Vertical farming at Good Bank in Berlin
Good Bank is, as far as we know, the world's first vertical-farm-to-table restaurant! The salad and vegetables that are served in the restaurant are actually grown and harvested there - you can't get much fresher than that! Less transportation and packaging are just two of the benefits of this way of eating. They also don't use pesticides or genetically modified seeds so there's another couple of benefits! We ventured in for a closer look at this novel concept.
Good Bank is located in the shadow of the TV Tower just a short walk from Alexanderplatz so near to Alexanderplatz S and U stations and a number of bus and tram lines.
First of all, Good Bank isn't a bank in the money sense. Well, think of safety deposits full of fresh leafy veg and you're on the right track!
We decided to sit outside as it was a lovely day and because inside there is only counter seating.
It's also very bright inside, with rotating lighting above the plants helping the food to grow! Behind the counter you can see the various varieties of lettuce which are being grown there.
Good Bank, Berlin Menu
Food and Drinks
We decided to try out their selection of homemade drinks. All natural tasting with natural colouring and no added nasties.
Homemade Ginger Lemonade 0,33L €3,40 - Lemon, Ginger, Rosemary, Sugarcane
Homemade Mint Lemonade 0,33L €3,40 - Lemon, Mint, Chlorophyll (for natural green colouring), Sugarcane
Homemade Ice Tea 0,33L €3,40 - Earl Grey Tea, Cinnamon, Lemon, Sugarcane
Salad Bowls
GIN-SALMON AVOCADO €10,90 Homegrown Yacht Lettuce, Organic Brown Rice, Gin-cured Raw Salmon, Half Hass-Avocado, Organic Cherrytomatoes, Raw Carrots, Pickled Onions, Roasted Almonds and Sriracha-Yogurt Dressing.
These bowls aren't your typical onion, tomato, olive oil and/or salad dressing affairs, they have a more interesting mix of vegetables, this one with the ever popular avocado and a spicy dressing. It should be noted that although all the plants are grown there, some items are from further away. The salmon is actually from Scotland, specifically for the good name and guarantee of quality that is known throughout Europe regarding Scottish salmon, so coming from Glasgow we were chuffed, especially as it tasted really good!
BURN THE AVOCADO, HONEY! - VEGETARIAN €8,90 Homegrown Chocolate Oak Lettuce, Burnt Hass Avocado, Burnt Goat Cheese, Organic Cherrytomatoes, Pepper, Cucumber, Marinated Black Beans, Roasted Sunflower Seeds and Honey-Lemon Dressing
This veggie bowl wasn't boring either with loads of fresh ingredients, such as lettuce, tomato, diced pepper, ripe avocado, seeds, beans and a thick sweet dressing.
VEGAN TRUFFLE MUSHROOMS €8,90 Homegrown Yacht Lettuce, Organic Brown Rice, Roasted Organic Tofu, Roasted Champignons, Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Cranberries, Roasted Chick Peas and Homemade Truffle-Dressing
This was the only vegan bowl of the three, which was also the 'earthiest' with truffle and a number of roasted items including tofu, mushroom and cauliflower. It was also topped with roast chickpeas, roast sunflower seeds and dried cranberries for an unexpected tart fruitiness. Of course, it came with plenty of lettuce too!
Verdict
Outside of breakfast and brunch in Berlin we usually find ourselves eating kebabs, burgers or more typical hearty German food so it's good to find something fresher, lighter and different that is available right up until 10pm at night! Is this the future of sustainable and ethical eating? We're not sure but it's a great idea and I'm sure the concept will catch on to other areas, cities and countries as it's fast food but it's actually healthy fast food. We enjoyed our visit and would like to return to try the soup, warm bowls, flatbreads and dessert next time! You can also order online for pickup. Staff were very helpful and polite. Toilets not checked on this visit.
TL;DR+ Fast, friendly service
+ Genuinely fresh food
+ Bowls are big and healthy
+ Centrally located for public transport access
Where
Good Bank
Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 5
Berlin
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 11:30 to 22:00
Disclaimer: we ate for free as Good Bank were very keen to let us try a few dishes to promote the concept to visitors from Scotland, and elsewhere!