From Berlin: Breakfast Review

A project inspired by the atmosphere of Berlin found a new location after its first small café on Patriarch's Ponds closed. The café settled in near Tsvetnoy Boulevard, where the original concept for the gastronomic space came together more successfully. Inside, it's stylish and cool. The interior is minimalist, with the atmosphere of Berlin courtyards recreated by architect Yulia Malysheva (bar Krivokolenny 9s3). Textured materials, vintage furniture, and decor pieces — carefully selected — round out the pleasant color palette. On the shelves, for instance, you can spot collectible art books.

Chef Maxim Bolotin runs the kitchen, and the menu puts special emphasis on sandwiches and toasts. In the evening, you can stop by for a glass of wine — the team put real work into the wine list, which features selections from authentic European family farms. Dog-friendly care shows up in the water bowl, though not in a dog bed. Open from 9am, in case you, like me, love early breakfasts with friends. It's lively here in the morning — three occupied tables quickly become six. No premium fussiness, everything is relaxed and understated. A great vibe without the usual formal table settings, and a simple, straightforward menu. 

What did I try?

— Large cappuccino with coconut milk, 350₽
Good coffee, with the option to choose an alternative milk. 
— Oatmeal with coconut milk, 420₽ — a tasty, balanced version served with seasonal fruit. This time — persimmon with a scattering of pistachios. 
— Sweet potato draniki, 620₽ — as visually mismatched as it is appetizing in flavor. Served with a poached egg, cilantro, parsley, and pumpkin seeds. A generously sized draniki with a pleasant potato density.

— Croque monsieur with ham, 780₽ — in symbiosis with  caramelized onion and gooseberry jam. An unconventional, striking combination, especially considering the rest of this culinary alliance — ham, cheese, egg, springy, well-toasted brioche. Berlin-style presentation: everything wrapped up neatly and carefully in kraft paper. A clear favorite, not just of breakfast, but of the whole menu.

— Croissant with jam and butter, 450₽ — a bit dry, though whipped butter with coarse salt and apricot jam help make up for it.

A place with its own (literal) atmosphere: a recognizable Berlin vibe, no tablecloths, but attentive service. Tasty coffee, classic breakfasts. Perfect for a morning with friends or solo laptop browsing. Perhaps a rare place of this urban format — after Gentle. Breakfast gets only a 6 out of 10, but the place still earns its spot in the guide, in the coffee category.