Quick answers — eating in Munich
- Best restaurant overall
- Jan
- Best value
- Gasthaus zur Schwaige (€40-70 | $45-75)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, German & Austrian, Japanese, Italian, French
- Dishes to try
- Weisswurst, Schweinshaxe, Leberkäse, Obatzda
- Booking window
- For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many require a deposit or credit card guarantee for larger groups.
Booking well in advance, especially for starred restaurants, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, with jackets often preferred at 2- and 3-star establishments. Tipping 5-10% for good service is customary. Dinner hours generally start around 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM, with kitchens closing between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Munich
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Jan
Three MICHELIN StarsModern European · Altstadt-Lehel · €350-450 | $380-490
Jan Hartwig
Chef Jan Hartwig, previously at Atelier, orchestrates a highly refined, contemporary cuisine with a focus on intense flavors and exquisite product quality. The restaurant offers an intimate, elegant setting, providing an immersive culinary journey. Expect imaginative dishes balancing tradition and avant-garde techniques, making each plate a discovery in taste and texture.
Order: Japanese Wagyu, King Crab with avocado and passion fruit
Tantris
Three MICHELIN StarsModern European · Schwabing · €320-400 | $350-430
Benjamin Chmura
An iconic institution, Tantris maintains its legendary status with chef Benjamin Chmura's inventive yet respectful approach to modern European cuisine. The striking, original 1970s interior provides a unique backdrop to a dining experience celebrated for its precision, luxurious ingredients, and profound flavors. It remains a pinnacle of German gastronomy.
Order: Langoustine with ginger and lime, Bresse pigeon with black garlic
Alois – Dallmayr Fine Dining
Two MICHELIN StarsModern European · Altstadt · €280-350 | $300-380
Max Natmessnig
Nestled above Munich's famed gourmet emporium, Alois offers a sophisticated and precise culinary experience under Max Natmessnig. The cooking is characterized by deep, clear flavors and innovative combinations, using exceptional produce. The elegant, contemporary dining room provides a chic backdrop for a memorable meal, emphasizing refined craftsmanship and creativity.
Order: Blue Lobster with miso and coriander, Venison with smoked beetroot
Showroom by Gault&Millau
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Haidhausen · €160-220 | $175-240
Michael Weithaler
Michael Weithaler leads Showroom, a restaurant praised for its innovative approach to modern European cuisine. The focus is on seasonal, high-quality ingredients transformed into visually stunning and intensely flavorful dishes. The interior is sleek and contemporary, emphasizing a clean design that complements the artistry on the plate, ensuring an engaging dining experience.
Order: Scallops with miso and citrus, Saddle of lamb with artichoke
Mural
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Maxvorstadt · €160-210 | $175-230
Joshua Leise
Mural, located in a former electricity transformer station, offers contemporary European cuisine with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing. Chef Joshua Leise's dishes are characterized by their clarity, intense flavors, and artistic presentation, often highlighting vegetables. The industrial-chic decor creates a modern, relaxed yet sophisticated dining atmosphere.
Order: Fermented vegetables with smoked emulsion, Dry-aged duck
Broeding
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Neuhausen · €110-150 | $120-165
Jens Broeding
Broeding offers an intimate, authentic dining experience with a daily changing tasting menu focused on seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Chef Jens Broeding's cuisine is honest, flavorful, and unpretentious, emphasizing the natural taste of each component. The cozy, minimalist setting and focus on a set menu create a personal and relaxing culinary journey.
Order: Whatever is seasonal and fresh that day; trust the chef
German & Austrian
Best German and Austrian restaurants in Munich
German-speaking Europe hides a lot of quiet fine dining: precise, produce-led cooking in small rooms, alongside the beer halls everyone already knows.
Gabelspiel
One MICHELIN StarModern German · Giesing · €140-190 | $150-205
Maximilian Müller
Maximilian Müller's Gabelspiel impresses with its modern interpretation of German and European cuisine, emphasizing regional ingredients and clear, unadulterated flavors. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, yet elegant, reflecting a personal and authentic approach to fine dining. It's a delightful spot for those seeking quality cooking in a less formal setting.
