WizTheMC

Berlin

It’s easy to find good food on Sonnenallee, but finding great food is much harder. This one's a Lebanese take on hummus making, and they are doing the thing. The new white-tiled, highly-illuminated LED lit interior may not be the most inviting but the massive plates of mixed food + hummus will hit every spot possible.

Another Sonnenallee steal. This one for the shawarma lover. Tell them you want the Arabisch. All will be good in the world.

Not a hummus-specialty, but doing some of the best shawarma this side of the Spree. The Lebanese family who runs this spot are incredibly lovely, and if you smile there, they slip in a piece of fried halloumi just where you take your first bite.

The craziness of Schlesi can drive anybody mad, but take a step away just here for a rejuvenating hummus bowl. Add a few falafels balls and you’re laughing. Shoutout my boy Anwar, for him the Kafta bowl is 'a cathartic experience'.

Berlin’s Best Spots for Middle Eastern Food with WizTheMc

Kurtis Wells

You tend to bump into people who miss home as much as I miss home, or people looking for a taste of the Caribbean, so it’s not very hard to connect. For me, this is the most authentic Jamaican/Caribbean restaurant, they don’t serve food without it being spicy, and most Germans they like food without spice, which is totally fine. I had a chat with the owner and he told me he doesn't like cooking without spices because you come for the most authentic meal. I’d recommend the oxtail.

It’s an African spot with multiple restaurants and bars, it’s pretty cool you can just hang out for hours, you feel like you’re literally not in Berlin. YAAM is centred around Black people. They curate this vibe where people can come and perform and sell their art, this is one spot where I’ve definitely felt connected to culture.

They make a lot of Caribbean-style drinks and cocktails it’s cool to pop in there if you don’t just want the average cocktail, and you want a rum punch.

The Caribbean Art Collection is an incredible experience. From being greeted with wine by the owners to hearing stories about each piece and its origins, my visit was nothing short of special. Being able to unfold what inspired all the different pieces collected and donated by artists all over the Caribbean really gives perspective on how culture can be exported through art.

In my opinion, Badehaus really highlights a lot of the underground scene surrounding upcoming talent in Berlin. I’ve discovered great acts here. It’s perfect for a spontaneous Saturday night.

Kurtis Wells Top Caribbean Spots in Berlin

It’s a former power plant and they do concerts really well. I’ve been there a few times on invitation from my friends who performed at Atonal Festival as LABOUR.

A well curated exhibition of the Boros collection in a huge bunker that changes every four years – what more do you want? Just make sure to book ahead of time.


It was one of the first places I visited when I came to Berlin. I’ve been to the memorials in Washington, D.C. so many times but nothing compares to the scale of this.

A residency programme and building in Wedding. I really enjoy attending my friends’ open studios, performances and rehearsals there. Just generally good vibes. Now my good friend Isabel Parkes works there, be sure to say hi.

Perfect, colourful place to visit when Berlin gets really grey during the winter.

Christine Sun Kim on Berlin’s Art Spaces

Found in Berlin-Charlottenburg, this restaurant serve delicious Ethiopian fare and is open to dine at and for curb side pick-up.

African Food Festival Berlin brings to you the best of healthy delicious African fare. Breaking the gap between street and haute cuisine. Bringing the rich variety of authentic African food from grill to sea to vegan.

A 100% vegan African-Italian restaurant offering amazing creative breakfasts and Sunday brunches. Zero waste and plastic-free.

When strolling through the African quarter in Wedding, you quickly get the impression that you have ended up in the streets of a small African town. The restaurant, owned by Suzanne Saitz, serves authentic Cameroonian food that's open 'til late.

Found in Reinickendorf, BaoPab offers tasty homemade food from burgers to grilled fish. One of the hot spots in the area. Also hosts jazz nights with cocktails.

Baraka is an amalgamation of Moroccan, Egyptian and Arabian food. Expect mouth-watering dishes like the traditional soup called Harira, that is usually served during Ramadhan, and the usual dips like baba ghanoush and hummus.

Since its opening in 1993, the Africa House, led by the sociologist, Oumar Diallo, from Guinea Conakry, has developed into an institution that is recognised beyond the capital's borders as a place for transcultural encounter and political education.

Experts in all hair textures, specialising in relaxers, texturizers, cutting & colouring.

