House of Small Wonder had great success in Williamsburg NY, so the owners decided to cross the Atlantic and set up in Berlin. This second outpost opened at the end of 2014, located on quiet Johannisstraße, just off bustling Friedrichstraße.
The interior is an unexpected oasis, with no hint of what’s in store from the street. Enter the foyer the most photogenic winding staircase (talk about great first impressions!) – ascend through trailing creepers and potted greenery, and you arrive in a lofty space, with stained glass accents, palm-print wallpaper, a lazy-Sunday-esque soundtrack and friendly staff.
The warm and light atmosphere follows in the footsteps of the Brooklyn branch, with lots of wood and plants and a similar culinary concept: comfort food with Japanese influences and local ingredients.
We sat on high stools at a central communal table, and devoured homely brunch dishes: Tsukune Don, Japanese chicken dumplings with nori, rice and a soft boiled egg (him)…
…and croissant French toast with fruit and maple syrup (me).
The coffee is nothing special, but the food and relaxed Brooklyn greenhouse vibe were spot-on; the NY branch is now firmly on my To Visit list for when I’m next there.
House of Small Wonder
Johannisstraße 20, Mitte 10117, Berlin
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