Munich: Germany‘s third largest city by population and the capital of Bavaria. But Munich is more than that: it is an amazing place to visit if you love a good mix of culture, nature and delicious food. Where to go and where to eat in order to have the best Munich experience possible, is what you‘ll find our here! Have an amazing time in Munich!
Some hard facts before we come to the fun part:
Munich is a city in the south-east of Germany, close to the Austrian border and home to 1,6 million people. From Vienna you can easily get there by train (which takes about 4 hours). Munich is famous for it‘s beer and beer halls, the Octoberfest (which is an annual festival in autumn) and its countless museums. Besides, it also has large amount of parks and green areas and the river Isar running through it. It definitely is the perfect city for a city trip – although it needs be considered that it is more expensive than most other german cities.
Let‘s start with the most important: where to eat?
Weißwurst
Probably the most popular and traditional meal from Munich is Weißwurst (engl.: White Sausage) und Brezn. Those are sausages typically made from veal, pork and pork bacon. There is a saying that they are not allowed to hear the bell ring noon (12pm), meaning they should be consumed some time in the morning, between breakfast and lunch. Why? There is a historical reason to it: originally they were prepared in the morning and sold raw. Eating them before lunch would make sure that there is no contamination and they are safe to eat. Today however, they mostly are sold precooked and cooled, which enables eating them after 12, although this is not „original“ way of enjoying them. What also is good to know: they are ordered by piece and not by pair and they usually are served in a pot with steaming water, placed in the middle of the table. You need to eat them with a Brezn (a certain bread type from Bavaria) and sweet mustard. And, usually with a 0,5l Weissbeer. Important: don‘t eat the skin!! For a super classic experience go there on a Sunday in Tracht (the traditional costume) before 12pm!
After this little crash course you now are prepared to eat Weißwurst, but where to get a real good one? There are two places in Munich I can recommend:
1. Traditional: Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus is in the heart of Munich and considered one of the most famous sights. It was founded in 1589 as a beer brewery. After centuries of brewing beer, a tavern was built and opened in 1897. Not only is it famous for its long beer-history, but also for it’s important role right before WW2. Unfortunately, pretty much the entire building has been destroyed during the war, except for the room on the ground floor, the Schwemme. Here you can still find the regular’s table (Stammtisch) with names engraved. The rest of the building was rebuilt and reopened and today is one of the most popular restaurants in Munich, counting up to 35,000 guests a day. It also is a very popular place to visit for tourists.
So, as you can see this is a very traditional place in Munich and one you should at least visit. If you want to eat there, you can get traditional Weisswürste as well as other typical Bavarian dishes. Tipp: if you are traveling in spring/ summer/ early fall and the weather is nice enough, sit in the beautiful garden.
2. Modern: Andechser am Dom
To be honest, this is the place we always go to when in Munich. It was recommended by a friend who is from Munich and it is way less touristy than the Hofbräuhaus. Like the Hofbräuhaus, the Andechser am Dom has been a beer brewery and a monastery once. The inside of the restaurant is really beautiful with ceiling paintings and traditional furniture, while the outside sitting area is rather modern. Also the menu is a mix of traditional dishes and non traditional ones (like Wagyu Beef Burger or Pasta with Chanterelle Mushrooms). On weekends they pretty much always have Weisswürste, but if you come after 12pm, you may have to ask for them!
Other brunch:
If you prefer something a bit less Bavarian for brunch, there also are plenty options in Munich. Here are just a few recommendations:
1. LAX Eatery
This place was actually recommended by a Viennese friend who told me she‘d always go there whenever she is in Munich. And I get it! LAX Eatery is located in Maxvorstadt, the student district, and is a small, super cute café. Not only its name is inspired by the American city on the west side, L.A., but the entire atmosphere is. The interior creates of a very beachy, and easy going atmosphere and the menu is packed with healthy choices: smoothie bowls, avocado toasts and colorful lattes. I‘ve had the avocado toast, a fresh ginger tea (would not recommend this one – was a bit overpriced for what it was in my opinion) and a fresh smoothie (which was super delicious!). Also, the prices are very fair and the coffee tastes amazing!!
2. Café Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist, also located in Maxvorstadt – in the popular Türkenstraße, is an incredibily cute Café too. Contrary to LAX Eatery, it is not as fancy, as hip, and not as instagrammable. And to be honest, I love that. On their breakfast/ brunch menu they have several different country-inspired breakfast boards. But if you prefer individually chosen dishes, that‘s perfectly fine too! We have had the avocado toast with feta cheese, the scrambled eggs and the french toast (which can be highly recommend!!). There are a lot of students eating, having dinner or drinks (see below) there. Both, the inside and also the outside area are really cute. Booking a table was not possible, but the waiting only took about 5-10 minutes!
More brunch places I saved:
Lunch/ Dinner
Since (unfortunately) not all life is brunch, there also are plenty lunch and dinner spots you can go to in Munich. Here‘s a mix & match of cuisines, places and recommendations!
