Eating Out

Restaurants are abundant in Munich, varying from traditional Bavarian and ethnic food to the most elaborate and fancy imaginable. In short, everyone can find a restaurant to suit his/her taste in Munich. Look for restaurants in the Yellow Pages under “Gaststätten,” where you will find the establishments listed according to type of cuisine. The selection is enormous and, of course, the quality varies so you are wise to get recommendations from friends or colleagues. For further ideas and inspiration, check for example the website www.munichfound.de under “Dining and Dancing” or www.whatsoever.de/munich or see www.muenchen.de under the section on eating out. Magazines available in kiosks (such as Delikatessen) have information in English.

In Bavaria it is always time for a small bite (Brotzeit). This warm or cold snack can be eaten anytime. But a true Bavarian would never eat white sausage (Weißwurst) after noon! Other favorites include the local version of meatloaf (Leberkäs), which is NOT made of liver or cheese, but meat, and is eaten with bread or the Bavarian soft pretzels (Brez’n); or a mixture of soft cheese, onion, butter and caraway seeds (Obatzda) spread on dark bread (Schwarzbrot). Dumplings (Knödel) accompany many of the dishes, including the starters, where they are made of liver (Leberknödl) or semolina (Grießnockerl) and are served in a clear broth. Main courses (Hauptgerichte) are rich and huge. Choose from poultry (Geflügel), game (Wild), mushrooms (Schwammerl), or fish (Fisch). If you are up to it, end the meal with a dessert (Süßspeise), which could be steamed sweet dumplings filled with fruit (Topfenknödel) or apple strudel with vanilla sauce (Apfelstrudel).

Many restaurants regularly close one day per week (Ruhetag), often a Monday, so it is advisable to phone in advance.

When on the phone, ask if they take credit cards since not all do. Tipping is five to ten percent or rounding up the bill by three to five Euros. Restaurants are allowed to stay open until 2.00 a.m. during the week and until 3.00 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.

The beer gardens (Biergärten) are a Bavarian landmark, outdoor restaurants under chestnut trees, where you can bring your own food or order a Brotzeit, and enjoy a stein of Bavarian beer, which is among the best in the world. Most of the beer gardens also have a section with table service. You will find beer gardens everywhere, from the city center to the remotest mountaintop, a common feature being the simple wooden tables and benches combined with a lively atmosphere. Beer gardens in residential areas have to close at 11 p.m..