Centrally located in the heart of Berlin Wedding, Salone Market is a multi-cultural meeting point. You can get both tropical and African food and drinks, as well as typical West African dishes (e.g. rice with peanut sauce, fish with plantains) at moderate prices. They also offer freshly ground classic coffee specialties. Main courses are available from €6 and the drink prices are cheap.

Founded by Femi Oyewole, Black Brown Berlin is a community directory and platform celebrating their culture and community in Berlin. They aim to shine the spotlight on Black and Brown excellence throughout the city by providing a range of thoughtfully curated content aimed to inform, connect, and serve the black and brown community.

Found in the ever-cool Kreuzberg, this vegan shop serves homemade banana bread in different flavours, from cream cheese, white chocolate and walnut to cream, nougat and hazelnut. For now, they offer a pick-up service where they bake twice a week and orders can be collected on Friday and Tuesdays.

This sustainable, handmade lingerie brand offers sultry pieces made out of left-over pieces of chiffon and silk in red, white, purple and many more. Sets made to order.

Found in Berlin-Neukölln, this West African kitchen serving delicious dishes like tilapia, jollof rice, fried yams and a special dish of banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) served with groundnut soup and mixed meat. They also have many vegan and vegetarian options.

Based in Berlin, this hair stylist is an expert in creating gorgeous braids and crowns on POC hair.

For designer Soji Solarin, his clothes are a tool to playfully challenge the preconceptions of black identity. In his collection 'Negro Cowboy', he addresses the cowboy - a landscape in which the black narrative has definitively been written out - with playful graphic tees and structured denim chaps.

Black-Owned Businesses in Berlin

A rare Yemeni restaurant, specialising in slow cooked meat and fresh breads. Can be hectic getting a table, but nice to see that type of bustle in Berlin.

Best lamachun in the south. Pile them high or enjoy with the lamb's head soup. Otherwise there is a long list of grill options, but in general affordable and quick.

Primarily for rare plants, Rooty’s proprietor is very knowledgeable and helpful and you may be lucky to get an impromptu workshop. You can preorder ramen or enjoy their ujikintoki affogato (matcha ice cream + red bean paste).

A great neighbourhood spot serving spicy Chinese food, also a selection of fresh dumplings, authentic taste. Not typical opening hours, but gives the clue of its family run/homemade vibe.

Berlin and tacos are never words that you should see together but the blunt riz of the owner reveals all. A simple menu, Cactus, Carnitas and Chicken. A casual place with very fresh tortillas and wavy marguerites if you are so inclined.

Staying in Friedrichshain, Larb Koi is where I would spend fancy money. Pork Belly, Octopus curry, salmon salad, take your pick but expect spice and high quality.

Back home to Neukölln, and despite the price wars of the rising (South Korean) Melona (once rare but now found in all spatis), it is impossible to not mention some Berlin home-made ice cream. I usually combo pistachio and cherry w/ poppy seed but all sorts of things happen here, sorbets even.

Where to Eat Out in Berlin, with Soda Plains

Floyd Lavine

Take a look at the unique, one-of-a-kind-pieces as well as the designs of the ready-to-wear line by this South African-born designer, launched in 2008. One can hardly identify the cultural roots of these fantastic garments or the times that they could have possibly been made in. Bringing together aesthetics of various African countries and traditional Asian craftsmanship, every piece of his brand is handmade by only one person: Dennis Chuene himself.

I played at one of the first ever African Food Festivals in Berlin. I really enjoyed it. The festival showcased beautiful cultural parts of Africa by celebrating the African and African diaspora community in Berlin. It’s a must-go festival if you’re in Berlin.

If you feel like enjoying West African authentic cuisine, Senegambia is your place. My friend Dede introduced this spot to me and I fell in love.

Selekt is an event management company run by my friend Joy Fatoyinbo. It offers crowd control, club selection, hosting and event management. I’ve been to the events and places they host and it’s always a great time.

If you’re looking for a Black lawyer in Berlin, especially for intellectual property law, my friend Joy (apart from running Selekt) is also a great lawyer. If you’re a creative and need to talk to someone about protecting your work, you know who to call.

Refuge Worldwide is a community radio station that offers more than just radio. It offers community support for Berlin creatives, fights for social justice, raises funds for social issues, hosts workshops and it’s a great hangout spot. I’m glad to be one of the resident DJs.

If you feel like having some Ethiopian food in Berlin, my favourite restaurant for that is Langano. This is a family-run business. I enjoy coming to eat here.