1. Supernova
Spending the last evening in Munich here, it is fair to say that it did not disappoint! Supernova is a modern-italian restaurant (also in Türkenstraße, Maxvorstadt) that is very popular amongst young people for a nice dinner & drink atmosphere. Cool music, nice staff & really good food!! The menu covers all the pasta you would wish for (we hat the all‘arrabbiata & the truffle pasta and both were ??), as well as a list of freshly made Pinsas (Pinsa is a special Pizza with it’s origin in Rome, it has a rectangular shape and is crispier) and also several other starters and main courses. Also: the tiramisù is a must! Real good, Italian stuff! Reservation is recommended!
2. Ciao Ragazzi
We‘re staying in the same street and the same cuisine: Ciao Ragazzi is another Italian restaurant in Türkenstraße focusing on Pinsa. Here you can really only find a few starters, a lot of delicious Pinsa and (of course) good desserts. This place is a real Italian place, through and through. You can hear the owner and the chefs speak Italian while you‘re sitting outside and enjoying your meal. And now you can assume how the atmosphere there was like at the Euro Championship finals… a very good Italian Party!
3. Guido al Duomo
Promised, this is the last authentic Italian recommendation for Munich but it was just too good not to be mentioned! Guido al Duomo is, unlike Ciao Ragazzi and Supernova, not located in Maxvorstadt but rather in the very center of Munich, pretty much next to the famous Marienplatz with the city hall. Sitting there really makes one feel as if one were sitting in Italy on a beautiful square (except for all the Bavarian Restaurants next to it). The food is excellent, and the menu is real Italian: Antipasti, Primi Piatti e Secondi Piatti! Except for the regular Pasta, Risotto, Salads, Appetizers, Fish and Meat on their menu, they also have a changing daily menu with fresh and seasonal ingredients. That way we for example had green asparagus with parmesan cheese or Pasta with Chanterelle Mushrooms!
4. Dr. Drooly
Dr. Drooly: fresh, vegan pizza. The name already says it all: drool Worthy. Not even kidding, this pizza is dangerously addicting. Put your prejudices aside, vegan pizza can be good (that being said from the biggest Italy-lover) and Dr. Drooly is proving that. All pizza is made freshly in the back of the shop and only is for take-away. The menu is not too large and it has something for everyone. And if not, you can create your own combination. MUST-take: miso onions. At this point you probably are thinking: vegan pizza? miso onions?. And all I can say is YES! It is not the typical pizza and it is SO good. This would be the Nr.1 spot I‘d go to when returning to Munich!
5. SOY (vegan vietnamese)
In case you do not want to go for something Italian, but rather something Vietnamese, then this is THE perfect place for you! An entirely vegan Vietnamese restaurant in Maxvorstadt (no, not on the Türkenstraße ;))! You can either choose to do a Tapas-style eating and order several different smaller sized dishes or you can also go for „regular“ eating with a main course. We went for the different dishes and it was a very good choice! The dishes, all recommended by the staff, covered so many different spices, flavours, textures and experiences. Curry, mango salad, dumplings, … You name it, they had it! The inside sitting area also is really cool. No matter if you are vegan or not, SOY definitely is worth a visit!
6. Azuki
Let‘s stay on the same continent but travel to a different cuisine. Azuki serves contemporary asian cuisine at the highest quality: Sushi, Maki, Fish, Wok, Tapas, Tempura. All of it. And it all is so good! You are not served the regular Sushi or Wok, at Azuki everything comes with a little twist. No matter whether it is a wok with tempura prawns or a Miso Cod with Yuzu. Seriously, one of the best asian restaurants I have ever been to. Located at the beautiful Max-Joseph Platz, Azuki has an amazing atmosphere, both on the inside, and on the outside. Unfortunately: the quality also comes at a prize. So, if you are planning a Munich trip on a budget, this may not be for you.
7. Leger am Dom
Leger am Dom is a great place if you want to have some good food in a chill atmosphere. Situated next to the same Dom as the Guido al Duomo and Andechser am Dom, you can already assume that the inside and outside area both are very nice. The menu is rather small but covers everything you need: Salad with caramelized goat‘s cheese and apricots, Flammkuchen with Bacon and onions, Pasta, …! A great place that can only be recommended! Yet: it closed at 8pm at the time we were in Munich, so maybe check this before.
8. Brenner‘s Grill
Freshly made pasta, perfectly grilled meat and fish and super delicious salad and veggie dishes. Brenner‘s grill really is a location where everyone finds something delicious. It also is located in the center, in a courtyard in the Maximilianstraße. The outside area is incredibly cute. A lot of umbrellas and a really comfortable atmosphere. The inside is a bit different: there is a large bar and bar area at the begging and the entire interior is more chic and cool. The food really tasted excellent, no matter whether you chose the fresh pasta, the filled eggplant or a grilled steak. Definitely worth a visit!
