Southwest Berlin’s boulevard Schloßstraße is a major hub of the neighbourhood, featuring four (!) shopping centres and lots of shops along it — small and large. Oddly enough, I have always found it a little challenging to find interesting culinary spots around there, but Café Baier is a welcome opportunity to write about.

The rather narrow entrance is sandwiched between two retail stores and is easily recognizable by a striped blue and white marquee. Walking past you might think it is only a bakery, as they sell breads and pastries from a tiny stall facing the sidewalk. Sometimes, if I am in a hurry, I buy a “Buchtel’”, a sweet fluffy roll made from yeast dough and filled with jam.

However, if I am planning breakfast or brunch with a friend or indeed want to impress a visitor, Café Baier is the place to go in this area. A spiral staircase leads to the beautiful rooms on the first floor. If you enjoy Art Nouveau, this spot is sure to take your breath away. For food, choose from the many breakfast variations with items from their own bakery and have a coffee or pot of tea to go with it.