My best friend has had a baby and I finally realised that a good kindergarten is essential. Sankofa is Black-owned kindergarten. [It] has an Afrodiasporic and bilingual early childhood programme for children between the ages of one and six in the city. It was founded by a group of parents, and childrens’ parents play an active role in the overall management of the place.

8 Black-Owned Businesses in Berlin, Chosen By Floyd Lavine

Tiny's Pizza

It’s a very lovely spot, right on Paul-Lincke-Ufer. The bakery is really good, I think it’s been rated one of the best in Berlin so the croissants and baked goods there are really delicious.

This is kind of a general spot in the summer, people just try and catch as much sun as they can, with a beer or with wine and you kind of just find whatever space you have, maybe you run into some friends, maybe you meet someone new. That’s kind of the energy, it’s very casual.

It’s really nice to go on bike rides, also through the forest that is attached to it. And this island (Insel der Jugend) specifically is really lovely because there’s an outdoor cinema there, you can rent boats, there’s a little späti to pick up snacks or something to drink. And then there’s this one little spot, kind of like a boardwalk, where you just find people picnicking and sprawling out and the sun sets right along that view.

This is where you can rent out some paddle boats. It’s quite fun being on these little paddle boats. Actually driving the boat yourself is a different experience and with a close circle of friends it’s very funny but hectic as well.

It’s a really cute restaurant, kind of tucked away in the centre of the city. We have a big garden, a really big outdoor space for seating and for people to enjoy themselves. In the summer there’s a big emphasis on music and having DJs perform here.

Tiny's Pizza’s Guide To Summer in Berlin

Tsellot Melesse

Store X offers a unique blend of fashion, art and culture in one space. It mirrors Berlin's artistic and fashion-forward identity by providing a platform where creatives from all over the world meet. Their curated selections are one of a kind. I'd recommend exploring their record collection; grab a coffee right there and vibe. Most of the time a DJ there is spinning records. This might be the only time where it’s OK to walk up to the DJ and ask to play a record.

YaMe NumNums mirrors Berlin's love for international cuisine, offering a slice of Japan in the heart of the city, reflecting its multicultural and diverse culinary landscape. It stands out for its authentic homemade udon. I mean udon by itself is already insane, but homemade udon? Come on! Also love the owner – real Berliner, female, BIPOC! I'd suggest trying their signature udon noodles. My favourite is miso, sends you right to heaven.

The magic of YaMe NumNums lies in its ability to transport diners to Japan through flavours, offering a sense of tradition and authenticity in every bite. It serves as a culinary bridge, connecting the local community to the essence of Japanese food culture, contributing to Berlin's culinary diversity.

The magic of Silo lies in its ability to bring a slice of Australian brunch culture to Berlin, fostering a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, unique brunch options are exceptional. Their varied menu and quality coffee make it a go-to spot for a lively morning experience. It’s more than a hangover spot! But also incredibly bomb when hungover. I'd suggest trying their unique twist on classic brunch items like the avocado toast or their top-notch coffee that comes from a local roastery.

It’s also located in one of Berlin’s loveliest neighbourhoods, so grab brunch on Sunday there and continue the day at the flea market nearby or head over to Berghain like a true Berliner on Sunday morning.

Effy offers a trendy, artsy approach to nail care, providing a unique and creative
experience. Her attention to detail and trendy nail designs are commendable. She’s also real good on short nails – my personal favourite.

Effy mirrors Berlin's creative and artistic side by providing a space for self-expression through nail art and trendy designs, reflecting the city's avant-garde and innovative nature. The uniqueness of Effy's lies in her caring nature. It really is on- on-one time and pure relaxation – she does not only take care of your nails but also of your mind. You’ll leave relaxed!

Independent Businesses in Berlin Selected by Tsellot Melesse

David Roelen

The Black Lodge is an intimate, Twin Peaks inspired, bar which is always decorated with beautiful bouquets that contrast the dark walls and the smoky mix of a shady Berlin crowd. You’ll find a nice selection of beers and well done cocktails, served by a really nice team. 

Apparently run by the owners of Balck Lodge, Bar Brutal has all the things that remind me of the wild times in early 2000’s Berlin Mitte. The right mix of good drinks (long waits) and people who occasionally use the bathrooms for literally everything but their intentional function.

