Sustainable Places to Eat in Berlin: Vegan Cafes + Organic Restaurants
LAST UPDATED: 19th November 2024
Berlin has long been a hotspot for innovation and creativity, and its food scene is no exception. As the city embraces sustainability in all aspects of life, its restaurants and cafes are leading the way by redefining what it means to eat consciously. From farm-to-table dining experiences to zero-waste kitchens and plant-based cafes, Berlin presents a growing number of eateries that combine ethical sourcing with delicious cuisine.
While many establishments are striving to lessen their environmental impact, a few truly stand out. These sustainable places to eat in Berlin not only satisfy your palate but also contribute to a healthier planet. Keep an eye out for those employee smiles—fostering a happy workplace culture is a big part of sustainability in the hospitality industry. Here’s a guide to some of Berlin’s most inspiring and eco-friendly culinary spots.
Map of Sustainable Places to Eat in Berlin
To simplify things, I’ve created a map featuring organic and sustainable places to eat in Berlin. Below, you’ll find my reviews of the spots I visited, while the rest of my research is included on the map for you to explore and enjoy. If you have any recommendations to add, please add in the comments!
CLICK TO VIEW THE MAP OF ORGANIC OR SUSTAINABLE EATERIES IN BERLIN
Sustainable Restaurants in Berlin
Cookies Cream
Cookies Cream, located in Berlin Mitte, is a renowned vegan and vegetarian Michelin-star restaurant that has delighted diners since its establishment in 2007. This pioneering concept, created by Cookie Heinz Gindullis, was the first fine dining restaurant in Berlin to serve exclusively vegetarian cuisine.
Follow the shimmering chandelier to discover the restaurant’s hidden, speakeasy-style entrance, hinting at the intrigue inside. The understated interior, once a projector room of an old cinema, is brimming with ambience. Presented with “The Magnificent Seven” menu and drink pairings, your only choices are between 5 or 7 courses, vegan or vegetarian, and wine or non-alcoholic options.
The seasonally-inspired menu showcases Chef Nicholas Hahn’s creative vision, enhanced by our server’s poetic descriptions that build anticipation. Standout dishes included the Pimientos de Padrón, a true work of art; delicate pumpkin with pine nuts and ginger that melts in your mouth; and the tomato, pistachio, and star anise dish, bursting with flavour. For an extra-special treat, try signature plates like the onsen egg with seaweed caviar or the decadent parmesan dumplings.
From start to finish, the tasting evening at Cookies Cream was course upon course of food bliss in a perfectly professional and friendly environment. Justifiably known as one of Berlin’s top vegetarian restaurants, Cookies Cream truly presents inventive dishes with organically sourced or fermented ingredients, and is a must-visit for gastronomic excellence in meat-free dining.
HAPPA Restaurant
HAPPA Restaurant provides a modern dining experience rooted in sustainability and plant-based cuisine. Located in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, HAPPA focuses on using hyper-local, seasonal ingredients to craft its fully vegan menu. As a certified organic restaurant, HAPPA collaborates with regional suppliers and regenerative farmers who share their commitment to sustainability.
Since its opening in late 2022, HAPPA has featured vegan reinterpretations of traditional Bavarian dishes, blending contemporary techniques with natural ingredients. The wholesome sweet potato stew and rhubarb lemonade were both satisfying and eco-conscious.
Behind its understated exterior lies a colourful, welcoming space. A red entrance opens to an open kitchen, while the pink room, adorned with a “happy pigs” painting, and a yellow room displaying striking black-and-white photography add to the restaurant’s artistic atmosphere.
Katerschmaus
Katerschmaus offers a special dining experience within Holzmarkt 25, a cultural and community hub operated by a cooperative for urban creativity. This cooperative supports sustainable, social and cultural projects rooted in fair principles and powered by citizen-driven renewable energy. Located along the Spree River, this eatery embodies the ethos of its surroundings by integrating eco-conscious dining into a Bohemian setting.
The restaurant Katerschmaus (FAME) presents a fusion of contemporary European and Asian cuisine and places a strong emphasis on sourcing local, seasonal and organic ingredients, some home-grown, and their menu changes regularly to showcase the latest harvest. From beautifully prepared vegetarian options to ethically sourced meat dishes, Katerschmaus appeals to both omnivores and plant-based eaters.