Order: Bavarian trout with horseradish, Veal with celery and truffle
Gasthaus zur Schwaige
Bib GourmandBavarian · Altstadt · €40-70 | $45-75
Michael Schwaiger
Located in the historic Residenz, Gasthaus zur Schwaige offers traditional Bavarian cuisine with a refined touch. It's a Bib Gourmand recognized for its excellent value and quality. Expect hearty, authentic dishes prepared with care and high-quality ingredients in a charming, classic setting, perfect for experiencing local flavors at an accessible price point.
Order: Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn
Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant
MICHELIN SelectedModern Bavarian · Altstadt · €80-120 | $85-130
Steffen Mezger
Schwarzreiter offers a modern interpretation of Bavarian cuisine within the luxurious setting of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Chef Steffen Mezger elevates regional ingredients with sophisticated techniques, presenting dishes that are both familiar and innovative. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, providing a refined gateway to contemporary Munich gastronomy.
Order: Bayerische Ente (Bavarian Duck), Obazda variations
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Munich
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Tohru in der Schreiberei
Two MICHELIN StarsJapanese-European · Altstadt · €250-320 | $270-350
Tohru Nakamura
Chef Tohru Nakamura masterfully blends his Japanese heritage with European culinary traditions, creating a distinctive and highly personal cuisine. The tasting menus are a journey of elegant contrasts and harmonious flavors, presented with artistic precision in a refined, minimalist setting. It's an exploration of umami and texture with a unique signature.
Order: Signature Nigiri selection, A5 Wagyu with Sansho pepper
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Munich
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Acquarello
One MICHELIN StarItalian · Bogenhausen · €180-250 | $195-270
Mario Gamba
Mario Gamba's Acquarello has long been a benchmark for exceptional Italian cuisine in Munich. The dishes reflect a deep respect for Italian ingredients and traditional flavors, executed with contemporary flair and precision. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, inviting guests to savor a true taste of Italy with sophisticated service and a remarkable wine list.
Order: Tagliolini with white truffle (seasonal), Salt-crusted sea bass
French
Best French restaurants in Munich
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Les Deux
One MICHELIN StarModern French · Altstadt · €170-230 | $185-250
Fabian Seibold
Located in the historic 'Schrannenhalle,' Les Deux offers a dynamic dining experience across two levels. The fine-dining area, presided over by Fabian Seibold, delivers refined modern French cuisine with creative accents and excellent produce. The ambiance is stylish, modern, and bustling, providing a vibrant backdrop to meticulously crafted dishes and attentive service.
Order: Turbot with caviar and Champagne sauce, Foie gras terrine
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Munich
Viktualienmarkt
Munich's famous outdoor market offers numerous stalls with quick, delicious bites. Try a 'Leberkäsesemmel' (meatloaf roll) for €4-6 or fresh pretzels and cheeses. It's perfect for a bustling, authentic local food experience.
Max Pett
A popular vegan restaurant offering creative plant-based dishes from around €15-25 for a main course. Their seasonal menu ensures fresh ingredients and imaginative preparations, making it a great spot for healthy and delicious dining.
Bergwolf
Known for serving arguably the best currywurst in Munich, Bergwolf is a late-night institution. Expect delicious German street food classics, including various currywurst options, for around €5-10, in a lively, unpretentious setting.
Prinz Myshkin
A vegetarian institution since 1989, offering high-quality, international vegetarian cuisine in an elegant setting. Main courses range from €15-28. Their pasta dishes and innovative salads are particularly popular, providing a refined meat-free experience.
Sendlinger Tor
This area around Sendlinger Tor offers several excellent kebab and falafel spots. You can grab a substantial, flavorful döner kebab or falafel wrap for €6-9, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
Local dishes
What to eat in Munich
Weisswurst
A traditional Bavarian white sausage made from veal and pork back bacon, seasoned with parsley, lemon, and spices. It's typically eaten before noon, often with sweet mustard and a pretzel, and is a quintessential Munich breakfast experience. Find it at traditional Bavarian taverns like Weisses Bräuhaus.
Schweinshaxe
A hearty roasted ham hock, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This iconic Bavarian dish is often served with a potato dumpling (Knödel) and sauerkraut, offering a substantial and flavorful meal. Many traditional beer halls, such as Augustiner Keller, specialize in this dish.