This West Berlin 1980’s relic is so unique that I have a hard time describing it. It’s kinda trashy, kinda kitsch but then just cool at the same time because of its realness. In no-covid times Kumpelnest was always packed with the most eclectic crowd and there was always a vibe. The perfect stop-over on a wild bar night when you need to dance to a Madonna song before moving over to one of the big clubs.

This is a real “Kneipe”, an Eastern German worker’s bar. The Service (usually two middle aged women) draught the beer and prepare simple meals in the small kitchen. It’s one of those places that smell like the hundred thousand of Beers that have been served, blended with old wooden floors. Love to come here whenever I’m in Mitte and have no plans afterwards.

Do De Li is located around the corner from where I live and I have been walking past this restaurant for many years until one rainy night about 3 years ago. It’s worth mentioning that when we entered the place for the first time it looked different than now. It was this cozy, kinda dark, typical Chinese family restaurant with one major difference about it. The walls were covered in framed drawings, showing fantastic beings, drawn in small squares consisting of parallel lines. The nerdy kind of drawing if you know what I mean. They turned out to be drawn by the owner’s 11yo son who is highly gifted and has waaay beyond average IQ. 

Who else is highly gifted here, is the chef. All dishes are extremely tasty and well cooked. The Mapo Tofu is bomb and what’s absolutely outstanding for me are the fried noodles (side dish).
If you go, also try one of their beautiful teas i.e. Rose Tea, the smell is just beautiful.


I won’t say much about W.
Just this: If you are in Neukölln and have a desire for a good Pizza, W is your place to go. It’s simply Berlin’s best Pizza. Period.

The 2nd Chinese restaurant in my neighbourhood that deserves attention. Sitting on a corner in the middle of Kanstr. (Berlin’s Chinatown), it has big windows that give way into the neon light bathed restaurant. Vibrant and delicious, Aroma is my favourite Berlin late night restaurant where one can eat delicious food until 3am, every day. We usually come here after a late screening in the cinema and never get tired of it. The Water Spinach and Pork ribs Salt and Pepper are amazing.

Late Nights in Berlin with Dl Roelen

Nico Adomako

One of my favourite clubs in Berlin. A lot of good parties like Trade or Hyperaktivist's night are happening here. Also, I just love dark venues where you can dance with your demons.

I used to do my Nico Adomako & Friends nights here. If you wanna check new Berlin DJs or crews, ACUD is where it's happening. If you find time you should go for a No Shade night.

My favourite Japanese spot, I used to go 3 times a week for one of their Bento boxes. The curry is really good as well.

Probably the only spot where they greet me by my name haha. Doyum is one of them places you come to Berlin for. Turkish food at its best. Go here for the lentil soup to cure your hangover.

Very warm and welcoming Jamaican fusion restaurant. I've had some great birthdays here.

Best burger in town in my opinion. Make sure to go to the OG one at Schlesisches Tor, directly under the tube station.

Sunday funday, a lot of nice pop up food spots but you can also get yourself a massage and stuff like that.

Our version of KFC with an Arab touch. Berlin culture basically.

Nico Adomako's Guide to Berlin

Raven

IMO, some of the best food in Berlin… Koempul is a family owned, Indonesian restaurant by Eberswalderstr. The menus has quite a bit of fish and meat, but the vegetarian dishes can be made vegan by subtracting the egg. Try the Gadogado salad with peanut sauce.

Handmade Italian food and a great selection of natural wines. The staff is super friendly too. Love this little place for when I’m feeling a little bougie… and thirsty.

Food, drinks, atmosphere and cute people. NK staple.

Usually always something happening at this dive bar in Mitte. Live shows, films, DJs. Top music if you’re into Kraut-rock, new wave, indie etc.

Hand picked vintage and second hand clothes. Good selection of shoes. I always find things here. They have men’s clothes as well. The owner is really helpful and will always help you find something.

Was happy to randomly have lunch with a friend here one day. Have been back plenty of times. The veggie pho is vegan and super tasty. Also inside the spot is really cute!

Late night bar. Dark, candle lit, One of my favourite bars in the city.

Brazilian cafe near Görlitzer Bahnhof. Vegan options and the price is really good. The food tastes like a proper home-cooked meal.

Berlin's Bars, Vintage Boutiques and Hidden Restaurants with Raven

Octa

This restaurant is run by my good friend Tim Ligtenberg and they make a fantastic Neapolitan. It's also my go-to spot on Friday evenings, as Tim always has a DJ or two spinning in their outdoor space in Mitte's Hackescher Hof, where I can be sure I'll run into at least a few friends before heading to the next event.

