Five Elephant

What makes the coffee at Five Elephant so special?

Anyone who orders a Flat White or a hand filter at Five Elephant quickly realizes: real quality fanatics are at work here. The coffee roastery is dedicated to the Third Wave movement and uncompromisingly relies on transparency. The beans are not simply imported but come from direct trade. This means that the team personally visits farms in growing countries such as Ethiopia, Guatemala, or Colombia to check the quality of the harvest and pay fair prices.

The roasting process is gentle, so that the individual character of the respective bean variety – the so-called terroir – remains discernible in the cup. Instead of dark, oily roasts, visitors here can expect fruity, complex aromas that often resemble tea or berries. Particularly exciting are the changing “Limited Releases”, such as rare varieties from Brazil or El Salvador, which constantly surprise coffee connoisseurs. Whether in the original flagship store in Kreuzberg or in the newer branches in Mitte and Kollwitzkiez: the focus is always on the pure taste product.

Why is everyone talking about the cheesecake?

It’s almost impossible to talk about Five Elephant without mentioning the cake. Besides the coffee, the “Five Elephant Cheesecake” has earned a reputation that extends far beyond the city limits. The recipe is simple but brilliant: a creamy, dense New York Cheesecake that is neither too sweet nor too heavy and rests on a perfect cookie base. Many guests actually come primarily for this piece of cake and order coffee more as an accompaniment.

The atmosphere in the cafés underlines this focus on enjoyment. The interior is minimalist and bright, with lots of wood and clean lines. There is no cluttered decor to distract from the essentials. An important detail for anyone looking to work: laptops are often not welcome here or are completely banned (at least in certain areas) so that communication and the taste experience are prioritized. One should converse, read, or simply enjoy – a pleasant deceleration in Berlin’s daily life.

Editor’s Conclusion

We believe Five Elephant is an institution that absolutely lives up to its good reputation. The combination of expertly roasted specialty coffee and this incredibly creamy cheesecake is unbeatable for us. The location is excellent for a relaxed afternoon date or a meeting with friends where you really want to focus on each other. If you’re in a hurry or want to work, this is the wrong place; if you’re looking for excellent quality, you’re exactly right.