An autumn visit to Katerschmaus, with views of the river framed by floor-to-ceiling doors, was beautifully atmospheric. The subtle flavours of the pike perch with a flavoursome tomato, bell pepper and spinach sauce with basmati rice were a wonderful combination. Whilst sipping on my Waysa bio-energy drink, crafted in Berlin, I was transported back to my time staying and cooking traditional Ecuadorian foods with a Kichwa family in the Amazon. By evening, Katerschmaus’ upscale restaurant menu transforms into a refined fine dining experience—making a return visit inevitable!
|| YOU MAY LIKE TO READ MY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GUIDE OF BERLIN
Sustainable Organic Cafes in Berlin
FREA Bakery
FREA Bakery & Café in Berlin is a shining example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into everyday indulgence. Known for being the first completely zero-waste, plant-based bakery in the city, FREA takes eco-consciousness to the next level by combining delicious vegan offerings with a commitment to minimising its environmental impact.
At FREA, everything is made from scratch using organic, locally sourced ingredients, and the menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight seasonal produce. From freshly baked sourdough bread to plant-based pastries and hearty breakfast bowls, every bite reflects a deep respect for nature. Their coffee and drinks selection follows the same sustainable ethos, with ethically sourced beans and a focus on reducing single-use waste through reusable packaging.
FREA Bakery stands out for its zero-waste approach, ensuring every ingredient is fully utilised. Leftover baguettes become croutons, unsold croissants transform into hazelnut bites, and any remaining waste is composted. With biodegradable packaging, house-brewed kombucha, and roasted hazelnut milk cappuccinos, FREA offers a top choice for eco-conscious diners.
One thing to note, FREA Bakery & Café is a popular spot, so if you’re not keen on waiting, plan to go early. In the summer, they offer outdoor seating, with lines for their baked goods often spilling outside.
Swing Kitchen
Swing Kitchen, founded by Charly and Irene Schillinger, brings Austrian plant-based expertise to Berlin’s flourishing vegan scene. With roots in Vienna, Swing Kitchen was created to offer a fast-food experience that aligns with sustainable values. Since opening its first location in 2015, the brand has grown across Austria and Germany, with its Berlin branch embodying the same commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The restaurant is designed around a zero-waste philosophy, using only compostable packaging, cutlery, and cups. Every element, from sourcing ingredients to waste management, is carefully planned to minimise environmental impact. Their carbon footprint is reduced through plant-based ingredients and partnerships with local suppliers.
Swing Kitchen’s menu includes a variety of vegan fast-food classics: burgers, wraps, and crispy nuggets made from organic soy and other plant-based proteins. After meeting friends for lunch and spending some time working on my laptop, I had the chance to put my taste buds to the test during two meal sittings. I sampled the Vienna Burger, which pays tribute to traditional Austrian flavours, and the BBQ cheeseburger, complete with a smoky sauce and vegan cheese.
|| READ ABOUT SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS IN AMSTERDAM AND PRAGUE
Social Enterprise Cafes in Berlin
RefuEats
RefuEats is a worthy culinary project that focuses on integrating refugees into the local food scene while promoting cultural exchange through food. Established in 2017 by a group of passionate activists and chefs, RefuEats aims to provide a platform for refugees to showcase their traditional recipes and cooking techniques, allowing them to share their cultures with the community.
The menu at RefuEats features a delightful array of dishes inspired by the diverse backgrounds of its chefs. You can find flavours from Middle Eastern, African, and Asian cuisines, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is presented in German but the team can communicate in English, although the sight of the tasty fare including flavourful falafel wraps, aromatic curries and hearty stews, will render you speechless.
Cultural Food Experiences in Berlin
Berlin’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavours and traditions. A cultural food tour is a special way to taste the city’s diversity—from classic German fare to Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Explore local markets, secret treasures and sustainable spots to experience Berlin’s ever-evolving food culture firsthand.
Kreuzberg Culinary Food Tour takes you through the streets, backyards, and restaurants of the multicultural neighbourhood.
Berlin Vegan Food & Cultural Walking Tour shares fascinating stories about Berlin’s sustainable food scene and learn about its turbulent history.
Rooftop Aperitif at Käfer Restaurant Reichstag is home to the German Bundestag. This eatery partners with local farmers and suppliers and is the best spot in Berlin for the city views.
PIN for the Best Sustainable Places To Eat in Berlin
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While we have a number of favorites places to eat while in Berlin, we’re always looking to add new spots, especially those that are committed to sustainability. Definitely adding the Käfer Restaurant in the Reichstag to our list.
Berlin has so many quality restaurants that put the planet first. Glad you found my guide useful!
Great post! I live near Berlin/ work in Berlin. I am vegetarian at home and have actually been to Cookie’s Cream and it was really good value for money. A LOT of the central Berlin Asian places are nowadays vegan, too, although I don’t know about sustainability credentials of those. I am saving some of the other places you recommend for future visits!
Cookies Cream was magnificent, and I thought it was worth every Euro! I have so many vegetarian restaurants to try next time I visit Berlin.