Berlin’s newest wine bar has all the hallmarks of a neighbourhood success: rust-red walls, statement lighting and wood furnishings with a midcentury wash. Even in Prenzlauer Berg, a neighbourhood with plenty of competition, Pluto stands out — despite the leg up it got from its sister restaurant Otto, the popular bistro by Vadim Otto Ursus that opened around the corner five years ago. Located in a 19th-century residential building recently vacated by the previous tenant, cult interior magazine Apartamento, this space is even homier. Built-in wood bookshelves are stacked with good reads, and there’s a daybed in the foyer designed by Sam Chermayeff, left behind by the magazine editors. A large communal table sits near the entrance, paired with covetable stools by Christoph Mack.
Ursus partnered with entrepreneur Sören Zuppke on the look, bringing in artworks by Gregor Hildebrandt, Jan Henselder, Josephine Karth and others. The custom built-ins are by Roh Studio, with stainless-steel countertops by Anton Stillfried.
Wine is the raison d’être here, with a focus on biodynamic producers from across Europe. But the team crows about small-plate ingredients like warm baguette and hand-churned butter, artisanal cheese, pork-head terrine and Mangalica ham. The kitchen sources from trusted producers in the surrounding Brandenburg state, along with Otto and its other sister establishment, Trio. There is magic — and purchasing power — in threes.
Kastanienallee 27, 10435 Berlin, Germany
