Berlin kicks off January with a variety of exciting new dining and leisure concepts. The restaurant boat Spree Fumée invites you to the historic harbor, offering innovative cocktails and Asian-inspired cuisine. Film enthusiasts will love Bar Buñuel, where a surreal atmosphere pays homage to cinematic artistry. Meanwhile, Café Gentil brings a touch of French sophistication to the city, with its Yves Klein blue walls creating an elegant ambiance. Beyond dining, the Hotel de Rome spa has undergone a stunning transformation, and the newly opened Ping Pong Park in Wedding promises year-round fun, no matter the weather. Discover our top 11 new openings.
Tip 1: A Surreal Haven for Film Fans – Bar Buñuel Our
Film enthusiasts in Berlin have a fresh new hangout: Bar Buñuel. Launched by Torsten Frehse, co-founder of the independent Berlin film distribution company, this unique bar pays homage to the Spanish director and surrealism master Luis Buñuel. The atmosphere is as captivating as its namesake, with green upholstered benches and stunning film stills adorning the orange-painted walls. Here, you can raise a glass and even light up—it’s a space for both toasting and smoking!
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Where: Bergstraße 25d, Mitte
Tip 2: All Aboard – New Restaurant Spree Fumée
This January, a truly unique dining experience awaits at Berlin's historic harbor. The newly opened restaurant boat, Spree Fumée, is housed within a beautifully restored historic ship, a project that took a year and a half of meticulous craftsmanship. Nestled in the ship’s cozy belly, guests can enjoy an exquisite ambiance complete with a fireplace and a stylish bar. The menu features fresh Asian cuisine served in elegant bamboo baskets, paired with exceptional cocktails inspired by Berlin’s nine most famous bridges—available in non-alcoholic variations as well.
When: Sunday to Wednesday, 12:00 PM – Midnight; Thursday to Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Where: Märkisches Ufer 1Z, Mitte
Tip 3: Good drinks, music and candlelight at Bottega Seppel
We warmly recommend this charming late-2024 addition for your January evenings. Bottega Seppel combines the cozy ambiance of candlelight with music from a vintage record player, creating an intimate and relaxed vibe. Their feel-good kitchen stays open until 10:30 PM, offering delights like Gillardeau oysters, braised pumpkin with peanut chili, and truffle parmesan fries. Expect seasonal surprises and plenty of shareable dishes. Pair your meal with an exciting selection of wines, making it a perfect spot for culinary adventurers who appreciate a welcoming atmosphere.
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 6:00 PM; Sunday from 2:00 PM
Where: Wielandstraße 38, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: Sweet Treats for Cold Days – Sen & Ben Eiscafé
If snow isn't sticking around, why not embrace the season with a scoop of ice cream? Sen & Ben at Kottbusser Tor has been delighting visitors with 36 mouthwatering flavors since mid-December. Their menu takes a seasonal twist for winter, featuring indulgent options like Grandma’s Apple Pie, Malaga with sultanas and Marsala wine, and the ever-decadent Dubai Chocolate. Beyond ice cream, they also serve coffee, tea, cakes, and hearty breakfasts, making it a cozy spot for any time of day.
Where: Adalbertstraße 8, Kreuzberg
When: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday, 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sunday, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tip 5: French Elegance at Breakfast – Café Gentil
Café Gentil brings a touch of French elegance to the heart of Kollwitzkiez. Set against striking Yves Klein blue walls, chic bistro tables create a cozy atmosphere perfect for lingering. Larger groups will feel at home at the spacious communal table, while intimate seating areas offer a more relaxed vibe. Indulge in pistachio croissants, éclairs, madeleines, and other French delights. It’s not just the pastries that shine—Instagram enthusiasts will love the café's stylish design elements, perfect for capturing those picture-perfect moments.
Where: Heinrich-Roller-Straße 27, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
Tip 6: Play table tennis in winter at Ping-Pong Park
Despite the gray winter skies, table tennis fans in Berlin have a reason to celebrate. In December, Ping-Pong Park in Wedding unveiled a new indoor hall dedicated to this fast-paced sport. With eight courts available, you can book your slot online in advance for just €15 per hour, accommodating up to four players per court. Rackets and balls are available for rent or purchase at the on-site ProShop, making it easy to join in the fun. Just remember to bring indoor shoes for the ultimate winter table tennis experience!
Tip 7: Hot tip for hot pot - Yang Guofu
If you haven’t yet discovered this hot pot gem in Berlin, now is the perfect time to warm up with a steaming bowl of Chinese soup this January. At Yang Guofu, you can craft your own personalized hot pot experience. Start by selecting your favorite ingredients—choose from a variety of vegetables, meats, seafood, tofu, and noodles. Next, pick your broth, such as beef broth or vegan tomato soup, and hand your creation to the kitchen. Once it’s ready, top it off with herbs, spices, and your preferred level of heat. A comforting and delicious way to beat the winter chill!
Where: Weinbergsweg 5, Mitte
When: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tip 8: Sweet Indulgence – New Sawade Branch Opens at Schlachtensee
Since December, Sawade's delicious chocolates have made their way to Steglitz-Zehlendorf, conveniently close to Schlachtensee. Established in 1880, this traditional Berlin confectionery continues to craft fresh chocolates and truffles daily, including vegan dark chocolate options and special Berlin-themed editions. These sweet treats are not only available in Sawade's own stores but can also be found in various cafés and shops around Berlin, including KaDeWe and Dussmann's cultural department store. Excitingly, another shop is set to open on Rüdesheimer Straße in Wilmersdorf in 2025.
When: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Breisgauer Straße 11, Schlachtensee
Tip 9: Ultimate Relaxation – New Irene Forte Spa at Hotel de Rome
With its relaunch as the Irene Forte Spa, the luxurious wellness area at the Hotel de Rome now infuses Mediterranean elegance into the heart of Berlin. This Sicilian-inspired sanctuary offers a variety of indulgent treatments, featuring Irene Forte’s premium skincare line. Between soothing massages, relaxing saunas, and rejuvenating facials, guests can unwind in Berlin’s longest hotel pool, a stunning feature framed by original marble columns and intricate mosaic tiles. Located in the historic vault of the Dresdner Bank, this spa is the perfect escape for ultimate relaxation and luxury.
When: Daily, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Where: Behrenstraße 37, Mitte
Tip 10: Warm Up with a Cozy Classic – Naumann's Fondue
Naumann's said goodbye to 2024 with a fresh new culinary concept, and it’s perfect for cozy winter evenings. Now, you can gather with friends or family to enjoy delicious fondue variations—cheese, veggie, or meat—making for a delightful and interactive dining experience. Before diving into your fondue feast, warm up outside by the open fire, creating a welcoming atmosphere on chilly January nights. It’s the ideal escape from the cold and gray of winter.
When: Tuesday to Friday 6 - 11 pm
Where: Wilhelm-Kabus-Straße 36 - Haus 9, Schöneberg
Tip 11: Simply good food at Jómo Restaurant
The newly opened Jómo Restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg is a place for great moments and good food. From a sandwich to a hearty breakfast or healthy lunch to a relaxed dinner, you'll find contemporary, international dishes on the menu at any time of day. Of course, you can also pop in for a quick coffee or enjoy a glass of good wine or an exceptional cocktail.
When: Wednesday to Friday 10am - 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am - 11pm
Where: Rykestraße 14, Prenzlauer Berg
