Eating breakfast is one of my favorite things to do in Hamburg, Germany. There is nothing like escaping the cold, rainy northern Europe mornings and settling in a cozy and warm cafe, bundled up with social media (because I’m that person), wholesome food and a perfectly frothed cappuccino. This guide should help you navigate Hamburg’s breakfast and brunch scene with ease!
Germany is a charming country in itself, and one of the best parts about the tradition-cherishing “Wunderland” is that all good things are hidden, especially eateries. We’re currently living in Germany and it never ceases to surpise me the quaint and amazing cafés and restaurants in Hamburg that I stumble upon. One of the things I love about living in Germany is the people take pride in sourcing ingredients from local farms — and these delicious Hamburg eateries reflect that. Each offer a charming and unique breakfast experience I’m sure every foodie will love.
Note: While I live in Germany, I’m on a mission to continue discovering the “best of” Hamburg restaurants during down time and breaks from traveling. I’ll continue to update this piece as I discover new spots that I know Western Charm readers will l-o-v-e.
Klippkroog
This one is charming and the atmosphere is cozy to the extreme. Whether morning or evening (they serve killer tasty “Abendbrot”), the always busy Klippkroog is a true culinary gem of Hamburg. You instantly feel relaxed the moment you walk in; dozens of lit candles, an open kitchen and the aroma of brewing coffee transports your taste buds immediately to breakfast time.
Klippkroog has a GREAT and diverse menu with hearty options for vegetarians and vegans (which isn’t always easy to come by in Hamburg). From pancakes to robust veggie bowls and a variety of organic egg dishes, Klippkroog is a cozy and delicious breakfast choice.
Von der Motte
Oh, Von der Motte. I’m American and I need my French Toast fix sometimes weekly. This is one place I can count on getting it. And if that wasn’t enough to satisfy my sick cinnamon obsession, they have homemade cinnamon buns on the menu (#YASSS). And a fluffy stack of pancakes. And club sandwiches. And glorious scrambled eggs in a generous, probably-too-much amount.
For those with serious breakfast appetite and a tendency to get “hangry” when they don’t eat enough, Von der Motte is a great choice. This cozy eatery is quite tiny, so definitely arrive early for a good table.
Mutterland
Mutterland is my absolute favorite breakfast spot in Hamburg. This eatery triples as an adorable market selling Artisan German goods and a lush bakery serving a regular rotation of gorgeous cakes. Mutterland’s dreamy menu is a giant celebration of the best German breakfast food and local ingredients. From perfect quiche to the BEST pancake I’ve had in my life (albeit buttery), everything on the Mutterland menu is hearty, fresh, indulgent and satisfying.
I also have to mention the coffee; from the latte to the cappuccino, Mutterland hands-down serves the best coffee I’ve ever had in Germany. Each cuppa comes with a bite-size brownie on the side (I mean coffee and chocolate, they know what they’re doing).
Die Pâtisserie
This French bakery and cafe is dangerously close to our apartment and home to the best croissants and pastries I’ve had outside of France. This small space always has a line out the door (for a good reason) and the French owner and baker behind Die Pâtisserie is always beaming welcoming smile on his face, giving it that irristable small café charm. This pastry heaven has become a part of my daily Hamburg routine.
Whether you’re craving the perfect Cafe au Lait, Pain au Chocolat or rich chocolate tart, this pâtisserie creates every traditional French cuisine indulgence to absolute perfection. The croissants alone are made lovingly with hundreds of layers of buttery flaky perfection — I always snatch a batch before we have brunch guests and they disappear from the table in no time. They also offer a variety of French breads, making this the perfect stop to pick up a loaf of Brioche (great for french toast) or the most perfect baguette.
