Berlin - The City of Sky and Water

Vadim Otto Ursus describes his gem on Oderberger Straße as a small, lively neighborhood restaurant. 

And the description couldn’t be more fitting.

Rooted in regional tradition, close to nature, and stripped down to the essentials - both in its ingredients and its décor. 

Yet, this minimalism is, in truth, a distilled essence of Ursus’ years of experience in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens - Noma, Maaemo, Koks…

“At the heart of it all is always a really good product. Then it’s about asking what we can do to make that product taste its very best.“, he explains.

Making culinary artistry appear this effortless might just be part of the secret to why dining at Otto feels simultaneously like a cozy meal in your own dining room and a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that leave the greatest impression - provided, of course, they’re done just right. 

That’s exactly what makes St. Bart so special.

This pub in the Graefekiez neighborhood radiates an understated charm - vintage pendant lamps, a tiled bar and a timeworn wooden floor that seems to hold countless stories. 

The laid-back crew moves at its own unhurried pace, exuding a calm that’s contagious.

As we sink our teeth into the Back Bacon Sandwich, slathered with homemade BBQ dip and complemented by house-pickled vegetables and sip on a crisp IPA, we imagine black cabs pulling up outside next to a classic red phone booth.

We adore Berlin’s signature charm of discovering hidden courtyards within courtyards within courtyards…

It’s a secret world tucked away from the one outside. 

Stepping off Oranienburger Straße, we slip through an archway into the Heckmann Höfe, where a quaint little house awaits us.

Once upon a time, horses were stabled here.

Today, the space feels like a film set straight out of Oliver Twist - red brick walls, gas lanterns, trees, a wooden bench and cobblestones completing the scene.

Inside, bathed in warm light against rust-red wallpaper, everything revolves around the open kitchen. 

The coolest team serves up divine cocktails alongside mouthwatering Israeli mezze. 

Our role simply requires to sit back, soak it all in and savor the night.

Tucked away in the enchanted courtyard of the Wilmina Hotel, the Lovis Bar reveals itself behind a black ivy-draped door. 

We descend a few steps into a historic vaulted cellar, where French artist Laurent Ajina has adorned the walls with delicate black lines on white lime plaster, giving the space a distinctive charm.

But it’s not just the design that sets the Lovis Bar apart. The drinks are as artful as the setting - imaginative, intricate concoctions crafted from mysterious, unlabeled bottles, measured and mixed with tiny beakers and pipettes. 

Alongside these exquisite cocktails, the bar serves refined bar food that not only pairs beautifully with the bold drinks but could easily hold its own as a light dinner.

In fact, arriving a little earlier to enjoy all the Lovis Bar has to offer is a highly recommended plan.

On Oderberger Straße in Prenzlauer Berg, a cozy retreat awaits just a few steps below street level, next to a charming terrace shaded by a red awning. 

The bar’s whitewashed walls, Toile de Jouy curtains, wooden tables, and school chairs with mustard-yellow cushions might easily transport you to Paris.

And there are not just exceptional French wines - the carefully curated selection also features exquisite bottles from Germany, Austria and Spain.  

The delicious sharing plates even draw inspiration from across the globe.

MaMi’s is the perfect place to escape the hustle of Berlin for a few hours, immersing yourself in soft music, fine wine and outstanding food, served by warm and welcoming hosts.