IFA Paper – Edition Two

Caffeine Fix and Bites at the Bar: Berlin City Tips by Cee Cee

DAYTIME

WARM WELCOMING: SANT BUENA

Need a place to unwind? Sant Buena is a cosy new corner shop on Torstraße that brings people together. Part café, part market and part shop, it was founded by the team behind Flatmakers. The space offers curated home goods, seasonal treats and local brands along with fresh coffee, baked goods and comfort food like soft boiled eggs with soldiers. On weekends it becomes a lively neighbourhood spot that feels like home. Timeless and thoughtful. Sant Buena, Torstr. 153, 10115 Berlin–Mitte @sant.buena
Need a place to unwind? Sant Buena is a cosy new corner shop on Torstraße that brings people together. Part café, part market and part shop, it was founded by the team behind Flatmakers. The space offers curated home goods, seasonal treats and local brands along with fresh coffee, baked goods and comfort food like soft boiled eggs with soldiers. On weekends it becomes a lively neighbourhood spot that feels like home. Timeless and thoughtful. Sant Buena, Torstr. 153, 10115 Berlin–Mitte @sant.buena

BEERGARDEN BUT BETTER: LAAX AT 
THE PARK

A relaxed spot in Schöneberg’s Volkspark, Laax serves coffee, homemade lemonades, Berlin beer and more from a converted trailer. Enjoy the sun, unwind from the city rush or head into the park for a peaceful stroll. Laax, Fritz-Elsas-Str. 30, 10825 Berlin-Schöneberg @laax.berlin
A relaxed spot in Schöneberg’s Volkspark, Laax serves coffee, homemade lemonades, Berlin beer and more from a converted trailer. Enjoy the sun, unwind from the city rush or head into the park for a peaceful stroll. Laax, Fritz-Elsas-Str. 30, 10825 Berlin-Schöneberg @laax.berlin

SEE DIFFERENTLY: 
C/O BERLIN

Set in Berlin’s Amerika Haus, C/O Berlin showcases cutting-edge photography and visual culture. From world-renowned names to emerging talents, its exhibitions spark fresh perspectives. Afterward, linger in the café or step outside into the buzz of City West. C/O Berlin, Hardenbergstr. 22–24, 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg @co_berlin
Set in Berlin’s Amerika Haus, C/O Berlin showcases cutting-edge photography and visual culture. From world-renowned names to emerging talents, its exhibitions spark fresh perspectives. Afterward, linger in the café or step outside into the buzz of City West. C/O Berlin, Hardenbergstr. 22–24, 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg @co_berlin

COOL DOWN BY THE WATER: DASHI CANTEEN

Following the success of Dashi Diner, Dashi Canteen expands on the concept, blending traditional ingredients with a modern twist. The menu features aromatic broths, cosy curry rice and light snacks – perfect for a tasty lunch. Dashi Canteen, Englische Straße 21, 10587 Berlin-Charlottenburg @dashidiner
Following the success of Dashi Diner, Dashi Canteen expands on the concept, blending traditional ingredients with a modern twist. The menu features aromatic broths, cosy curry rice and light snacks – perfect for a tasty lunch. Dashi Canteen, Englische Straße 21, 10587 Berlin-Charlottenburg @dashidiner

NIGHTTME

HOU TANG 
HOT, HOTTER, HOU TANG

On Berlin’s Ku’damm, Hou Tang transforms dining into a vibrant Chengdu hotpot experience. Guests can enjoy spicy, meaty or vegan broths, or combine them all in one pot before adding ingredients ranging from lamb and shrimp to tofu and pak choi. A self-serve sauce station invites creativity with sesame oil, soy and fermented tofu paste. Finish your meal with lemonade, jasmine milk tea and shaved ice. Hou Tang, Kurfürstendamm 175, 10707 Berlin–Wilmersdorf @houtang_hotpot
On Berlin’s Ku’damm, Hou Tang transforms dining into a vibrant Chengdu hotpot experience. Guests can enjoy spicy, meaty or vegan broths, or combine them all in one pot before adding ingredients ranging from lamb and shrimp to tofu and pak choi. A self-serve sauce station invites creativity with sesame oil, soy and fermented tofu paste. Finish your meal with lemonade, jasmine milk tea and shaved ice. Hou Tang, Kurfürstendamm 175, 10707 Berlin–Wilmersdorf @houtang_hotpot

FROM POP UP HYPE TO ALL DAY VIBES:
BAR BASTA

Bar Basta has found a permanent home at Casa Camper after its pop-up era as an all day eatery that reimagines classics and celebrates radical hospitality. From breakfast and lunch to dinner and cocktails after 22:00, everything is possible here from creamy eggs to the ODB sandwich. The atmosphere is relaxed, familiar and full of energy – a place where you end up staying and always return to. Bar Basta, Rosenthaler Str. 53, 10178 Berlin–Mitte @basta.berlin @lobb.berlin @casacamper
Bar Basta has found a permanent home at Casa Camper after its pop-up era as an all day eatery that reimagines classics and celebrates radical hospitality. From breakfast and lunch to dinner and cocktails after 22:00, everything is possible here from creamy eggs to the ODB sandwich. The atmosphere is relaxed, familiar and full of energy – a place where you end up staying and always return to. Bar Basta, Rosenthaler Str. 53, 10178 Berlin–Mitte @basta.berlin @lobb.berlin @casacamper

WHERE STREET FOOD MEETS SOUND: REI

Rei is reshaping Kreuzberg nights with Japanese-inspired comfort food, bold cocktails and a carefully curated sake list. Behind its graffiti-clad façade, karaage chicken, gyoza, and vegan bites meet DJs and live sessions – making late-night dining a full-sensory escape. Rei Bar, Reichenberger Str. 36, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg @reibar.berlin
Rei is reshaping Kreuzberg nights with Japanese-inspired comfort food, bold cocktails and a carefully curated sake list. Behind its graffiti-clad façade, karaage chicken, gyoza, and vegan bites meet DJs and live sessions – making late-night dining a full-sensory escape. Rei Bar, Reichenberger Str. 36, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg @reibar.berlin

 

A TASTE OF PARIS:
IRMA LA DOUCE

Step off Potsdamer Straße and into Paris at Irma la Douce, a Michelin-starred bistro where mirrored walls, stucco ceilings and a touch of glamour set the stage. Chef Michael Schulz showcases the art of French sauces, with a showstopping bouillabaisse whose seafood components are prepared individually and finished at the table. Sommelier Sascha Hammer rounds it out with a Burgundy- and Bordeaux-heavy wine list and 50 champagnes, making Irma la Douce a true slice of Paris in Berlin.

Irma la Douce, Potsdamer Str. 102,
10785 Berlin–Tiergarten

@irmaladouceberlin