Munich for foodies: Top tips for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Munich simply makes a tourist’s heart beat a little faster. Why? Because it caters perfectly to Germany’s stereotype as a beer-loving, rustic country in the most flattering way possible. Germany’s wealthiest city, often called the “metropolis with heart” and famous for hosting the world’s largest beer festival, “Oktoberfest”, has a lot to offer. It charms visitors with its half-timbered houses, over 80 museums and 750 miles of tree-lined paths and walks along the Isar, the river that winds its way through the city. Here’s our insider’s guide to some of Munich’s best restaurants so you can enjoy that Bavarian spirit.

Café Forum – Located directly on Gärtnerplatz, the focal point of Munich’s hip Glockenbachviertel, you’re guaranteed to have the best seats to watch Munich life unfold before your eyes and, of course, to indulge in one of the best brunches the Bavarian capital has to offer. Special tip: love birds (or anyone else who fancies it, in fact) can choose the “Honeymoon breakfast for two”.

Seehaus – Situated on the shores of the Kleinhesseloher lake in Munich’s famous city park, the English Garden, a lunch break at the Seehaus is a must. Cosy up inside the traditional “Bavarian Stüberl” room or take advantage of the great outdoor space and lively beer garden and watch the locals of Schwabing, one of Munich’s It-quarters.

Gratitude Eatery – A visit to Gratitude Eatery is a holistic experience: this vegan restaurant leaves you feeling happy, healthy and satisfied purely because its concept is brilliant and the food incredibly tasty. So, anyone who does not require a schnitzel fix for lunch, listen up: the menu’s dishes are just a little bit different. You can choose from “I am beautiful” (mixed salad with oven-roasted pumpkin), “I’m grounded” (rice and Asian vegetables) and many more freshly prepared meals that will cater to your current emotional state. Spirituality aside though, their Chili sin Carne and the raw chocolate chip cookie are a must try – even for the most sceptical of diners.

Heart – Stepping into Heart, located close to Munich’s high-end shopping street, Maximilianstraße, is a true experience and will keep you entertained all evening. Start off in the restaurant (we recommend the classic steak with green asparagus as a main) and continue your evening in the in-house bar that is turned into a club every Thursday. If you are lucky, you might be dancing the night away next to Bayern Munich’s top players, who frequently visit the restaurant. What’s not to love?

Victorian House – Fancy a home away from home with a tiny Bavarian twist? Then pay a visit to Munich’s Victorian House, a venue that celebrates British cuisine and lifestyle since 1991. The cream tea simply is a must-try. Even Stella McCartney decided to launch one of her new fragrances in this establishment. Insider tip: take advance of the newly launched “Kunst und Genuss” (“Art and culinary treats”), which offers breakfast or traditional afternoon tea along with a tour through Munich’s most loved museums.

Eataly – La Trattoria – Munich is often called “little Italy” due to its great weather and outdoor lifestyle. No wonder, tucking into “Antipasti Misti”, risotto with octopus or fresh pasta at La Trattoria, conveniently located at beautiful Viktualienmarkt, one of Munich’s most traditional market places, truly evokes that holiday feeling. Must-Try: the Venetian dessert “Torta Sprisolona” – a tongue-twister to order, but certainly worth it.

Wirtshaus in der Au – A visit to the Bavarian capital would not be complete without experiencing this restaurant’s traditional cuisine and beer. At Wirtshaus in der Au you can explore the Bavarian way of life by tucking into traditional dumplings and an array of German sausages. Top tip: visit during the restaurant’s famous morning jazz performance or the annual “Lederhosenfest”. Are you intrigued yet?

For more inspiration, visit OpenTable and discover more great restaurants in Munich.

This is a guest post from freelance journalist Beatrice Clark. She has written for Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair, among others, and has spent the past 15 years living in France, England and Scotland. She is currently based in Berlin and is always on the hunt for the perfect Eggs Benedict.