This is by far one of Berlin's best kept secrets and the REAL Prenzlauerberg. A MUST for foodies and folks tired of mass produced, fast food culture the bakers and cooks here (Portuguese and Greek influenced) make everything from scratch on the premises. Which includes the croissant. I discovered this place when talking to a friend who comes from Paris who I know from New York. I asked her if anyone makes their own croissants any more much less here in Germany. It's tough, she sighed it's so time consuming no one goes the extra mile anymore. A few weeks later I was at a French bakery who boasted home made croissants. They were incredible and I inquired. The owner, a small, heavy set lady with hands like a wrestler and a thick Parisian accent confirmed that the croissants were made by hand, by the Bekari Berlin and then added, they're not even French
The croissants are made by hand, amazingly enough. What amazed me more though was that everything there is. On our first three visits we got pretty far through the well rounded menu. The homemade breads, Portuguese and Greek specialties are as good as the croissants. The sandwiches, creatively named (Tokyo Sandwich, Kapt'n Kirk, Obama Special) were as good as any I've had in New York. The breakfast menus are one of the best deals in town. The fresh juices were actually made with organic (Bio) ingredients and they didn't even bother to write it. One of the owners, who introduced herself as Paula a striking woman with a Portuguese accent who switched from German to English effortlessly, "You can't use regular apples or carrots in juices the skins taste chemical. No, no, I only serve organic fruits with skins " She then continued a conversation with a guest in French who was introducing her new baby to Paula. Paula, who runs the Bekarei with her Greek husband George, speaks seven million languages.
The desserts seem to have a cult following. One woman said she travels one hour each week to pick up the New York cheese cake. When I suggested maybe the commute was a bit much, she shook her head and said, Have you tried it?
It is pretty damn good. I'm not a sweet person, I tend towards the salty side of life, but I do have to admit that since I began bringing my out of towner guests to the Bekarei when they visit they seem distracted by the place with each return visit. Often it IS for the NY Cheesecake.
It's rare to find such a solid representation of a neighborhood in one restaurant. This is the real deal. Where ever you're visiting from (down the street) or from New York if there is one place you visit while in Berlin I'd say this should be it: Everything that's still charming about Prenzlauerberg, right in it's center not touristy, and the people and food are top notch.
PS Reader: The meaning behind the name Bekarei is also run by the same family who own the Eka, that last awesome real Prenzlauerberg bar just down the street. B-EKA-rei. read more
