in the past. Since then, tons of recent spots have opened. That being mentioned, let’s dive in and discover a few of these gems.
Albatross Bakery
When wandering by means of Berlin, there’s a large number of neighborhoods to discover, one in all which is Gräfestraße: an artsy space with loads of clothes retailers, bars, and cafés that attract locals and guests alike. One particular spot right here is Albatross Bakery.
When exiting the Schönleinstraße U-Bahn station, a fast trot although the quiet neighborhood will deliver you to a storefront with a big white albatross painted on a window, with the candy aroma of delectable baked items wafting from inside. When you enter, you’ll see the array of baked treats that persistently entice lengthy strains of shoppers: flaky croissants, zimtschneckes (cinnamon rolls), cookies, and pretzels. Equally delectable is their espresso choice, that includes a wide range of roasters from throughout Europe.
Albatross Bakery was began again in 2016 by Luke Smetham, who then employed extra people to help with the enterprise: Jasmin Lünstroth, Anders Alkaersig, and Geoff Stewart. Needless to say this spot solely gives to-go choices, so seize your deal with and low, sit exterior, or head out for a stroll to take pleasure in a real Berlin journey. I like to recommend pairing a flat white with their salty vegan peanut butter cookie: the right mixture to begin off your espresso tour within the metropolis.
Kolo Espresso
A brand new star inside Berlin’s specialty-coffee scene is Kolo Espresso, which was based in 2024 by Vladyslav Demonenko, who ranked as runner-up within the 2022 Espresso in Good Spirits championship and gained the 2023 Ukrainian Brewers Cup.
Kolo’s doorways formally opened in 2025, and since then, the store has rapidly turn into a go-to spot for espresso lovers, incomes the title of Berlin’s Finest Specialty Espresso Store in the course of the 2025 Berlin Espresso Week. The café’s vivid orange outside seating beckons outsiders to return in and be part of the membership.
Vladyslav shares that, when first growing the thought for Kolo, he requested himself: “How can I share months of preparation with (an even bigger) viewers, and never simply depart it at a 10-minute stage efficiency?” Drawing from his expertise on competitors levels, Vlad determined to open up a storefront to share his ardour and experience with the individuals of Berlin.
He explains that the phrase kolo comes the Ukrainian language and means “circle,” reflecting his mission to welcome everybody and convey them collectively over a shared love of espresso. In different phrases, Kolo provides all prospects an opportunity to affix the “circle.” Vlad additionally provides that Berlin’s espresso neighborhood is extremely pleasant. “It’s not that large… but it surely so heat and welcoming,” he instructed Barista Journal.
The menu at Kolo is easy and exquisite. I like to recommend ordering a pourover of one in all their seasonal choices—seeing the quantity of consideration the baristas put into every brew is a magical expertise, one that’s nonetheless with me at this time. The care and craft are really proven within the cup.
Distrikt Espresso
Working since 2014, Distrikt Espresso is each a café and a well-liked brunch spot. Located within the Mitte borough of Berlin, a quiet space frequented by enterprise individuals and vacationers alike, Distrikt is a comfy place to take pleasure in a morning snack or a day meal accompanied by a high quality brew. Right here, they serve espresso from totally different roasters all through Europe together with Tanat, La Cabra, Nomad, Fjord, and Koppi.
Not solely is the espresso definitely worth the journey (and the wait on busy weekends), however the meals menu additionally gives an array of must-try toasts, bowls, and pastries. Retaining according to their consideration to element, Distrikt bakes all of their truffles in-house and sources their pastries from native bakeries. Order a filter espresso to expertise a style of a number of the greatest roasters in Europe—a stunning strategy to escape Berlin’s winter chilly.
Father Carpenter
One in all Berlin’s pioneer specialty-coffee retailers, Father Carpenter continues to shine as a pacesetter for high-quality espresso within the metropolis. Based in 2014 by Kresten Thogersen, who was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, the store started as a pop-up permitting Kresten and a gaggle of pals to comply with their ardour for espresso. A yr later, the group opened the primary Father Carpenter storefront, providing a brand new expertise to clientele.
Since Father Carpenter’s genesis, Kresten shares that he additionally yearned to open a roastery, and thus, he teamed up with Berlin’s Silo Espresso to launch the now well-known Fjord Espresso Roasters. In 2023, Father Carpenter branched off to open their very own roastery within the Mitte borough of Berlin.
Father Carpenter is tucked away within a lovely brick courtyard, simply off of the bustling streets lined with retailers and eating places. The espresso store is quiet, peaceable, and an general memorable go to. Order a flat white or espresso, and pair it with vegan banana bread or the café’s well-known eggs benedict. Right here, there’s a lot to select from, and, in relation to what to deciding what to order, you actually can’t go flawed.
After over a decade of operation, Father Carpenter continues to shine as one in all Berlin’s greatest spots for a brew.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Tomchek finds espresso an vital a part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the various cafés all through the world serving stunning drinks. Presently, she writes about espresso, hoping to unfold her pleasure throughout the globe.
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