Who doesn't dislike malls, especially in Berlin, where too many are popping up and weirdly close to one another? In that sense, Bikini Berlin is a real exception.
Almost delicately, this concept mall sits right between the Berlin Zoo and the half bombed memorial church, offering incredible views over both (especially from the rooftop terrace and the neighboring 25hours Hotel). The architecture, since the estate has been listed as protected monument, is almost unobtrusive -- typical Berliner industrial chic -- with space for a few carefully selected shops (such as the Japanese store Chaya with an exceptional selection of tea and the Berlin boutique LNFA supporting young, local and sustainable designers) among galleries, cafés and restaurants.
The food court Kantini is a assembly of pop-up food stands from Currywurst to clean food. Sounds pretentious to you? Maybe a little bit. But if you come by for the art installations and workshops of Bikini, which frequently take place in their ample entrance area, you can just forget that you are in a mall and enjoy one of Berlin’s most recent efforts to not start looking like any other big city.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
My favorite item they offer has to be their potato gözleme: it's a generous portion that's rich, flavorful, and both crispy and soft.
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Away from the hustle and bustle of Mitte, you enter a lush and leafy world, full of bistros. In the midst of all that magic, you will find Capvin...
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"Balaram" in Berlin is a vegan ice cream shop. They have 12 varieties and extra toppings are free! It's very good, it doesn't taste like ice or sherbet...
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The best part? Every plant is available for purchase so you can take a bit of the café home with you! From seedlings and succulents to plants that may require a little extra help to get out of the coffee shop.
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My favorite thing to order might just be their #17 plate which comes with stewed vegetables, fresh salad, butter-simmered chicken, chickpeas, lean beef, and collared greens.
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A classic slice of pepperoni or truffle mushroom is the way to go here, although they offer other great toppings like olive, ricotta, salsiccia, and even vegan butternut squash.
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I am a big fan of their pistachio maritozzo which is a soft Roman bun filled with cream and topped with crushed pistachios. It's absolutely amazing, and not overwhelmingly sweet.
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One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
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Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
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I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
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Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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