Neukölln is a neighborhood heaving with pockets of trendy avenues, with something to be discovered around each corner. It’s a hood that skyrocketed past up-and-coming and landed on already there. Some nooks remain more residential and others seem to overflow with retail gentrification, but it’s the balance that gives Neukölln it’s idiosyncratic charm. We’ve got the lowdown on some of the best gems to be found.
PeppiKäse
This innocuous little cheese shop is nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Karl-Marx-Straße. PeppiKäse is almost invisible without the stark black and white sign. The shop is tiny but this no-frills establishment puts its emphasis on the most decadent thing of all – the cheese. The cheesemongers are eager to give their clients a taste and navigate them through the rows of delicacies. The selection changes, but the quality is inexorable. A wide selection of international käse coupled with the helpful employees make this cheese shop an absolute gem in the borough.
Placed on a charming street full of other bars, cafes, and dining establishments it might seem hard for Vin Aqua Vin to stand out against the competition, but it does just that. From its lovingly understated storefront to its other-worldly inside, this wine taproom and shop is unique and alluring. The congenial and knowledgeable staff are eager to steer its clientele in the right direction. This unpretentious wine shop doubles as an restaurant and tasting room, favoring boutique wines and a try-before-you-buy policy. A great spot to grab a bottle for a special occasion, or to stay and have a a glass.
This icecream shop isn’t exactly a secret as evidenced by the epic lines outside the door on the weekend, but it’s definitely a borough exclusive. The inside is a traditional creamery; bright and airy with a glass case of decadent deserts. Traditional mixed with innovative – think salted caramel and stracci-nutella – the rolodex of flavors ensures everyone will find something to suit their tastes. Arguably home to some of the best ice cream in Berlin, this eiscafé should not be missed.
Relatively new to the neighborhood and slightly misplaced on the tail end of Hermannstrasse, this all encompassing liquor store is a beer-lover’s haven. The guys who run the shop are beer enthusiasts with an encyclopedic knowledge of their market. For those who are searching for craft beer in Neukölln, they can rest assured their needs can be met at this excellent shop, which contains a seemingly endless selection of unique and artisan brews.
Aviatrix didn’t decide on just being one thing – it’s a space that’s part cafe, part gallery/atelier, and part boutique. Just a quick stroll from Tempelhofer Feld, it’s an excellent place to wander in for a well-crafted cup of coffee or a sumptuous treat, like vegan banana bread. A true gem in the community, allowing children a space to be creative – Aviatrix is endearing as it is multi-dimensional.
Korean food is abundant in the capital and Berlins are loving it. Pig & Tiger isn’t your traditional Korean food haunt and it’s not trying to be, but who would expect anything different from the dudes who brought Ban Ban Kitchen to the city? The stylish and sophisticated mixed-material interior speaks to what kind of restaurant this is. It’s a trendy spot to come to get Korean food with a side of creativity. The pulled pork noodles are among one of their favorite dishes, along with the ‘happy squid’ starter, and the essential bibimbap. The atmospheric Pig & Tiger is an inviting place, from its dishes to its design.
Prachtwerk is a hybrid cafe-music venue that offers an atmospheric space to unwind, work, or listen to some stellar tunes. The crafty-meets-industrial design begs customers to come and enjoy their lattes (with beans from Five Elephant) in a work-friendly environment. The baked goods and grilled cheese are great for satisfying hunger too. At night the place transforms into a bar and music venue that isn’t too wild, but a great starting point for an evening out. Music isn’t the only thing on their nightly menu, they host several cultural events too.
Peruvian cuisine is slightly under-represented in Berlin. A few cevicherias have popped up and done a fine job, but don’t really offer other Peruvian treats. That’s where Chicha comes in. From its colorfully geometric design to its vivacious food, it’s sure to please on multiple points. From fried yucca balls married with gooey cheese, to salmon and mango ceviche plated with banana chips, the entire spectrum of Peruvian food is represented. Their pisco sours are firm favorites and go nicely with any of their citrus dishes. The prices are mid-range and portions ceviche-sized, so the bill can add up quickly if you’re hungry. Chicha is a fun and welcomed neighborhood spot that brings a festive sense of Peruvian culture to Neukölln.
