Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro
Arrival
As you approach Bonvivant, the vibrant hues of its eclectic exterior draw you in like a moth to a flame. Nestled in the heart of Schöneberg, a lively district of Berlin known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and rich history, this cocktail bistro stands out with an irresistible combination of colours: deep aqua walls, bright yellow artworks, and green plants cascading from every nook. The subtle contrast of brass accents lends the space an elevated sense of elegance, without sacrificing its lively, unpretentious charm. It’s a feast for the eyes, set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods.
Bonvivant is a short walk from Nollendorfplatz, easily accessible by U-Bahn lines U1, U2, or U3, making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors. Nearby, you’ll find the iconic Schwules Museum, a 20-minute stroll away, offering a fascinating look at queer culture and history. For a more leisurely afternoon, head to the Rathaus Schöneberg flea market on weekends, just around the corner from Bonvivant, where you can pick up vintage finds and eclectic treasures. Alternatively, simply take a walk through the picturesque streets of Schöneberg, with its beautiful mix of residential buildings, cafes, and quirky shops.
Once inside, the atmosphere is a buzz of energy—patrons clink glasses, laughter rises above the murmur of conversations, and mimosas glitter in the sunlight filtering through large windows. A chic crowd, stylish yet comfortable, perches at the bar, enjoying cocktails with playful infusions, as if every drink is a liquid adventure. The space doesn’t just invite you to sit; it encourages you to linger and soak in its whimsical yet sophisticated aura. It’s easy to see why Bonvivant has become a repeat destination for both locals and visitors. The charm lies in its multifaceted appeal—casual yet refined, and ever so inviting.
Design & Layout
The design of Bonvivant is both contemporary and comforting. As you step in, the interior strikes a perfect balance between being fashion-forward and cozy, with a splash of bohemian flair. The large bar is a focal point, lined with shelves holding bottles that reflect the warm lighting from above, which casts a golden hue over the space. The walls, adorned with bursts of colour—like delicate pink flowers, cheerful yellow paintings, and abstract brass sculptures—make you feel like you’ve wandered into an artist’s studio, brimming with creativity.
Lush greenery adds to the sense of freshness, with vines winding across the ceiling, plants hanging in mid-air, and the occasional cluster of succulents decorating the tables. The high ceilings give the space an airy feel, though the intimate seating arrangements make you feel like you’re at home in a secret garden. The experience of being here is like walking into a world where vibrant energy meets understated luxury.
Philosophy
As the evening unfolds, you are introduced to a culinary experience that has redefined the brunch scene—Bonvivant, one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants in the world to offer a fully vegetarian brunch concept. Under the expert guidance of chef Nikodemus Berger, whose vegetable-centric fine dining vision has made this spot a trailblazer in Berlin, the restaurant has become a benchmark for innovative, plant-based cuisine. Nikodemus, who honed his craft working alongside Sebastian Leyer at Le Faubourg, infuses each dish with his boundless creativity, turning everyday vegetables into extraordinary works of art.
“When I started, they told me I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted, as long as it remained vegetarian,” Nikodemus recalls, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm as he reflects on his journey. This ethos of freedom lies at the heart of Bonvivant—a sanctuary for experimentation where the natural world is celebrated through a sustainable, plant-based approach. The result is a menu that transcends the typical limitations of vegetarian dining, offering an expansive array of textures, flavours, and unexpected delights that continually surprise and impress.
Culinary Experience
The six-course tasting menu is nothing short of a revelation. Each dish feels like an invitation to rediscover forgotten flavours, with ingredients that feel both familiar and exotic at once. The first course, a delicate roasted apple cream paired with kohlrabi soup, captures the essence of Bonvivant’s unique style: bold yet comforting, sophisticated but accessible.
The next dish, a glazed brown cabbage with smoked beluga lentils, becomes a visual spectacle. The golden beurre blanc poured over the sauerkraut creates a dance of textures, the confit egg yolk nestled beside it resembling a perfectly fried egg—an elegant twist on comfort food.
As the flavours unfold, so does the narrative of Bonvivant’s kitchen philosophy. Every bite is a celebration of freshness, often drawn from the wild herbs that Nikodemus collects himself. His childhood adventures with his grandmother in the forests of Vienna, where they would gather edible plants, come full circle in his adult life, now shared with guests. These wild herbs find their way into the dishes, such as the pine-needle-infused yoghurt that accompanies the roasted apple cream, and the springtime herbs that decorate various plates.
The drinks are just as thoughtfully crafted as the food, each cocktail a harmonious accompaniment to the flavours on the plate. The apricot, hibiscus, and wild cherry cocktail, topped with a frothy beer foam, is a perfect example of this synergy, enhancing the dish without overpowering it. A crisp, lightly carbonated beer brewed from leftover bread—Knärzje from Frankfurt—serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, grounding the meal in the philosophy of waste reduction.
The pièce de résistance is a dessert that defies expectations: pannacotta made from parsnips. Unusual, yes, but the flavours are rich and comforting, a velvety sweetness that lingers on the tongue, balanced by a cream of white chocolate and sweet pickled pine cones. It’s a final flourish, and as you finish the last sip of jenever (a delightful blend of mandarin and carrot), you can’t help but feel that this meal was more than just food—it was an experience.
Notable Facts
Bonvivant’s eclectic and artful cocktail menu is just as integral to the experience as its innovative vegetarian cuisine. The drinks, meticulously crafted by Bar Manager Elias Heintz, serve as the perfect complement to the flavours of the dishes, elevating the entire dining journey. One standout choice is The 1795, a historical-inspired concoction made from Vouvray Chenin Blanc, Fiftystone Whiskey, and Drambuie—a complex, smooth, and subtly sweet drink that is as timeless as its namesake. Another essential on the list is the Negroni, a bittersweet cocktail of Ford’s Gin, Campari, and Cocchi Torino. This classic drink is a favourite among cocktail aficionados for its bold flavour and perfect balance of citrus and herbal notes.
And for those in need of a refreshing, sparkling finish to their meal, French 75 offers a bubbly celebration. A crisp blend of Ford’s Gin, lemon, simple syrup, and prosecco, it’s the ideal drink to toast to an unforgettable evening at Bonvivant.
Beyond the drinks, Bonvivant offers a truly unique experience that sets it apart from other dining venues in Berlin: herb and spice tours led by chef Nikodemus himself. Growing up in Vienna, Nikodemus spent much of his childhood foraging for edible plants with his grandmother in the forests—a passion he’s carried into his culinary career. On special occasions, he invites guests to join him on a bike tour of Berlin’s hotspots for wild herbs, where they can forage for ingredients that will later make their way into the evening’s menu. This intimate and educational experience brings an extra layer of connection to the food, as guests understand the origins of the ingredients that make up their meal.
By blending culinary artistry, creativity in the cocktail realm, and an immersive connection to nature, Bonvivant has transformed into a dynamic space that celebrates the beauty of seasonal, plant-based ingredients while remaining firmly grounded in sustainability and creativity.
Final Thoughts
Bonvivant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a destination. The menu, the cocktails, the atmosphere, and the philosophy behind it all come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re here for a casual dinner or an immersive tasting experience, Bonvivant manages to surprise and delight with every bite, every sip, and every interaction. As you leave, full and satisfied, you know one thing for sure: you’ll be back.
