In Short
Fluffy pancakes, creative egg dishes, homemade cakes and seriously good drinks: Café von der Motte in Eppendorf has everything we want, from a relaxed breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch. After its well-known location in Ottensen, the café is now also at home in Eppendorf, where its laid-back atmosphere and varied menu fit the neighborhood perfectly. We especially like the focus on fresh, seasonal and, wherever possible, regional ingredients, as well as the many homemade components. We sampled our way through the menu.
From Ottensen to Eppendorf
In Ottensen Café von der Motte has already been around since 2018 and for many people it has long been a firm part of the neighborhood. Since March 2026 the café has had a second location in Eppendorf and brings exactly the relaxed mix you want for a long breakfast or a leisurely lunch. We especially like that the menu is not completely fixed. Seasonal ingredients play an important role, so the selection changes over the course of the year. In autumn, for example, pumpkin creations are a must. There is also a lunch menu as well as a selection of cold and hot dishes.
It’s All About Eggs Here
If there is one thing Café von der Motte does especially well, it is eggs. They appear on the menu in an impressive number of variations: as fried or scrambled eggs, on bread, in the Egg Drop Sandwich, as poached eggs in Eggs Benedict or in the middle of a spicy shakshuka. At the same time, the menu is pleasantly varied. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available alongside dishes with fish or a little meat. The café is not entirely gluten-free, but it does offer various gluten-free options. For many dishes, for example, you can choose gluten-free bread. Among the homemade cakes there are also regularly gluten-free and vegan versions.
What We Ordered
We sampled quite a range:
- Chia Yogurt, €10.90: Vegan yogurt with chia seeds, homemade granola, nuts, agave syrup and berries
- Eggs Benny, €16.50: Two poached organic eggs with salmon on sourdough bread and hollandaise sauce
- Shakshuka, €13.90: Fruity tomato and bell pepper ragout with Middle Eastern spices, two eggs and sourdough bread
- Vegan Delight, €14.90: Toasted sourdough bread with beetroot, hummus, grilled mushrooms, avocado, market salad, vegan spicy mayo and sesame
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich, €13.40: Sourdough bread with herb cream cheese, blackberry and onion chutney, cheddar and Gouda, served with crisp salad
- Blueberry Pancakes, €14.90: Fluffy pancakes with lemon crème fraîche, fresh berries, homemade blueberry compote and maple syrup
Savory, Spicy and Wonderfully Varied
We really enjoyed the shakshuka. The tomato and bell pepper ragout is beautifully fruity and spicy, and together with the eggs and bread it works just as well for breakfast as it does for lunch.
If you prefer plant-based food, the Vegan Delight brings plenty of variety to the plate. Earthy beetroot, creamy hummus, mushrooms, avocado, crisp salad and the slightly spicy mayo come together in a combination with a lot going on. We especially like that vegan options do not feel like an afterthought here, but are simply a natural part of the menu and taste really good!
The Grilled Cheese Sandwich, on the other hand, is pure comfort food. Cheddar and Gouda bring plenty of cheesiness, while the blackberry and onion chutney adds a fruity, slightly sweet note.
A particular highlight for us is the Blueberry Pancakes. These are not thin pancakes, but properly thick, fluffy American-style pancakes. They come with lemon crème fraîche, fresh berries, homemade blueberry compote and maple syrup. The combination of sweet, fruity and slightly tart works really well.
So Much Is Made In-House
One thing we noticed throughout our visit: a remarkable amount of handmade work goes into Café von der Motte Eppendorf. Granola, compotes, cakes, lemonades and many other components are made in-house. The cake counter also changes regularly, so it is definitely worth taking a look. In the end, it is precisely these many little homemade details that make the difference. You can tell that the goal was not simply to pack as many dishes as possible onto the menu, but that real thought has gone into ingredients and combinations.
Matcha, Coffee and Homemade Chai
The drinks selection is also quite extensive. Alongside classic coffee specialties, it includes matcha, turmeric latte and chai latte. Another nice touch: even the chai is made in-house. That also makes the café a great place to stop by simply for a coffee and a slice of cake.
Our Verdict on Café von der Motte in Eppendorf
The Café von der Motte Eppendorf is a great addition to the neighborhood. The menu offers enough choice for different preferences, without feeling arbitrary. Egg lovers can work their way through numerous variations, vegans and vegetarians will find several exciting dishes, and there are also gluten-free options. On top of that, there are homemade cakes, seriously good pancakes, interesting drinks and a very friendly team, including the lovely owners. Above all, you can feel in many details just how much care and attention has gone into everything.
So: bring your friends or family and order your way across the menu at your next weekend brunch. That is exactly what this place is made for.
Want to see more of Café von der Motte Eppendorf? We published a video on Instagram !
