Schöneberg is a great neighborhood to live in.
The buildings are old and beautiful, with lots of character. The streets are clean. The people are friendly. And the vibe is positive. In the neighborhood there are many great cafes and restaurants to check out. Many with their own unique vibe and creative menu offerings.
The pricing, however, not so friendly. You can definitely find better food, with bigger portions and at a much cheaper price in a neighborhood like Friedrichshain, but if you’re in the area, you’re hungry and you don’t mind spending a little extra, you’re likely to find some really great treats.
Quick Bites
Dolce Pizza $
This place is always poppin’!
Located next to Schöneberg Park this pizza place is the perfect pitstop on your way to or from the park.
With an open window to the sidewalk and the ability to pay per slice, it’s no wonder this pizza place always has a queue.
BTW this place usually has an excellent selection of vegetarian pizzas.
OH! And don’t forget the garlic sauce! (The pizza isn’t the same without it.)
Esmerelda’s $
A nice Peruvian spot. Home to some really great empanadas, interesting flavors of ice cream (try the Chicha Morada!), and a really amazing alafajor!
(P.S. The alfajores are huge! Covered in coconut. And surprisingly not too sweet. Perfect for those craving a delicious South American sweet.)
Yummm
Eistee $
If you’re coming here on a warm or sunny day, you better arrive with some time because there’s always a line! Greeted with a friendly smile, Eistee has some really great options of ice cream. (My favorite is cherry!)
MANA $$
Great place for a quick cappuccino. They’re menu offers a lot of vegan/vegetarian options. Vegan döner being one of those options! But if you’ve made it as far to this place you have to try their carrot-walnut cake! (OMG!) The portion size is small, but the cake isn’t overly sweet and unlike other locations, MANA tops their carrot cake with pomegranate seeds. Such a simple a delicious addition!
They also have a really decadent vegan brownie, but I’m warning you, the slice for the price is tear-building.
For hours and an updated version of their menu, check here.
(TIP: they do serve half slices here for desserts, just ask!)
Portier $
This loved spot is located adjacent MANA. During working hours it’s impossible to miss as there’s always a line of people waiting in front.
If you’re looking for a good coffee. This is the place. (Much better than MANA, shhhhh!)
ANNNNND if you’re lucky and arrive earlier in the morning, you may just catch them as they’ve received their bakery delivery of warm, fresh-baked cookies for the day. Do yourself a favor, skip all the flavors and order yourself a peanut butter cookie. You’ll thank me later.
(I come from the US. Home of the peanut butter lovers, and let me tell you, in all my 28 years of cookie eating, I’ve never had a peanut butter cookie quite like this one! The amount of peanut butter used to make this thick pillows of goodness is striking, but it’s the key to their deliciousness!)
Coffee Pony $
Located along one of the main streets in Schöneberg, this is a great place to stop for something sweet.
Although they offer coffee and a variety of sweets to choose from, the main specialty here is cheesecake. Coffee Pony excels in cheesecake and likes to experiment with different shapes and flavors to present this traditional cake.
Bigger Bites
Habibi $$
Known for having the best schwarma in the neighborhood, Habibi also offers a wide menu of Arabic and Lebanese foods made fresh each day.
They also make their own yogurt-beet sauce, which is a must try when you’re here.
So, if you want a big plate and you don’t want to wait long for your food, this place is an excellent choice.
Renger-Patzsch $$$$
If you’re looking for a nice dining environment with an excellent German kitchen. Renger-Patzsch is the place. Here you can find traditional German dishes with a modern twist. Really, the food speaks for itself. I need not say more.
This place also has an amazing wine list and you cannot beat the service. Five stars!
To check out what’s on their menu or to book a reservation (recommended), click here.
Rueyam Gemuse Kebab $
Another great location that is always, always, always lined up with young locals.
This is the place to go for a döner if you’re in Schöneberg.
Prices are reasonable, food is massive, and flavors are delicious.
Vegetarian options available.
Taverna Kos $$
This restaurant always has people in it. And if you notice, the customers are almost always older German locals. (That’s how you know it has good food!)
Come here if you’re looking for delicious, authentic Greek food. You won’t be disappointed.
Yogi-Haus $$
One of a few Indian restaurants located in Schöneberg, but definitely my favorite. I’ve been testing the Buttered Chicken dish from a different Indian restaurant every time the occasion calls and I must say, the one here is definitely in my top 3.
Drinks
Bärbucha Kombucha
Kombucha still isn’t super popular in Berlin. There’s really only one brand you’ll ever find in stores and if you want to try something different, well you only have a few options around the city you can go to. One of these options is located in Schöneberg.
So, if you’re into kombucha, this is a really neat place to check out.
Not only do they offer a variety of homemade buchs to choose from, but they also offer their very own line of caffeine free kombucha as well as a special line using other holistic herbs and spices known for their medicinal properties.
And if you’re interested in brewing your own buch, they sell scobys here as well. Although, I warn you, the price is steep. These guys are asking a whopping 18€ per scoby.
If you have the time, I suggest you make your own. Check out how to do that here. If you don’t, then you can usually find someone on Facebook Marketplace giving away or selling their scoby babies for much cheaper. (I recently purchased my own from FB Marketplace for only 5€.)
Maigold $$
Other than offering a nice atmosphere, this place has top-notch cocktails. And boy, do I love me a good cocktail.
I worked as a bartender for many years, so I can be quite snobby when it comes to what I drink, but this place doesn’t only craft well-made cocktails, they do it with a unique set of ingredients. So you’ll find much more than your traditional old-fashioned here!
To see their current menu, check their website here.
