An Insider’s Guide to Munich, Germany Munich’s Best Neighbourhoods, Restaurants, and Bars

Now that my inner child went first, it’s time to discuss some of my favorite restaurants. For upscale, fancy dining, head to Rocca Riviera. If you’re looking for a fancier lunch option, you’ll want to dine at the Dallmayr Bar & Grill.

For those seeking to indulge their taste buds with Bavarian and International cuisine, Spatenhaus an der Oper by Kuffler, Seehaus by Kuffler, and Brenner Grill are all hotspots that won’t disappoint. Don’t miss Mangostin by Kuffler for Asian and Toshi for Japanese!

If you happen to be spending the day exploring, shopping, or sightseeing in the Old Town, head over to Blatt Salate (close to Frauenkirche) for a quick, fresh bite to eat. The salad bar boasts a huge selection of fresh, untreated salads, delivered daily from regional gardeners. It doesn’t get more garden-to-table than that! The lettuce is very carefully washed, dried, and prepared so that no vitamins are lost. You can guarantee that this will be one of the freshest, most vitamin-filled salads you’ve ever had! Their soups start at just 6€ while salads start at 9€, making it extremely affordable. I just love this place as it is self-service and great if you’re on the go. No time wasted waiting for service or the final bill. It is a few steps away from Marienplatz on a small, quiet street.

Lastly, I’d like to introduce you to some of my favorite Munich bars. For a lunchtime aperitif, visit Schumann’s Tagesbar. For night caps and a late-night scene, head to Schumann’s Bar. These spots, which are arguably the most popular bars in Germany, are both owned by the famous Charles Schumann. I’m also a huge fan of the Falks Bar at Hotel Bayerischer Hof as well as the Night Club and the Trader Vic`s. If you’re searching for the perfect spot for meeting new people or simply people watching with great music, check out H’ugo’s Bar and Pizzeria Restaurant!

And as we are in full beer garden season, I must at least recommend my two favorites. Believe it or not, despite being a full-blooded Bavarian, I’m not a fan of drinking beer. I’d much rather sip my refreshing glass of cold white wine, or when I’m feeling more extravagant, a glass of rose champagne.

The beer garden, Hofbräukeller at Wiener Platz, is probably Munich’s most beautiful beer garden. Wiener Platz is a cute village square with tiny bars. It’s the smallest permanent market in Munich. Situated under the old chestnut trees, you forget that you are in the middle of the city while you’re there. In winter, an alpine chalet offers a change in atmosphere, and during summer, the Sandbar gives you the only thing that this city misses – beach vibes. Whether at a public viewing, in bright sunshine, or on a warm summer night, you’ll find generations sitting together with Maß Helles (typical Bavarian beer served by one-liter jugs). 

Here’s a bonus insider tip for those seeking a wide range of ecologically-oriented offerings at a unique location on the river Isar: Biergarten am Muffatwerk. This certified organic business features classic beer garden favorites with Mediterranean influences and light vegetarian meals. Its location on the 70-km-long Isar bike trail makes it an ideal stop while discovering the city by bike.