12 Unique & Unmissable Restaurants in Munich

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Munich’s food scene is a blend of Bavarian tradition and modern flair, making it a must-visit for any foodie. Known for its hearty classics like schnitzel, pretzels, and bratwurst, the city also surprises with upscale fusion spots, beer gardens, and quirky hidden gems. Picture yourself sipping a crisp lager in a centuries-old beer hall, feasting on freshly baked strudel at a cozy café, or enjoying gourmet twists on traditional dishes in a sleek urban setting. Whether it’s indulging in local cheeses at the Viktualienmarkt or dining in a castle-like restaurant, Munich delivers unforgettable flavors and experiences. These 12 unique and unmissable spots showcase the city’s rich culinary culture and promise a dining adventure you’ll be talking about for years. Get ready to explore!

👉 Pro Tip: Explore Munich’s flavors with the Viktualienmarkt Street Food Tour! Sample pretzels, sausages, and Bavarian cheeses while sipping traditional drinks and learning about the city’s food culture. Perfect for foodies, this tour offers a delicious taste of Munich’s culinary heart. Come hungry!

Unique Restaurants in Munich

Ready to explore the best food in Munich? This city is brimming with amazing eateries, from high-end dining experiences to charming, quirky locales. Join me as we discover the coolest places to eat in Munich.

Ever fancied dining in a vintage bus or savoring dishes from a Michelin-starred kitchen? Munich offers these and more. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Bavarian feast, a unique gastronomic adventure, or just a fun spot to enjoy a meal, Munich has it all. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most unique restaurants in Munich. Prepare to turn every meal into an unforgettable experience!

1. DinnerHopping

• 📍 Location: Mobile (Starts/ends at designated points, often near Ostbahnhof)
• 💲 Price range: $90 – $110 per person (Tour/Meal combo)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Course Menus (American, Italian, or Bavarian themes available)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dining inside a vintage US school bus, 3-course meal served while touring Munich, different menu themes offered, onboard service, sightseeing + dining combo.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Novelty dining seekers, unique date nights, seeing Munich differently, fun group dinners, and experiencing dinner “on the road”.

All aboard the flavor express! DinnerHopping transforms dinner into “the best dinner on the road,” serving a full 3-course meal inside a vintage American school bus while you cruise past Munich’s sights. It’s dinner, drinks, and a city tour rolled into one rocking ride!

Choose your culinary journey with themed menus. The American style tour might feature a tasty cheeseburger variation. The Italian tour could offer pasta with a pesto cream sauce, and the Bavarian option might include a classic pork roast with dumplings, all followed by a sweet treat like brownies.

2. Blue Nile

• 📍 Location: Siegestor Area (Near University)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Ethiopian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Communal dining platters, eating with injera bread (no cutlery!), rich aromatic stews, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, communal dining fans, groups sharing food, experiencing Ethiopian culture, and flavourful vegetarian/vegan options seekers.

Ditch the forks and dive hands-first into the incredible flavors of Ethiopia at Blue Nile! This spot offers an authentic experience centered around large, shareable platters laden with vibrant stews and salads, all scooped up with spongy injera bread.

Ordering a mixed platter (vegetarian or with meat) to sample everything is a great plan. Be sure it includes classics like the spicy chicken stew doro wat, tender sautéed lamb tibs, or flavorful lentil dishes like misir wot. Wash it all down with traditional honey wine.

3. Brenner Operngrill

• 📍 Location: Maximilianstraße (City Center, near the Opera)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Mediterranean / Grill
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stylish and expansive space (historic stables), open grill, high-quality meats and seafood, vibrant atmosphere, popular for pasta and risotto.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale Italian/Mediterranean dining, seeing and being seen, pre/post-opera meals, special occasions, and lovers of grilled specialties.

Experience Italian flair in a grand setting at Brenner Operngrill. Housed in magnificent historic stables on Maximilianstraße, this expansive restaurant boasts a stylish, vibrant atmosphere and an impressive open grill. It’s a see-and-be-seen spot in the heart of Munich.

Their grilled sea bass or a perfectly cooked dry-aged steak from the open grill are excellent choices. Freshly made pasta dishes, like truffle pasta or a seafood linguine, and creamy risotto variations are also highly praised. Brenner offers a sophisticated taste of Italy.

