At Bonvivant, accessibility is a topic we take seriously and one where we subject ourselves to evaluation. In this article, we explain what matters for accessible dining in Berlin, what our „Reisen für Alle“ certification means, and how you can prepare well for your visit.
Accessible doesn't mean the same thing for everyone
The term is often narrowed down to wheelchair users, but it encompasses much more. Someone who is hard of hearing needs different information than someone with poor eyesight, and someone who has difficulty walking needs something different than someone who struggles to process long texts. The „Reisen für Alle“ inspection system also distinguishes precisely which groups an offer is suitable for, and indicates whether it is only barrier-free in certain areas. This is what makes honest information possible in the first place, because „accessible“ without qualification says very little.| Need | What matters in the restaurant | What we offer or recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Walking impairment, wheelchair | Access without steps, step-free restroom | Ramp and step-free restroom available |
| Hearing impairment | Understandable information about the menu | Special menu cards upon request, please contact us in advance |
| Visual impairment or blindness | Orientation, explanation of dishes, space for the assistance dog | The team explains every course, dogs are welcome |
| Cognitive impairment | Clear procedures, time, contact persons | Conversation before the visit so we can adjust to it |
| Allergies, intolerances | Reliable arrangement | Gluten-free option for all courses, note during reservation |
What the „Reisen für Alle“ certification means
„Reisen für Alle“ is the nationwide certification system for accessibility in tourism. It was created in 2011 as a joint project of the German Tourism Association (Deutsches Seminar für Tourismus) and the National Coordination Office for Tourism for All. The special feature: establishments do not simply state themselves how accessible they are. Trained inspectors visit the facility on-site, record all accessibility features, and evaluate them according to uniform standards. The results are subsequently viewable by anyone on the „Reisen für Alle“ website, ensuring guests receive reliable information before their visit.We hold this certification and have willingly subjected ourselves to this inspection. For us, this is important for a simple reason: a ramp alone says little if no one knows how wide the door is, how the restroom is equipped, or where one can orient oneself. The certification makes these details readable and relieves guests of uncertainty. Those who wish to inform themselves in advance can find the inspection report on the „Reisen für Alle“ website. Especially for people with restrictions, this is a real added value, because instead of hoping on-site that it fits, you can check quietly at home whether a visit is possible and what needs to be clarified in advance.
„The fight against discrimination and for diversity is very close to our hearts."
How to plan an accessible restaurant visit in Berlin
Even independent of us, a brief preparation is worthwhile, as Berlin restaurants differ greatly. A few steps help avoid surprises:- Check Wheelmap: Users evaluate places there as fully, partially, or not accessible.
- Call or write in advance and ask specifically about steps, restroom access, and table arrangement.
- Check the entrance on Street View to spot steps or narrow doors.
- Read the inspection report from „Reisen für Alle“ for certified offers.
What we specifically do
Our restaurant is accessible. We feature a ramp and a step-free restroom. For hearing-impaired guests, we develop special menu cards upon request, please let us know in advance so we can prepare the card in time.Dogs are welcome with us; you simply ask us for a short note during the reservation so we can plan a table with enough space. This is particularly important for people with assistance dogs, as they already have a legal right of access, as we described in our article on animals in the restaurant.
The menu we serve in the evening is fully vegan, and our team explains every course and the matching drink. This helps not only guests with visual impairments, but everyone who likes to know what is on the plate. This also includes accommodating allergies and intolerances: we offer an equivalent gluten-free option for all courses, and we also take lactose or nuts into consideration. It is important to us that you let us know when making your reservation so we can prepare well.
More than technology: Attitude in service
A ramp opens the door, but whether someone feels welcome is decided by the team. Good hospitality means not treating guests with disabilities as a special case, but as what they are: guests.This includes directing questions straight to the person instead of the companion, providing information without being asked, and taking time. Whoever cannot read the menu gets it read to them, whoever needs a table with more freedom of movement gets it without having to explain themselves. It is important to us that our team internalizes this, and that we talk openly about what is going well and what we can do better. Because especially with a multi-course menu where the service explains every dish, attentiveness matters, not standard phrasing.
Accessibility is a process
We want to be honest: Our building is an old property on Goltzstraße, and no building is equally well-equipped for every need. Exactly for this reason, two things are important to us. First, every piece of information we provide must be correct and verifiable, which is why we have the inspection by „Reisen für Alle.“ Second, we want to learn from each other: If something is missing for you or you have a wish, tell us, whether before the visit or afterwards. Accessibility does not come from a certificate alone, but from people talking to each other and a team being ready to adapt to individual needs.
What this means for your visit with us
Let us know during your reservation what you need, whether a table with more space, a special menu card, or an allergy arrangement. You do not need to justify yourself for this; a brief note is enough, and we will take care of the rest so the evening is as relaxed for you as it is for all guests. The earlier we know, the better we can prepare. Our establishment is located at Goltzstraße 32 in Berlin-Schöneberg; we serve dinner and drinks from Wednesday to Saturday starting at 6 PM, and brunch from Friday to Sunday between 9 AM and 3 PM. All information about the current menu can be found on our website.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bonvivant accessible?Yes, we are accessible and feature a ramp and a step-free restroom. We also hold the „Reisen für Alle“ certification; you can find the inspection report on the system's website.
What is „Reisen für Alle“?
The nationwide certification system for accessibility in tourism. Trained inspectors record accessibility on-site according to uniform criteria, and the results are publicly viewable.
Are there menu cards for hearing-impaired guests?
We develop special menu cards upon request, please contact us in advance.
Are assistance dogs allowed inside the restaurant?
Yes, dogs are welcome. For assistance dogs, there is also a legal right of access.