Café des Amis does what it says on the tin: it was opened in March 2011 by a group of friends, and the Gallic touch is evident everywhere, from the bistro-style interior to the food menu. The large terrace out front is an immensely popular option on sunny days and warm evenings. Indoors the place looks pretty too, especially the mezzanine floor with the sofas, an excellent spot for some serious people-watching.

There’s a great lunch and a small evening menu, both featuring generous helpings of seasonal, local ingredients. Weekends are dedicated to that much-loved breakfast-lunch hybrid: brunch is served until 16:00. Don’t come here if you’re dying for a quick bite. Service is sometimes a little on the slow side. On my last few visits everyone was as swift and charming as it gets though.

All things considered, it comes as no surprise that Café des Amis has quickly claimed its place in the residential area of Wipkingen. For a pleasant evening out in the neighbourhood, I’d recommend you start at Kafischnaps, continue at Café des Amis, then head to Nordbrücke.