Balu Coffee

Had brunch here, tried a couple of things on the menu and everything was very delicious.

Not as good as it used to be 💔 It’s sad to say this, since we’ve been regulars since the opening. This used to be my absolute favourite brunch/breakfast spot. I particularly loved the “Basic Bread” — cream cheese, avocado, salmon, egg, and lots of fresh seasonal herbs. It was my perfect breakfast. I took everyone who visited me in Berlin here, and they all fell in love with the Basic Bread as well. Unfortunately, the menu changed and it was removed. The menu now just feels less healthy and less original overall. I was recommended to try the Eggs Benedict on sourdough as a replacement for my beloved Basic Bread. I gave it several tries, but it’s really not the same — very plain, no real seasoning, and the flavour is dominated by a mix of balsamic-like sweetness and heavy hollandaise. It ends up tasting sweet-and-sour, which I personally don’t enjoy. I don’t want to be dramatic, but I’m genuinely heartbroken that the Basic Bread is gone from the menu. Thank you, Balu team, for letting me discover the Basic Bread and for setting my breakfast-sandwich standards so high in the first place 😭 I actually thought about posting this review for many months now and finally decided to do it, in the hope that there’s a small chance I might be able to try it again one day.

Great spot. The menu is a little small with only 6-7 items but the food was really yummy!

We had brunch here and really enjoyed it. The staff were very friendly, and the coffee was great. The only downside was the noise level. it was quite loud inside. Sounds from the kitchen, especially from a mixer or smoothie maker, along with the dishwasher being in the café area (while emptying it), made it a bit hard to relax. Perhaps this could be improved. Still, we look forward to visiting again!

4.5/5. This was my second time here and it is really reliable and delicious for breakfast/lunch! I particularly enjoy the iced coconut milk matcha. The service is also really kind. The only thing I would note somewhat negatively is the decor which feels a bit outdated when compared to such a modern and well thought out menu. The menu offerings could really rival some of the more well known cafes in Mitte.