Frankfurt

Founded in 1915, Café Mozart is a classic Frankfurt institution just off the busy Zeil shopping street. Its interior feels timeless, with red booths, armchairs, and the hum of quiet conversation. The menu runs from breakfast through lunch, but the real draw is the homemade cakes and tarts: try the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cherry cake), the Schweizer Nußtorte, or the Frankfurter Krokantkranz with its nutty crunch.

Wacker’s Kaffee has been roasting its own beans and serving coffee in Frankfurt since 1914, staying true to its artisanal roots and family-run charm. The flagship café on Kornmarkt is small and rustic, and regulars don’t mind queuing — the coffee’s that good. There are now a few branches across the city, including one on Grüneburgweg in the Westend and another on Schweizer Straße in Sachsenhausen. Each keeps the same warm, unfussy atmosphere, freshly baked pastries, and a strong focus on fair-trade, slow-roasted beans.

The Holy Cross Brewing Society is a family-owned specialty coffee shop in Frankfurt's Old Town offering a rotating selection from various esteemed roasters. Patrons can enjoy expertly brewed espresso drinks, filter coffee, and cold brew in a minimalist, industrial-chic setting. In addition to its coffee offerings, the café provides a selection of homemade pastries and light bites.

Stepping into Bitter & Zart feels like slipping back into the 1920s, with its vintage furniture, sparkling chandeliers, and pastel tones that set a nostalgic mood. The air is rich with the scent of cocoa and roasted nuts, and the café is known for its creamy hot chocolate, delicate pralines, and handmade truffles. Enjoy coffee or tea amid the art deco charm, then browse the adjoining shop for beautifully wrapped sweets and gifts to take home.

Coffee Fellows is a well-known German café chain built around the idea of feeling at home, with several locations across Frankfurt. The branch on Kaiserstraße offers a quiet spot in the middle of the city buzz, perfect for a relaxed coffee break or a light lunch. Inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, cookies, and chocolate greets you as you walk in, and there’s a good mix of comfy seating, friendly service, and familiar classics like bagels, cakes, and speciality coffees.

Mainkai Café is a relaxed café with a terrace overlooking the Main River. It’s popular spot for breakfast and weekend brunch, serving generous plates of eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit alongside good coffee and fresh juices.

Zeit für Brot is a popular German bakery chain with several locations in Frankfurt, known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality. Their signature pastries, particularly the cinnamon rolls (Schnecken), come in various flavours such as apple cinnamon, chocolate, and walnut maple. They also offer a selection of vegan options, including plant-based milks and sandwiches.