In Short
This place has a way of making Hamburg feel far away within just a few moments. “Sonnenseite” belongs exactly in that category. While the city buzzes all around it, this little café oasis right by St. Michael’s Church feels more like a relaxed afternoon somewhere in Italy. Warm yellow tones, shady spots beneath a large tree, and an atmosphere that instantly makes you want to leave everyday life behind for a while.
A Little Getaway Between St. Michael’s Church and a Beautiful Stonewall
Right next to the imposing St. Michael’s Church, Café Sonnenseite has created a spot that truly lives up to its name. Tables and chairs line the stonewall, while a large tree overhead provides welcome shade. Especially on sunny days, the atmosphere here feels like something you don’t come across all that often in Hamburg.
What stands out most is the consistent color scheme. A cheerful yellow appears everywhere, running through the furniture, décor, and even parts of the food and drinks. Combined with its Mediterranean influences, it creates an atmosphere that feels more like an afternoon in Southern Europe than the heart of downtown Hamburg.
Made With a lot of Heart
At Sonnenseite, it quickly becomes clear that a lot of love has gone into every detail. It starts with the interior design and carries through the entire concept. A big part of that is the owner, whose warm and friendly personality instantly creates a welcoming atmosphere. You feel at ease here, without any forced friendliness or grand performance.
Sonnenseite is open from Thursday to Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Perfect for a little weekend escape or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Looking for more wonderful sun-soaked cafés? Be sure to check out MalinaStories Café and Lowinsky’s as well!
What we Ordered
- Brownie
- White chocolate and lemon cookie
- Light and fluffy pastry with pistachio filling and raspberry sauce
- Homemade kombucha in a variety of flavors
- Iced coffee
Sweet Treats for a Summer Day
Even visually, the sweet treats fit perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the café. Our favorite was the light and fluffy pastry filled with pistachio cream and raspberry. The combination of the creamy pistachio filling and the fruity freshness of the raspberries worked beautifully. Light, flavorful, and exactly the kind of pastry you end up finishing far too quickly.
The white chocolate and lemon cookie was another highlight. The subtle tanginess of the lemon added a refreshing touch, while the white chocolate brought just the right amount of sweetness. The brownie provided a rich chocolatey contrast and impressed with its wonderfully moist texture.
Kombucha, Friends and Sunshine
The drinks left almost as much of an impression as the pastries. We were especially intrigued by the kombucha, which is handcrafted by a friend of the owner. Instead of offering just one flavor, there are several varieties to choose from. Jasmine, hibiscus, and lavender each bring their own distinct character and pair surprisingly well with a sunny afternoon outdoors.
That’s also a big part of Sonnenseite’s charm. You order a refreshing drink, find a spot beneath the large tree, and for a while forget that you’re actually sitting in the middle of Hamburg. Sharing a glass of kombucha with friends while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere is almost reason enough to visit on its own.
Would we Visit Sonnenseite Again?
Café Sonnenseite is one of those places you immediately want to recommend after your first visit. Its location by St. Michael’s Church, the Mediterranean flair, the lovingly prepared food, and the warm hospitality of the owner come together to create an experience that simply works.
Especially on sunny days, the atmosphere feels surprisingly far removed from what most people would normally associate with Hamburg. If you’re looking for a little taste of summer, great drinks, and excellent pastries, Sonnenseite is definitely worth a visit.
Overall Rating
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