Centro Italia - Italian supermarket and bistro - Berlin

During my stay in Berlin I came across a hidden gem in Prenzlauer Berg: a huge Italian food store with a small cafe/bistro - Supermarcato Centro Italia Berlin.

Why do I think it's special? Most local supermarkets in Berlin are rather small and don't really have the selection/diversity of products (compared to my local grocery stores in Toronto.) So when I chanced upon this little gem, I was thrilled!

The Shop

The shop has a huge selection of italian wines, pastas (fresh and dried), antipasti (grilled artichokes, eggplant rolls, etc.) cheeses, olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cold cuts, canned tomatoes (San Marzano!) and pre-prepared pasta sauces. 

The Café / Bistro

But wait, there's more! There is a small café/bistro with a small but delicious selection of food items. I had the pene arrabiata, sparking water, a glass of wine, and a delicious espresso.

Penne arrabbiata. Photo: Robert Windisman

I happily enjoyed a lazy afternoon on the outside patio in true Italian style: "Dolce far niente" (loosely translated as "the sweetness of doing nothing".)

A wonderful afternoon on the patio of Centro Italia! Photo: Robert Windisman

I also picked up some fresh pasta -girasoli al salmone (Sunflower shaped pasta stuffed with salmon) to make at home. Delicious!

The Verdict

If you live in Berlin, do check out this hidden gem. As a tourist, you may want to give it a miss, as there is so much to do in Berlin (and you are going off to Tuscany next, no?)

Espresso on the patio of Centro Italia. Photo: Robert Windisman

CENTRO ITALIA

Greifswalder Str. 80c
10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
Tel.: +49 30 498 554 55
Fax.: +49 30 498 553 69

Hours:
Mon. - Fri.: 10:00 to 19:00
Sat.: 10:00 to 16:00