BEN RAHIM Berlin — Restaurant in Berlin

My last visit made me very sad.

Ben Rahim was always my first address for a coffee when coming to Berlin. Sure, the place was super small. Yet, it had a great atmosphere, great coffee and a super friendly staff.

While the coffee is still solid and the staff friendly, the atmosphere turned since they've extended their Café to the neighbouring apartments / store. When you enter Ben Rahim now, you're greeted by Magazines, Clothes, and coffee utensils like mills and filters you can purchase. There's also a fridge where they sell prepared salads and soft drinks.

Also, while Ben Rahim was never a spacious place, the sitting area feels now very stuffed. I don't know if this is the reason for their customer circulation, but I had the feeling that this Café is also not a spot anymore where you sit down and seize the day. It has a lot more fluctuation. Arrive, order, pay, get your stuff, consume and then leave. I actually wanted to read a bit, drink coffee and relax it but felt not really inviting anymore.

And this is super sad. Because, I actually want to like this Café very badly. I like Ben Rahim's committed toward their staff, to sell fair salaries. I like them committing to a tip-less culture. Economically, I understand how they want to expand. Yet, this really didn't...

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Berlin – Café Ben Rahim

Tucked away in a charming alley in Mitte, Café Ben Rahim is a true hidden gem for coffee lovers. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this cozy space.

What sets Ben Rahim apart is its commitment to excellence in every cup. Specializing in Arabic coffee, they blend tradition with modern brewing techniques, creating a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Whether you’re a fan of espresso, pour-over, or their specialty, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee, each drink is meticulously prepared by their skilled baristas.

The café itself is intimate, with minimalist decor that allows the quality of the coffee to shine. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet break from the bustle of the city or a catch-up with friends. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share their passion for coffee with both locals and travelers alike.

If you’re looking for a place that offers not only fantastic coffee but also a cultural experience, Café Ben Rahim is a must-visit in Berlin. It’s a small, yet unforgettable place that leaves a lasting impression with its exceptional coffee and warm ambiance. Highly...

One more overpriced Mitte coffee shop that values pretension over product quality and skill. After reading some rave reviews, I went there a few times. Experience deterioriated from disappointing to frustrating. Their nitro coffee (5€!) is simply slightly sour iced coffee served in a plastic cup. Customers are not allowed to use sugar with their coffee which seems paternalistic. Sucht specific demands might be adequate for a coffee tasting experience but not a coffee to go. Each time their cappuccino was luke warm, had zero texture and no foam. So basically you pay for an espresso with some cold oat milk (for an additional charge, of course). When I asked for a spoon or a wood stirrer, they gave me a plastic straw and said they didn't have anything else. Their sweets, though, are nice - not amazing, but still really nice - but also ridiculously overpriced. The location itself is pleasant and likely their greatest asset. There‘s a sign forbidding tips since those are supposedly included in the prices. But isn‘t a tip a bonus given for great service? And paying employees decent wages so they don‘t depend on customer tips should be a given, not something to pride...