Leberkäse
Despite its name translating to 'liver cheese,' this Bavarian delicacy contains neither liver nor cheese. It's a type of meatloaf, finely ground and baked until it has a crisp, dark crust. Often served warm in a bread roll (Semmel) with mustard, it's a popular snack found at butcher shops like Metzgerei Vinzenzmurr.
Obatzda
A spicy Bavarian cheese specialty, made by mixing aged Camembert with butter, paprika, onion, and various spices. This creamy, flavorful spread is typically served with a fresh pretzel (Brezn) and often enjoyed in beer gardens as a delicious accompaniment to beer. Hirschgarten serves excellent versions.
Käsespätzle
The German equivalent of macaroni and cheese, Käsespätzle consists of soft egg noodles (Spätzle) tossed with grated cheese, often Emmental or Bergkäse, and sometimes caramelized onions. It’s a comforting and savory dish, popular in southern Germany and often found in traditional restaurants like Wirtshaus im Straubinger.
Pretzel (Brezn)
The Bavarian pretzel is distinct from its American counterpart, characterized by its chewy interior, crispy dark brown crust, and coarse salt crystals. It's a staple snack, often enjoyed with Weisswurst, Obatzda, or simply on its own, available at bakeries and beer gardens throughout Munich.
Schupfnudeln
These small, finger-shaped potato noodles are a southern German specialty. They can be savory, pan-fried with sauerkraut, or sweet, served with applesauce, sugar, and cinnamon. Schupfnudeln offer a versatile and comforting dish, often found on menus of traditional Bavarian restaurants like Der Pschorr.
Apfelstrudel
A classic Austrian and Southern German dessert, Apfelstrudel is a pastry consisting of thin layers of dough wrapped around a sweet apple filling, seasoned with cinnamon, raisins, and sometimes rum. It's often served warm with vanilla sauce or ice cream, a delightful end to any meal.
How to book a table in Munich
- · For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many require a deposit or credit card guarantee for larger groups.
- · Consider weekday lunch menus at fine dining establishments; they often provide a more accessible entry point to the chef's cuisine at a significantly lower price point.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies; many high-end restaurants impose strict fees for no-shows or late cancellations, sometimes charging the full menu price per person.
- · Utilize online booking platforms (e.g., OpenTable, Resy) or the restaurant's direct website. For immediate availability, a call to the restaurant can sometimes yield last-minute openings.
FAQ
Munich restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Munich?
Jan in Altstadt-Lehel is the benchmark table — Modern European, led by Jan Hartwig, three michelin stars, around €350-450 | $380-490 per person. Order the Japanese Wagyu, King Crab with avocado and passion fruit
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Munich?
Jan in Altstadt-Lehel is the modern European table to book in Munich (€350-450 | $380-490 per person). Other strong options: Tantris, Alois – Dallmayr Fine Dining, Showroom by Gault&Millau.
Where is the best German and Austrian restaurant in Munich?
Gabelspiel in Giesing is the German and Austrian table to book in Munich (€140-190 | $150-205 per person). Other strong options: Gasthaus zur Schwaige, Schwarzreiter Tagesbar & Restaurant.
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Munich?
Tohru in der Schreiberei in Altstadt is the Japanese table to book in Munich (€250-320 | $270-350 per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Munich?
Acquarello in Bogenhausen is the Italian table to book in Munich (€180-250 | $195-270 per person).
Where is the best French restaurant in Munich?
Les Deux in Altstadt is the French table to book in Munich (€170-230 | $185-250 per person).
Where can I eat well in Munich without spending a fortune?
Gasthaus zur Schwaige is the best-value table on this list at roughly €40-70 | $45-75 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Viktualienmarkt, Max Pett, Bergwolf.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Munich?
For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many require a deposit or credit card guarantee for larger groups. Consider weekday lunch menus at fine dining establishments; they often provide a more accessible entry point to the chef's cuisine at a significantly lower price point.
What food is Munich famous for?
Weisswurst, Schweinshaxe, Leberkäse, Obatzda, Käsespätzle — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A traditional Bavarian white sausage made from veal and pork back bacon, seasoned with parsley, lemon, and spices. It's typically eaten before noon, often with sweet mustard and a pretzel, and is a quintessential Munich breakfast experience. Find it at traditional Bavarian taverns like Weisses Bräuhaus.
Planning the rest of Munich?
The full Munich guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Munich travel guide