A small, quiet wine bar in Neukölln – the perfect stop for a chilled glass of orange wine on my way home from the office. They also offer a limited selection of authentic Italian goods, such as my very favorite Nocellara olives and bread sticks.

This local nut and dried goods store has a couple of locations around Berlin, but I like to frequent their shop on Karl Marx Straße for familiarity. In addition to their wide selection of traditional Lokum (aka "Turkish Delight") they also offer a huge selection of roasted nuts and dried fruits – I recommend their candied hibiscus, or the sesame roasted almonds – my go-to snacks since the first time I entered their store.

Probably the best way to describe Hopscotch is as an oasis. In addition to a sprawling selection of non-western English-language literature, emphasizing diaspora narratives and marginalized experiences, Hopscotch hosts workshops and events for a general audience.

To be frank, I haven't had a chance to visit the SAVVY Contemporary space, but that is only because of lockdowns hindering the accessibility of cultural institutions. SAVVY's focus, as an arts center, classroom, and communal space, is on interrogating notions of the "West" and "non-West" to attempt to deconstruct some of the firmly held social constructions surrounding such notions. SAVVY founder Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung was recently appointed as the new director of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin to take effect in 2023, which is a huge deal – especially in Germany, where visible examples of Black cultural architects are very limited.

Berlin is home to a huge selection of swimming lakes and ponds. Sadly I have a deep connection to the Ocean, but since Germany is largely landlocked, lakes will have to do. Bernsteinsee is one of my favorite places to go swimming, but at around an hour's drive outside the city, it is a rare visit for me. The vibe there is just very clean, very quiet, and SANDY – which is not the case for all of the lakes in Greater Berlin.

Octa's Favourite Spots in Berlin

deadHYPE

Come by on a Saturday as we are also doing radio, so you get to see some of Berlin's best DJs

Book a table in advance and order the pistachio kofta.

Head to the champagne bar. Get any Blanc de blancs!

Always a great exhibition, extremely well curated - go in the week as it's really relaxed.

A lot to take in so book the tour ahead of time

Amazing lunch spot also good for fresh meat and fish

If you come and need a haircut go to Reydy - it's about 20€. He's a legend and can really cut (go to the back and ask for Reydy explicitly).

deadHYPE's Berlin City Guide

No Shade Collective

They have a cool selection of books and magazines.



They're based here and Mexico. For us, it’s the best post-internet contemporary gallery.

Two English guys run it - arcade vibes.



A bar full of good beer and food. Queer-friendly crowd.



Found in Kreuzberg, Berlin, HAU is an international theatre showcasing dance performances, concerts, dialogue and visual arts across three venues. 

Germany's national centre for the presentation and discussion of international contemporary arts, with a special focus on non-European cultures and societies.

They host some cool parties and also, have a great outdoors area for summer chill.

Explore Berlin with Non-Binary and Femme Collective No Shade

Wayne Snow

This rooftop is quite simply one of my favourite places in Neukölln to meet with friends and watch the sun go down. There are two dance floors carefully blasting some sweet 70s, 80s groove. You will find the second dance floor behind the Jeff Koons like sculpture.

You have two possibilities, you go to the right to order a cocktail, with sour whiskey (my favorite) sit down to chat, check people out, dance or you go to the left for dinner at the table with three types of menus, Sicilian, Cypriot or Korean.

This place is truly magical. It can make you forget you're in Neukölln altogether. I saw big bands there, incredible jazz trios. Unfortunately there is not yet a dance floor to move around but nothing prevents dancing outside in front of the window.

This little bar club is one of the places you need to know in Neukölln. I do not know if the basement is open in these times of Covid but I will leave you the surprise of what you will find there.

My favourite place to find the flavours that I miss. Okra Soup, Egusi Soup or Jollof Rice. It´s run by a Ghanaian brother who runs the hair salon right next to it. It will give you the energy you need for the night.

There is a good chance that you will meet here at any time. It's like my living room. The parmigiana is exceptional. Carbonara is my favourite sin. They also have superb wine to accompany any meal.

Having lived in France, I can't help looking for a place to drink good wine. Here you will find very good natural wine and of course orange wine.

Top for brunch before going to Tempelhof to chill. The plates are quite varied and plentiful. I like to finish with the chocolate soufflé.