On weekends and holidays, Iimori is packed, because everyone goes there: locals for coffee and tourists simply because it’s so close to the golden triangle of Römer, Paulskirche and Dom. 

But I really like Iimori for its cosy atmosphere and always try to go outside of the busy hours. Akzo, the Japanese owner and her crew have created a little wonderland of small corners and niches, all so lovely and lovingly over-decorated with details and details, that I feel like I am in someone’s living room.

Talking about that, it becomes even more private when you go upstairs where Akzo runs her restaurant: that’s when you even run into her kitchen. 

Incredibly rich, yummy small pieces of sweet cakes, pastries, macarons and chocolates (all French pastries) are served and sold in the cafe. I love the old-fashioned meringues (French Baiser) which are huge compared to everything else, which come in rather tiny portions to satisfy your guilty conscience when it comes to having too many sweets. Don’t worry, go for it!

The cakes and sweets are fairly expensive, but I consider I’m worth that special treat whenever I go there!

Upstairs I’ve enjoyed excellent lunch and often go for the bento box selections. 

The cafe is self-service, the restaurant with table service.