9 PLACES TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PLANTS IN BERLIN

A somewhat hidden oasis tucked into a reworked and renovated old Aussegnungs- or Trauerhalle (a funeral hall or cemetery chapel) at U-Bahnhof Leinestraße, the atmosphere at 21 Gramm is cozy yet modern, with a touch of neoclassicism thanks to large, curved arch-supporting pillars. Plants hang gently from light fixtures and other pops of greenery make appearances throughout the space. With lots of outdoor seating on offer as well, a breezy spring lunch in the brick-lined Hof will have you feeling well-planted and relaxed as various trees, shrubs, and climbing vines rustle around you.

Taking its name from an all-things-avocado approach, this little restaurant first opened its doors near Boxi in Friedrichshain in January 2018 and touts a menu dedicated to the one-and-only creamy, green fruit. Enjoy dishes such as avocado filled ravioli, avocado and potato puree, and avocado falafel in the modern “club” decked out with plenty of plants.

For an excellent third wave pour over in a space that would please even the pickiest of aesthetes, Bonanza Coffee Roasters find itself off the main drag tucked in a quiet Hof that’s near, but altogether perfectly distanced from, a small children’s petting zoo featuring sheep, goats, and ponies. Thick leaved banana plants ruminate in the corners of the high-ceilinged space and among the tables tower fiddle leaf fig trees and smooth monstera plants. All sharing a verdant shade of dark emerald, the color palette is rounded out by lush green window sills.

Since May 2017, Selig has been pleasing the palates of residents in Schillerkiez with a variety of dishes for breakfast and lunch including açai bowls and paleo granola, huevos rancheros and pulled pork sandwiches. Communal oak tables gather diners together between well-placed plant boxes and large windows offering a view of Herrfurthplatz.

A newly opened Japanese restaurant slinging sushi, ramen, and a selection of Izakaya-inspired small plates, Chotto might not seem like a plant-filled oasis upon first glance. But, ask for a table in the back and you’ll be awed by their vertical plant wall fitted out with soft mosses, curling ferns, and a few stems of eucalyptus for good measure.

The wildcard of this round-up, Good Bank is a slim, sleek restaurant featuring a “vertical farm to table” concept. A subtle pink hue fills the space, coming from special LED grow lights that keep their InFarm vertical farms producing various lettuces and herbs around the clock, in front of your eyes—so you can be assured that your bowl, sandwich, or wrap is made with the freshest of greens.

Located in the historic Alte Münze—an old mint (as in coin making complex) turned into event location and office slash art studio space—The Greens is a lovely café featuring plants to admire and/or purchase. With a vegetarian menu and plenty of options for Kaffee und Kuchen, it’s going to be hard to leave this place without a new little cactus or succulent in tow…

A stone’s throw away from S+U Wedding at Nettelbeckplatz sits Mirage, a radiant little bistro and café serving French-inspired bites morning, noon, and night. Bright yellow accents and an eclectic mix of furniture meet hanging plants and exposed concrete ceilings and floors to create a unique light-filled space. In the evenings, various music and cultural events regularly place to accompany your sip and sup.

One of my favorite cafés in Berlin, Okay is a neighborhood spot through and through. Bright and airy, shelves lined with sweet little potted plants cover the walls and the menu casually brings plant-based plates into focus. From sweet and savory toasts, to salads, sandwiches, and soups—the food is vegetarian but is guaranteed to satisfy all eaters and is best finished with a hit of filter coffee and a “bun of joy” (that truly lives up to its name). On the weekends the café is bustling with local life and visitors alike, making it a fun stop for any and all—just leave your laptop at home.