The Best Cafés in Mainz, Germany

Wilma Wunder is a charming café in the heart of the Old Town, just across the plaza from Mainz Cathedral. The interior décor is bright and modern and best described as a crossover between an English country house and a modern American diner. Neon letters welcome you with ‘Hello my dear’ into the high-ceiling room of white-tiled walls, plum-cushioned benches, wooden tables and flowery wallpaper glued to the ceiling. The smell of fresh coffee and bread is promising, and a quick look at the breakfast menu reveals all kinds of goodies – German-style sandwiches, muesli and granola, pancakes and Belgian waffles.

Cold brew, chai latte and artisan espresso specialities have become more and more popular over the last few days, but Mainz Kaffeekommune takes the creation of caffeinated drinks to the next level. Warm summer mornings are best kicked off with apple juice, tonic water or iced espresso on milk, and a sweet or savoury breakfast. The short menu caters to all tastes, with regional and seasonal specialities of sourdough bread with sweet and savoury toppings, porridge, avocado toast and muesli. Make sure to leave some room for their scones or a slice of homemade banana bread.

Once an insider’s tip, the cute and cosy café in the Neustadt Quarter now sees people from all across town flock here for a weekend breakfast. Annabatterie lures with a mix-and-matchy interior, vintage charm and a glass vitrine stuffed with sweet delights, ranging from beautifully decorated cakes and cookies to muffins and pastries. The chalkboard menu lists their breakfast goodies, including classic platters with cheese and ham, blueberry pancakes, muesli, fresh fruits and vegan options, including stuffed vine leaves, avocado and hummus.

Since its opening in 2011, Awake Café has become the old-town living room for those who cherish great coffee – all fair trade – and delicious snacks. The mid-week breakfast menu is composed of a handful of set platters, while on the weekend an extensive buffet provides guests with some all-time favourite breakfast items. Bagels, muffins, waffles and cakes are served all day, every day. The latest addition to the list of culinary treats is their healthy, design-your-own Happy Bowls, based on rocket or quinoa salad with plant- and meat-based proteins, nuts, fresh veggies and dressings.

The glass-fronted Café Blumen is attached to the cultural venue and nightclub Schon Schön, and is a hotspot for breakfast aficionados who value homemade food and excellent coffee. Inside, the retro-chic vibe is embellished with fresh flowers and green plants but, on a sunny day, the seats on the terrace beat the slouchy sofas inside. Food-wise, you can expect everything from focaccias, muffins and salads to soups and sumptuous main courses, sweet pastries and wonderful cakes. In winter, they’re washed down with grog, hot cider or mochaccinos, while the summer specials list mango lassies and Lillet Berry cocktails.

This little gem occupies a spot on the steep yet picturesque Gaustraße, a short stroll from the old town. Dicke Lilli, gutes Kind is a mother-and-daughter venture aiming to combine their love for arts and good food. The interior is dominated by a black-and-white tiled floor, mint-coloured walls and an eclectic mix of vintage and antique furniture that the two women collected from flea markets. For breakfast, brunch and lunch, the pair whizzes up sourdough sandwiches, the odd tofu scramble, jarred salads, delicious cakes and more – all homemade.

For the past 30 years, the traditional Altstadt Café has provided for hungry and thirsty locals and tourists. The large breakfast menu is one of the reasons so many people come back here. French-, English- and Italian-themed platters take the lead on the menu, with croissants, bacon, and tomato-mozzarella crostini. But that’s far from all of it – muesli, pancakes, waffles, eggs, the list leaves nothing to be desired for. The homely feel is the cherry on top.