The small size of Munich made my food discoveries much more interesting. I didn't need to refer to any websites or travel magazines like i usually do to have an idea about the dining scene in that city. Every restaurant we tried was a new discovery that we've come across while walking around the beautiful streets of Munich. This wasn't my first visit to Munich, and so i didn't have to do any sight seeing and spent my time walking, having coffee with my book in random cafes and exploring shops and restaurants. My food discoveries were all pure coincidences. I enjoyed taking the risk. A couple of restaurants were recommended by the concierge of our hotel based on what we preferred having that day (The Charles Hotel - highly recommended).
Cafe am Glockenspiel:
I expected this restaurant to be touristy since it's located in Marienplatz square but it seemed to be a popular hangout for locals. The beauty of it was that it's located on the top floor of a building with a great view of the square. We went for late lunch (around 4pm) and it was crowded in a beautiful way. The menu was short and the dishes were very limited but i was very lucky with my order. I went for Salmon fillet with spinach and saffron sauce and it was one of the best salmon dishes I've ever had. Unique.
Hans im Gluck:
A creative burger joint that didn't fail to create a fun camping atmosphere. You dine on camp-like wooden chairs and tables with bamboo trees surrounding you. It was packed and vibrant. The burgers were excellent and the service was good too. It was a great burger experience.
Shandiz:
One of several Iranian restaurants that were located around the hotel. It was nice and the food was good but not as authentic as expected. A change of cuisine was needed and this place served the purpose.
Taco Libre:
A hidden Mexican gem. It was impossible to resist walking in after passing by all the tempting signs outside. And once you peak in, there is no way that you'd change your mind. Every corner of it was totally Mexican with colorful walls and fun decoration. There was a cooking counter with a boy behind it who ran the whole show. Food was a bit dry but enjoyable.
Zoozies:
After one hour of walking South i found this beautiful place in front of me. The outdoor area was packed and the weather was sunny and beautiful. It wasn't lunch time yet, but
a cup of coffee won't harm, i thought. The indoor dining area was contemporary and it looked like a page of a Decor magazine. Unfortunately i couldn't take any pictures but here is the website for a better idea http://www.zooziez.de/ . The service was not good but it was a pleasant experience.
Karstadt Food Hall:
I found my favourite kind of food hall in the basement of Karstadt Department Store. Each section of it served a different cuisine and it was too hard to select one as they all looked delicious. I had to satisfy my Doner craving which was triggered by the smell that came out of the many Turkish restaurants around Munich, and so i went for the Turkish section. It was delicious.
Bogenhauser Hof:
Love at first sight. The moment i stepped out of the taxi i fell in love with the gorgeous view of this renovated building. It had put me in the fine dining mood before stepping in. The garden dining area was stunning with round tables, white sheets, white umbrellas and perfect level of lighting. Unfortunately it was chilly and most people were dining inside. I was the only person under the age of 50 there. Which was a great indicator that the restaurant can be positioned as: Fine dining to the extreme. The atmosphere indoor was high class, with long candles and elegant table setting. "What can i serve you today? We have this and this...i recommend this and this.." said the lady who was serving us. We were staring at her and admiring her ability to introduce her dishes to us in style. What was even more impressive than all of what I've i mentioned was the quality of food. For starer, i ordered Salad of French bio tomatoes with burrata and wild garlic pesto. It was magical. It looked magical and it tasted more magical. For main dish, i went for Rack on young lamb on thyme sauce with fine green beans and potato gratin. It was perfectly cooked and the taste was very rich. I enjoyed it till the very last bite. This dining experience was one of the top fine dining experiences I've had and it's highly recommended for those who appreciate fine dining.
Vi Vadi:
A typical Italian bistro and i'd rate it as average. The highlight of this experience was the huge choke board which was placed on the center wall of the restaurant. Listing dishes of the day on a choke board is nothing new, but i loved how the board was framed with a fancy silver frame and located inside the dining area. It contradicted the red and white sheets in a beautiful way. The food was enjoyable but the portions were big. Few shrimps were added to my dish and they were lost in the huge amount of spaghetti. Friendly waiters, slow service.
Sasou:
The visible dining area of this casual Japanese restaurant seemed very inviting to those who passed by. And i was one of them. The wooden interior, the shade of green which they used as a theme color, and the black cutlery. Plastic samples of the dishes were placed on the counter which were a great substitute for an English menu. I admired the meal-for-one-person concept. I ordered chicken with soya sauce and rice which was served in a bowl and tasted good. They also served dishes of mixed sushi rolls which were also a perfect option for a meal-for-one. Strategic location in Marienplatz square.
Asado:
The only restaurant that failed to impress me during this visit to Munich. It was a very average steak house and the quality of food was low. We only ended up there because most of the restaurants on Leopoldstrasse were packed with cheerers who were watching a football match that night. However, I've heard great reviews about the other steakhouse on that road: Block House.
P.S: Chocolate shopping at supermarkets and department stores is a wonderful experience in Munich. You'll end up with a suitcase full of chocolates.
When in Munich, enjoy your discoveries the old way..on foot...