9. Café Zeitgeist
You already know this restaurant from the brunch section but it deserves a separate mentioning here again because it is also great for a nice dinner & good drinks with friends. Just as their breakfast menu, their dinner menu is a wild mix of cuisines and dishes. Salads, pasta, burger, (real good) curry, bowls, … and everything sounds so good that it really is hard to choose! We have had a mix of everything and 100% enjoyed it all! The Interior is really cute, with plants and lights hanging from the ceiling and the atmosphere is very chill. Some good music, a lot of people, and a lot of happiness! Perfect for a nice dinner with friends.
10. Heartbeet
What is so amazing about Munich is that there is such a density of vegan, organic and sustainable restaurants. And one that definitely convinced was Heartbeet, which is a bowl bar focusing on eating better. They save vegetables, care about their CO2 footprint and make everything as sustainable as possible. How? For example, when ordering a bowl for take away, you can get them in a reusable package, that you can return and reuse (instead of a conventional single-use plastic bowl). Also, all of their dishes are vegetarian or vegan and they deliver by bike. The bowls and salads are so incredibly delicious (we had the Superfood Salad with the truffle dressing and it was incredibly tasty!). If you are down for healthy, delicious food – and you probably are if you are reading this – heartbeet is a must on your Munich bucket list!
11. Das Laurin
You want something a bit different, yet really tasty and rather simple? Go to Das Laurin! This restaurant is located directly at the Viktualienmarkt, a beautiful market in the center of Munich, and serves a traditional cuisine from South Tyrol with a slightly modern twist. The interior reminds one of a chalet in the alps, which makes it really cozy and comfortable. You can have classic Schlutzkrapfen (pasta filled with spinach & potato) or if you feel like something light, go for a fresh market salad! On the menu there is something for everyone, so it is a great place to go to with your family for example.
What I also saved:
Other Foodie Spots:
Besides a ton of restaurants, cafés and bars there also are a few other spots and things foodies in Munich should know. Markets, cooking classes, the best bread and a delivery app.
1. Viktualienmarkt
This is a must visit for all foodies and also all non-foodies. It can already be viewed as a sight-seeing attraction to be honest. The Viktualienmarket is a beautiful and huge market in the center of Munich. Right, left and center are shops, cafés, restaurants and vendors. It is a paradise for anyone who enjoys cooking. You‘ll find fresh fruits and vegetables from all around the world, a huge variety of cheeses, mezze, appetisers, wine, fresh pasta, fresh bread, high quality coffee, juices, herbs, flowers, and, and, and. It is hard to choose what to take because everything just looks SO delicious!! And even if you do not have the intention of purchasing something, jus taking a stroll through the market also is really beautiful. My tip: grab some small bowls of appetisers and go sit in the English Garden for a beautiful picnic!
2. Eataly Munich
When you add two of the best words: eat and Italy, the result can only be good. And Eataly in Munich shows that. Unlike the other Italian restaurants mentioned, eataly is not a unique place to go to since you can find them all around the globe, still one you really should take a look at. The concept: all about Italian food. It basically is a market hall filled with shops, cafés & restaurants with Italian produce. You can buy freshly made pasta, Italian Cheese, fruits and vegetables there. If wanted, you can also grab some fresh bread and charcuterie, something sweet and a good wine and take it home for a nice dinner. If you though do not feel like cooking, Eataly also has a restaurant (il ristorante), a wine garden and a (snack) bar which you can visit. Since there always is something going on, you have the feeling of siting right in middle of Italy. Plus: Eataly even offers Italian cooking classes, if this is something you are interested in.
3. Boulangerie Dompierre
A little disclaimer: I have not been there but only heard the best of it. Dompierre is a french Boulangerie (aka Bakery) with several locations in Munich. It is said that Dompierre has the best baguette in Munich, and only judging by look and smell, it definitely seems like the best! They really focus on making high-quality, delicious, real french bread all themselves. No ready-mix for the bread, all homemade. If you do happen to walk by one, make sure you grab a baguette and give it a try!
4. Gorillas
This may be especially important for you if you are spending your time in an appartment and like to cook. Gorillas is an app which seems to be used by pretty much every single person in Munich. What is it good for? They deliver basically every single ingredient in minutes. „Faster than you“ is their claim. For example when you are making pasta and then realising that you are still missing some cheese, just open the app, order Parmesan cheese and it‘ll be at your place in no time. This really is a super handy tool to have for anyone who tends to forget things when getting the groceries (counting myself in :)) or for spontaneous, late-night cooking sessions!
So. Much. Good. Food.
Munich really is packed with so many incredibly delicious restaurants, cafés, bars, markets and food shops. These just were a few I visited and I enjoyed and that had to be shared in order to make your Munich stay easier and more delicious. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to comment them here or just text me on Instagram! Wishing you an amazing & delicious time in Munich!
Love,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière
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