Mitte turns Manhattan
“Spotted: Berlin’s latest transformation into a playground of finance bros manifesting millions, start-up hustlers pitching their next big exit, and matcha-fueled influencers turning Mitte into their personal content studio. Is this still Berlin, or just New York with better döner? xoxo”
Blink, and you might mistake Berlin-Mitte for a low-rise Manhattan, just with fewer yellow cabs and more döner spots in between.
If Carrie Bradshaw were narrating this, she’d probably be typing, "I couldn’t help but wonder… is Mitte having an identity crisis?” Because let’s be honest Berlin’s coolest, grittiest district is getting a glossy reboot, and it’s giving major Soho energy.
Forget the Berlin of punk squats and smoky Eckkneipen, today’s Mitte is full of start-up bros pitching their next big idea over overpriced iced lattes, influencers are snapping selfies on the Soho House rooftop with the Fernsehturm standing in as a Manhattan skyline and finance bros have claimed The Barn as their personal WeWork.
Mitte is in its full-blown ‘It Girl’ era a place where sleek concept stores, Michelin-starred food spots, and oat milk subscriptions have replaced the rough-edged, artsy past of the district. The lines between start-up chic and Wall Street aesthetics are blurring,
$12 smoothies are the new Club-Mate, and gone are the days when Mitte was just the slightly gentrified cousin of Kreuzberg.
The It-girl scene is thriving, sidewalks are dominated by dachshunds, designer bags and the next dating app founders with their MacBooks and Coldbrews.
Cool,But at What Cost?
Don’t get us wrong, we love a good Mitte glow-up. There’s something thrilling about watching the city evolve, where high fashion, high finance, and high-quality flat whites coexist. But as the Michelin-starred food spots and polished co-working spaces take over, we cannot forget where Berlin came from and what still makes it Berlin.
Because here’s the thing: Berlin isn’t Berlin without its late-night Spätis, legendary Dönerbuden, and dive bars that smell like stale beer and bad decisions. This city was built on rebellion and DIY culture. The city thrives on its contrasts, its ability to be both glamorous and grimy, expensive and cheap, chaos and cool.
Beyond the viral moments, Mitte’s transformation is happening in real-time. And while we’re here for the fancy spots, the It-places, and the city’s evolution, we should never forget where Berlin comes from and what still makes it special.
So yes, Mitte tries to be Manhattan.
But let’s make sure Berlin stays Berlin.
by Noémi Zak
Here are our favorite New Mitte x Manhattan spots:
FERGY PIZZA
Fergys Pizza is a freshly opened spot in Berlin at Rosenthaler Platz. It specializes in Detroit Pan Pizza, characterized by a thick crust and generous toppings. Drawing inspiration from New York’s iconic pizza culture, Fergys adds its own twist to the scene, blending bold, authentic flavors with a vibrant, urban atmosphere that mirrors the energy of New York's pizza culture while shaping Berlin Mitte’s growing culinary landscape.
SLICE SOCIETY
Another New York pizza experience was brought to berlin Mitte by slice society. The pizzeria offers classic, oversized slices with a thin, foldable crust, reminiscent of the traditional New York experience. Their clean, minimalist interior reminds us of the functional, fast-paced eateries found in the busy streets of downtown Manhattan.
BASTA BAR
Basta Bar in Berlin Mitte offers a charming yet effortlessly cool atmosphere, perfect for an elevated dining experience whether you're enjoying a leisurely brunch or an intimate dinner. The cozy yet stylish setting features a blend of modern design and warm, inviting details that create a relaxed vibe without compromising on sophistication. With its sleek, urban feel, Basta Bar brings to mind the trendy bar vibes of Manhattan, offering a space where quality food, great ambiance, and a touch of city chic come together seamlessly.