Predominantly in the lesser frequented neighbourhoods, Hamburg is full of the smaller, quieter cafés that are worth visiting because, rather than despite, they offer the right kind of vibe to really spread out and feel at home for a while. It is their sense for design, their attention to detail and love for each and every customer that make them special. Read below for a list of the cutest little cafés in Hamburg.
Café du Passage (Winterhude)
Lattenstieg 4, 22299 Hamburg
Nestled away on a footpath between the busy Lattenkamp and Alsterdorfer streets is the little Café du Passage. The French owner prepares the café au lait just like in her home country. There is breakfast, daily specials, quiche, coffee and cake - all homemade. The café also has a small tea shop.
Gretchens Villa (Karoviertel)
Marktstraße 142, 20357 Hamburg
In charming Gretchens Villa on Marktstrasse you can eat like royalty. From breakfast treats to foccacia, salads and other tempting dishes from the menu of the day to sweet treats from the cake buffet, there is plenty to choose from. The café is decorated in turquoise and gold, and croissants, cookies and cakes are piled high on the countertop displays. The creamy coffee or fresh mint tea can also be enjoyed on the benches outside the shop. If you can't get a free spot, you might have more luck next door at Gretchens Zuckerbude - Patisserie & Cafe, which opened in August 2015.
Zuckermonarchie (St. Pauli)
Taubenstraße 15, 20359 Hamburg
This small café off the Reeperbahn on Taubenstrasse offers guests an enticing variety of cupcakes, cake pops, slices of cake and other sweet treats, as well as hot and cold drinks. These delicasies can also be packed up and taken to go. There is even a breakfast menu at the weekend.
Herr Max (Sternschanze)
Schulterblatt 12, 20357 Hamburg
Housed in what was originally a dairy shop, the old tiles still adorn the walls of this Sternschanze café today and go perfectly with the eclectic light-coloured furniture. Herr Max and his wife bake excellent cakes, tarts, muffins and biscuits, plus there is delicious coffee and a view of the hustle and bustle in the Schanzenviertel through the large shop window. It's always quite crowded here on weekends, so to go is also an option. And one more tip - Herr Max also sells homemade ice cream in summer!
Hüftgold Café (Winterhude)
Winterhuder Weg 142, 22085 Hamburg
You needn’t be a morning person to enjoy breakfast at Café Hüftgold on Winterhuder Weg - the most important meal of the day can be enjoyed all day long. Visitors can also browse daily newspapers while the hearty flan, soup or salad is prepared. All cakes are homemade and highly recommended.
Klein und Kaiserlich (HafenCity)
Am Kaiserkai 26, 20457 Hamburg
The coffee house on Kaiserkai quai offers traditional Austrian coffee specialties, cake and breakfast. The look is modelled after classic Viennese coffee houses and channels this special inspiration well. Spots on the terrace offer a beautiful view of Vasco-da-Gama square and the museum port.
Café Unter den Linden (Sternschanze)
Juliusstraße 16, 22769 Hamburg
Café Unter den Linden is a small oasis of peace in the middle of the bustling Schanzenviertel. The friendly café has been spoiling its guests with home-made cakes and dishes since 1982. The furnishings are fondly reminiscent of a classic Viennese coffee house. In summer you can relax on the terrace with a coffee or a beer from 9:30 a.m. until 1 a.m., and the large selection of newspapers and magazines also ensures you'll never be bored.
Par Ici (Winterhude)
Maria-Louisen-Straße 1, 22301 Hamburg
Guests at the Par Ici café treat themselves to a bit of the French way of life. Located at the intersection of the Winterhude, Harvestehude and Eppendorf districts, the café offers a petit déjeuner (breakfast) with freshly baked baguettes, croissants, chocolatines, brioche and much more. In the afternoon they offer a selection of savoury and sweet tarts. The lovely outdoor terrace is not to be missed, especially in summer.
Liebes Bisschen (Ottensen)
Spritzenpl. 5, 22765 Hamburg
Liebes Bisschen, one of the original purveyors of American-style cupcakes in Hamburg, started as a tiny operation in Sternschanze over a decade ago. But since April 2016 the café has found a new (and bigger) home in Ottensen. The cake designer Laura Seebacher offers a delightful selection of artfully decorated cakes and biscuits with great dedication. All products are homemade and prepared with the best ingredients. The cupcakes, of course, are the house speciality and come in a plethora of varieties and flavours. In addition to the usual varieties such as buttermilk-lemon, mousse-au-chocolat, cookies & cream or white chocolate-blueberry, The selection is often complemented by seasonal fruit mixes. Vegans are not neglected either and will find menu items catered to their needs as well.
Frau Larsson (Winterhude)
Peter-Marquard-Straße 13, 22303 Hamburg
The café on Schinkelplatz square brings a bit of Sweden to Winterhude. Enjoy homemade meatballs, cinnamon buns, smorgasbord or pancakes. Coffee and cake can be enjoyed in the afternoon. Enjoy Swedish delicacies and a short Scandinavian vacation whether cosy indoors or relaxing on the outdoor beach chairs.
