Berlin in five cafes
At the end of winter, I left our beautiful province and its incessant snowfall to visit a dear friend who was living in Germany for the year. Planned at the very last minute, this trip would allow me to discover an eccentric and underestimated metropolis.
Berlin.
I have to be completely honest here. This huge city wasn't on my list. You know, that famous list we all make sooner or later, detailing all the countries, cities, and remote corners of the world that we absolutely must visit in our lifetime. Berlin seemed gray to me in this winter we were all so eager to escape. It was after scrolling through Instagram and devouring a few travel guides that I started to really get excited about going there.
What a mistake I was to think that the German capital was boring.
It's quite the opposite.
Berlin is colourful, delicious, and offers an incredible artistic culture.
And what about its coffees?
THE VISIT COFFEE ROASTERY 
Photo credit: Anne-Sophie Milette
A chance encounter. I was looking for another café when I found this one, completely by chance. It was the neon sign "We have coffee" that caught my eye.
Effective, isn't it?
Upon entering the café, we were greeted with a friendly and warm welcome. Then came a smooth and light latte, made from a subtly fruity espresso. A delicate blend of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Brazilian beans, roasted on-site. My first Berlin latte was unforgettable.
It's no great surprise that The Visit has become my go-to spot for starting my days. Its sleek design, friendly baristas, and all-day brunch make it well worth a visit to Kreuzberg (also known as Little Istanbul), a multi-ethnic neighborhood full of delightful surprises.
Adalbertstrasse 9, 10999, Berlin
BONANZA COFFEE ROASTERS
Tucked away at the end of a small side street, you'll find this extraordinary café. Bonanza is a spacious place where wood, white brick, and plants harmonize under a soaring ceiling, creating an atmosphere perfect for appreciating their excellent coffee. This place, as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, also houses a large roasting laboratory where several artisans collaborate, blending old and new methods to find the best way to showcase the bean. "Retro Innovation" is the name the roasters give to their research and combinations. They've been serving exceptional coffee here since 2006.
The flat white is a success, as is the Bonanza Blend used in the machine. A smooth espresso revealing chocolate and fruity notes.
Definitely a must-have.
Orderbergerstrasse 35, 10435, Berlin
COMPANION COFFEE 
Photo credit: Anne-Sophie Milette
Installed at Voo Stores, the Companion is very small.
There is no Wi-Fi network or electrical outlet available here to plug in a computer.
The place encourages you to focus on your coffee, your tea, your companion, your book. This subtle absence of electronics is noticeable and creates a calm atmosphere, despite the presence of the boutique that houses the small café. The boutique itself deserves special mention; it's beautiful, and the products it offers are equally exquisite. The place is simply wonderful, whether you're a fashion enthusiast or not.
The Companion Coffee uses beans or a blend from a guest roaster, which changes monthly. This month, it's the E.CO.MITA blend from the Barcelona-based roaster Nomad. The flat white is delicious, smooth, and light. The Americano is a bit more robust, but just as good, with notes of cocoa and tart fruit. Nectarine, to be precise.
Oranienstrasse 24, 10997, Berlin
ROAMERS
Photo credit: Rose Trudel
In addition to offering delectable lunches served in the most adorable setting (botany lovers, take note!), Roamers boasts excellent coffee and, according to locals, superb cocktails. In a distinctly Californian atmosphere, savor one of the best cappuccinos in Berlin (in my opinion), brewed with a blend from Bonanza, the Berlin roaster I mentioned earlier. If you happen to be passing by this tiny restaurant, don't hesitate to join the queue; you won't regret either the coffee or the French toast.
Pannierstrasse 64, 12043, Berlin
THE BARN
Photo credit: Anne-Sophie Milette
Offered in six different small branches, The Barn coffee shop is also a must-try (they all are, you might say. The answer is yes, definitely.)
A slightly more bitter espresso, a bit more intense, but just as delicious, is served as a flat white or a latte. What's interesting here is that all the coffee varieties offered are Fairtrade certified and come from small batches. These coffees are more traceable, revealing aromas from particular and specific terroirs.
I unfortunately forgot to note the coffee used for my two drinks, but despite this small oversight, I definitely recommend a visit to The Barn. Stop by for one of their many beverages and a delicious apple pastry before exploring Berlin's Museum Island.
The Barn Mitte: Auguststrasse 58, 10119, Berlin
The Barn Neukölln: Friedelstrasse 27, 12047, Berlin
Black Isle of London (in Berlin)
Photo credit: Anne-Sophie Milette
This latest address is not a café. It's more of a pastry shop where the espresso served is excellent, as is everything else.
Anne-Sophie Milette
