Some of you might know by now that I am a foodie, and it is true that everywhere I go I look for a new restaurant to try, and if I like it, I recommend it, if not, maybe another time. Because I believe that when traveling we always try to find a nice place to eat, and that it is very helpful to know from locals where we should go, I decided that every year – specifically every January – you will find here on Packing my Suitcase the top places to eat and drink in Munich.
I live in the charming Bavarian capital since 2012, and throughout the years I have tried many restaurants, cafes and a few bars – as I said, I am a foodie. Some of them it is always a pleasure to return to, and some I always recommend when I am asked. The truth is that every year I discover new places, new tastes, new good service, and it is not easy to make up a list of my favourite venues in Munich.
However, after judging mainly by the food quality, the service and the atmosphere, I have made my list, which is divided into different categories. Under each one of them you will find a venue with a brief description and what it is special about them.
Each place recommended here is based on my personal preference and experience. This list might change from one year to the other, as with time I will get the chance to try new places; or it might be that some of them will still be on next year’s list. Meanwhile, here are my top choices of 2014:
Bavarian
Augustiner Keller
If there is something someone should do when in Munich or generally in Bavaria, it is to try Bavarian food. You know, all those famous dishes you associate with Germany, like Bratwürst, Pork Knee, Brezen, and many other salty and fatty ones. Well, so far, the best typical Bavarian restaurant I have been to is Augustiner Keller.
Apart from the great food – no, Bavarian food is not the same in every restaurant – this place looks amazing and very traditional. It is also very well located, not so far from the touristy areas, and with easy access for both Müncheners and tourists.
Arnulfstr. 52
Italian
Arte in Tavola
After months in the search for the best fungi prosciutto pizza in town, I happened to find this little cosy place, and since then I have been there for probably over 10 times. Arte in Tavola is not only about pizza, but also about any Italian food you may order, and I dare you to say you didn’t like what you had. Apart from the traditional plates found à la carte, there is also a daily menu with surprising offers that changes everyday.
Schellingstr. 51
Asian
Bento Box
Even though Bento Box is a food chain restaurant in Germany, I still haven’t found a better sushi in Munich as I did here. The sushi is bigger than the ones normally found in other restaurants in town, and it has the juicy touch of cream cheese – an ingredient that I miss from sushi restaurants in the Americas, which is not commonly used here in Germany – in many of their options. Here everything is delicious and worth trying, from the soups to the noodles and sushi.
Leopoldstr. 42
Steak
Kapitales vom Rind
As you might know by now, I am Brazilian, and if there is something uncommon about people of this nationality, is someone who doesn’t appreciate a good steak. My passion for steaks is something I will always carry with me anywhere I might go in this World – sorry vegetarians.
Of course that I managed to try a few nice places offering good steaks in Munich, but I tell you what: a place like KVR is hard to find even in Brazil. Here you choose which kind of meat you want, how much you want it and how you prefer to eat it. I am not even going to mention that they have a dessert called “Toblerone mousse” and that it is amazing – oops! I just did it!
Viktoriastr. 23
Burgers
Belicious
It is not hard to find nice burgers in Munich, and I have tried them in different places, served in different ways. The choice is not easy to make, but since I was there the first time, I still haven’t found a better replacement: Belicious. A combination of homemade juicy burgers, crunchy potato chips and french fries, different sauces, meats and breads to choose from, a great location and atmosphere.
Pariserstr. 34
Breakfast
Café Lotti
It wasn’t always like this, but today breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. This might have changed because since I moved to Germany I have been to places like Café Lotti, where the croissant melts in your mouth and a homemade lemonade can make your day begin with a special flavor.
Café Lotti is not only open for breakfast, but for me it is their highlight, especially during summer where you can sit outside. It is a cozy little place located in the charming neighborhood Schwabing, and it is the most pet friendly place I have found in Munich so far. Of course, Enzzo loves it too.
Schleißheimerstr. 13
Cafe
Aroma Kaffeebar
This cosy cafe is located in the Glockenbachviertel area of Munich, not far from the center. On my first visit, they had me on the chocolate cake; but the next few times I went there, they kept surprising me with things like mango and mint smoothie and a kind of holunderblüte tea – a plant syrup commonly used in Germany to make a famous drink called Hugo.
The atmosphere, drinks – I don’t drink coffee, but I heard different opinions from people I know, including W, that their latte macchiato is great – cakes and food are to die for. They also have a little cute store where they sell some interesting little trinkets; some always make me smile.
Pestalozzistr. 24
Bar
Cocktailhouse
I haven’t been to many bars in Munich, but the Cocktailhouse never disappointed. They have a menu of drinks and cocktails that look more like a book, so many delicious options that you might want to try more than you can manage. Packed on the weekends, they do accept reservations, which is of great help if you want to guarantee a place for a group of people. On top of all, the price is a bargain for Munich!
Feilitzschstr. 25
Wine
Merlins Casa di Vino
Apart from being a foodie, I am also a wine lover, and it was here at Merlins Casa di Vino where I have tried the best wines so far. The name comes from the owner; a lovely lady who certainly understands wine and gourmet food, making combinations that will dare your palate.
During the day it opens for lunch, when their French chef shows his skills. At night, a Weinladen – with daily special gourmet snacks, and great Bossa Nova music in the background. A cosy place, where you notice the passion for wine and the South American countries Brazil and Argentina.
Auenstr. 100
Ice Cream
Der verrückte Eismacher
I have mentioned this place before, and I just couldn’t not mention it and recommend it again on this post. This ice cream parlor – “the crazy ice cream maker” in German – is the sensation of Munich’s summer, offering from beer and raspberry champagne to crême brulée and apple mousse pancake flavors. The line is sometimes long, filled with people wanting to be surprised by the flavors of the day, but the wait it totally worth it The problem is: I still haven’t tried a better ice cream in the World.
Amalienstr. 77
Throughout this year you will find reviews of most of these venues here on Packing my Suitcase, this way you get a deeper insight on each place and understand why I chose them. For now, I will leave you mouth-watering and craving for some delicious food and drinks.
