Dots in Neukölln
Hidden under scaffolding for most of this year, Dots is an inconspicuous delight amongst the dive bars along Weserstraße in Neukölln. Literally dotted with graffiti art the façade can only have proved as inspiration for the name. Juxtaposed, inside, a stylish third wave interior lies with contemporary art, hanging plants, beautiful concrete floors and exposed light hangings, proving the space is both a showroom and a feel good café.
Equip with free WIFI, the café is regularly full with freelancers and visitors to the area taking advantage. Owners Mesut and Corinna don’t seem to mind; wandering in and out of the space themselves – a luxury of living around the corner. They are dedicated to sharing their ideas about the organic food world, in German and English, and are happy to strike up a conversation with guests.
The carefully selected interior at Dots
The food is simple yet amazing, full of bold textures such as the Cherve toasty – onion chutney, pear and goat cheese – extremely strong, yet balanced. Using all organic products from the scrumptious cakes and chia puddings on display to the cured salmon and potato hash dishes from the kitchen; every product has been carefully selected.
Most recently, I tried the pancakes and the Jacques breakfast: a soft-boiled egg served with toasted sourdough, tomato slices, capsicum dip, and wonderfully strong cheddar slices.
Just one of the spectacular egg dishes on the menu at Dots.
Most notable are the egg dishes, from the salmon and potato egg nest (I ate it too quickly to take photos) to the truffled poached egg in a glass served with dipping Turkish breads (of which I also ate too quickly). The food is oh so cheap considering everything is organic with prices ranging from 2 Euro for snacks to 15 Euro for heavier meals. The other cafes in the area could certainly learn a thing or two here.
Dots loves sweets including these pancakes.
The coffee is delicate using café Libertad from Hamburg and sourced from Mexico through a fair trade agreement. Unlike the food, the coffee takes a lighter note, not obnoxious, a long black will whet your palate and an espresso will linger on your teeth. Milk coffees are a touch milky, however, with such vivid food flavours a lighter roasted coffee isn’t a miss.
Although the dots have now been painted away thanks to all that scaffolding, your nose will find its way with warm smells of freshly baked cheesecake and toast. If in doubt, just look for the line running down Weserstraße at 10am.
Dots
Weserstraße 191, Neukölln
Open:
Montag – Freitag: 8 – 18 Uhr
Samstag und Sonntag: 9 – 19 Uhr
