I have mentioned it briefly before, in our best locations for drinking a cup of coffee in Berlin. But Café Bilderbuch (Café Picture Book) deserves a lot more than a brief coffee recommendation. It is a library, a place for art, a gallery and a restaurant all in one. It is the place to be when you want to spend a comfortable afternoon in your grandmother’s living room, while chatting with friends, reading a book or working on that important paper. It lives up to its name and is a perfect start (or ending) to exploring one of Berlin’s most beautiful Bezirke, namely Schöneberg. When I came to Berlin for the very first time, I walked through Schöneberg in awe, mumbling that one day I wanted to have a flat on the Motzstraße (one of the most lively and colourful streets). I still adore Schöneberg, but I do not get out there often enough – but always too happy to visit this restaurant.

Breakfast in a Picture Book

Café Bilderbuch is essentially a place to go for breakfast. But do not fear: you can order breakfast dishes from seven in the morning until eleven o’clock at night. It is a popular and beloved place, but not too touristy or stuffed. I would personally recommend (especially when you want to go here during the weekend) getting in here a bit after the lunch rush hour, as you will find the place in a bit more of a chilled atmosphere. So sleep as long as you want on Saturday or Sunday and stroll in around two’ish.

The best thing about Café Bilderbuch is their menu. On a newspaper-esque paper menu you can find their large selection of breakfast dishes. All of which are named after fairytales – which simply makes my inner child purr with delight. I almost ordered “Die Kleine Meerjungfrau” (the little mermaid) just because of the name and “Der Wolf und die sieben Geißlein” (the wolf and the seven little goats) sounded equally cute. But in the end I did not go for a dish with salmon and caviar (the mermaid) or a mainly meaty platter (the wolf), but I settled on the “Tausendundeine Nacht” (one thousand and one nights) breakfast dish. My oriental fairytale on a platter consisted of goat cheese, garlic sausage slices, cheese, olives, jam, butter, vegetables and two rolls (one white, one sunflower seed) and three slices of dark bread. For me it was perfect and a very filling, flavoursome and well-balance weekend breakfast/ brunch.

A Lot More Than Only Breakfast

But the great thing about the Café Bilderbuch is that it is so much more than a place for breakfast. The last time I was here, I almost spent six (!) hours here, lounging about and drinking hot chocolate with rum and indulging in a naughty Apfelstrudel dessert. Apart from the breakfast platters, they do casual nibbles, hearty dinners and sweet desserts. And in the department of coffees, hot drinks, beers and juices – Café Bilderbuch does not disappoint. But the sexiest feature of all is that they have a couple of walls lined with books, where you can browse and borrow a book for reading in one of the many comfy armchairs. Other walls and corners display antique tables, chairs and other quaint knick-knacks – they even have a classical doll house. They also have Wlan, so you can even bring your laptop for a bit of working away from home and the office.

If you like a classical, cosy atmosphere and you enjoy eating long breakfasts or lunches – you absolutely need to check out this place. You will not be disappointed.

More pictures on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/goodfoodinberlin

What makes this restauarant fabulous?

• It is one of a kind. It is eclectic, beautiful, quaint and absolutely cosy. Cannot be missed in autumn and winter.
• The menu is cute, the dishes are budget proof and simply yummy. Everything you could possibly want for breakfast you can eat here.

What makes this restaurant less fabulous?

• When you get here at prime time (between 11-13) on a weekend day, it can be busy. And the staff can be very busy and may therefore be quite occupied. That is why I would simply recommend coming in a bit later and enjoy a more lounge-esque vibe.

Where to go?

Café Bilderbuch
Akazienstraße 28
10823 Berlin
030 78706057
Web: www.cafe-bilderbuch.de

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