Every morning, a line quickly forms in the charming Sophie-Gips-Höfe in Berlin Mitte. 

And it’s worth the wait, for anyone dreaming of flawless Danish pastries but unable to hop on a plane to Copenhagen that day.

Frederik Bille Brahe, the renowned chef behind Copenhagen’s Atelier September, has brought more than just crisp sourdough bread with a moist, airy crumb to Berlin. 

Sofi’s croissant might just be the best in the city. And the pillowy Morning Bun, infused with cardamom and orange, is as well worth the wait.

For those who lack the patience or prefer to avoid the competition for one of the café’s limited seats, there’s a simple solution - pre-order!

Small and exquisite - that’s how pastry chefs Daniella Barriobero Canal and Guadalupe Eichner have envisioned their three patisserie locations.

In Berlin’s Sophienstraße, a bright vermilion bench sits in front of the café’s matching storefront. 

Indoors it becomes even more colorful with most beautiful éclairs displayed in a glass case.

Flavors like Tahitian vanilla-pecan, salted caramel, pistachio-raspberry or matcha-blackberry-white sesame transform these éclairs into edible works of art.

And wow - this art is seriously delicious!

Nestled in a former printing building, the Akkurat Café sits in the southeastern corner, framed by expansive windows.

Outside, a sun-drenched terrace awaits, encircled by striking 1960s architecture. 

The café offers exceptional specialty coffee and lemonades, alongside wholesome breakfasts, indulgent treats and hearty lunches.

Being at Akkurat always feels a bit like stepping into an art gallery. 

The walls showcase rotating artworks, while a rectangular light installation hangs beneath the blush-pink ceiling, casting a warm glow.

At the heart of the space, three poured-concrete counters serve as the stage where coffee and matcha are crafted with meticulous care.

The hum of guests’ voices reverberates gently through the room, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. 

Bright and airy, Akkurat is a place where a simple coffee break has the power to lift your spirits.

Books and Bagels? You bet!

In many bookstores, a sign greets you at the entrance with a stern warning - no food or drinks beyond this point.

At Shakespeare & Sons, the expectation to treat their carefully curated selection of mostly English-language books with care is no different. 

But here, there’s a twist. The inhouse café, Fine Bagels, is an inseparable part of the experience.

Picture this - savoring sweet or salty handmade bagels, chocolate or plain rugelach, cookies and cakes, all while leisurely browsing through the shelves. 

Every visit tempts us to take at least one treasure home - a delicious one or a written one.