Crêplala

A red hut on Amtsgerichtsplatz

Crêplala sits at Kantstrasse 85a in Charlottenburg, right on Amtsgerichtsplatz, and it can be spotted from a distance: a small red hut among the trees of the square. Kantstrasse, Neue Kantstrasse, Suarezstrasse and Holtzendorffstrasse all meet here, Charlottenburg suburban station is within walking distance, as is Sophie-Charlotte-Platz station on the U2, and bus routes M49, X34 and 309 stop on the square. Suarezstrasse with its antique shops begins next door, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a browse. The interior is small and rustic, warmed by a wood burning stove. On warm days the stove stays cold and everything is served on the terrace, where queues can build. The house takes no reservations at all, so you either join the queue or get lucky. The mood is accordingly relaxed, and neighbours from the quarter sit next to guests who travelled across town.

Galettes, house made ingredients and Breton cider

The menu at Crêplala covers savoury galettes made from buckwheat flour, served with a small salad garnish, and sweet crepes. Many of the ingredients are made on the premises. The cheapest galette, Jambon & Fromage with ham and cheese, costs 12 euros, the Complète 13 euros, and the menu reaches up to more elaborate versions with several cheeses. Sweet crepes start at 6.50 euros with the plain Crêpe Anne, joined by classics such as salted caramel or the Forêt Noire version with cherries. Three galettes are expressly vegetarian, and gluten free galettes can be made on request. Cider arrives by the bottle from Brittany, alongside wine, including an alcohol free rosé, beer, aperitifs and coffee. One thing to know: the house takes cash only, card payment is not possible. Anyone arriving in fine weather should allow some time, because the terrace is small and the team bakes every galette individually on the plate. In return you get a place that has stayed true to itself for years.