4. Restaurant Savanna Munich

• 📍 Location: Near Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) / City Center West
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: South African & Pan-African
• 🔥 Standout Features: Exotic meat options (ostrich, crocodile, zebra often available!), unique African flavors/spices, vibrant decor, extensive South African wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous palates, exotic meat explorers, fans of South African cuisine, unique dining experiences, and trying something truly different.

Take a walk on the wild side at Restaurant Savanna Munich! This vibrant spot brings the exciting flavors of South Africa and beyond right to the heart of the city. Get ready to explore dishes and ingredients you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a culinary safari!

Daring to try exotic meats like tender ostrich fillet or flavorful crocodile steak (when available) is part of the fun. Discover traditional South African specialties like the fragrant minced meat dish bobotie or hearty potjiekos stews. Pair with their South African wines.

5. Wirtshaus in der Au

• 📍 Location: Au-Haidhausen (Near Deutsches Museum)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Bavarian / Munich Specialties
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic & cozy Wirtshaus atmosphere, famous for huge dumplings (“Knödel”), live folk music nights, lovely beer garden (seasonal).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Authentic Bavarian food lovers, Knödel fanatics, experiencing “Gemütlichkeit”, casual dinners with friends/family, and enjoying local beer culture.

Experience true Bavarian “Gemütlichkeit” at Wirtshaus in der Au. This beloved neighborhood institution serves hearty, traditional Munich fare in a warm, rustic setting. They’re legendary for their massive, fluffy Knödel (dumplings).

Trying the classic potato or bread dumplings alongside saucy roasts like schweinebraten (roast pork) is essential. Other must-tries include crispy schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) or tender sauerbraten. Wash it down with local Paulaner beer.

6. Der kleine Flo

• 📍 Location: Maxvorstadt (University Quarter)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gourmet Burgers / Creative Casual Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Freshly baked mini burger rolls (daily, own recipe!), homemade sauces/pickles, regional ox meat/local ingredients, high-quality focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Burger connoisseurs, fresh ingredient fans, casual quality eats, university crowd hangouts, and supporting local sourcing.

Big flavor comes in small packages at Der kleine Flo! This tiny, bustling burger haven in the university quarter bakes their Mini Burger Rolls fresh daily. Add homemade sauces, pickles, and desserts, and you get pure quality. It’s burger passion!

Sink your teeth into juicy burgers made with regional ox meat. The classic cheeseburger is a great choice. Or try a unique chimichurri burger or their popular bacon jam burger. It’s small, friendly, and delivers an exceptional burger experience.

7. Ratskeller München

• 📍 Location: Marienplatz (Under the New Town Hall)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Bavarian & Franconian Specialties
• 🔥 Standout Features: Grand historic cellar location beneath City Hall, stunning vaulted ceilings/architecture, huge multi-room space, traditional Bavarian menu, central Marienplatz location.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Experiencing Munich history, traditional Bavarian dining fans, large groups, tourists seeking central location, and impressive cellar ambiance lovers.

Dine in the magnificent cellar vaults beneath Munich’s New Town Hall at Ratskeller München. This sprawling, historic restaurant offers a grand setting right on Marienplatz. Navigate the beautifully decorated rooms and settle in for classic Bavarian and Franconian dishes.

Feast on hearty portions of Nürnberger rostbratwürstl (small grilled sausages). Enjoy a traditional tellerfleisch (boiled beef with horseradish sauce) or their popular crispy pork knuckle (schweinshaxe). The atmosphere is steeped in history, and the location is central.

8. Jones Original American Diner

• 📍 Location: Maxvorstadt (University Quarter)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic 50s/60s American diner decor (red booths, jukebox!), all-day breakfast options, classic burgers/fries/milkshakes, friendly service.
• 🎯 Perfect For: American diner lovers, nostalgic vibes seekers, fans of big breakfasts, casual comfort food cravings, and indulging in milkshakes/burgers.

Get your kicks at Jones Original American Diner! This spot nails the classic American diner vibe, complete with red vinyl booths, checkered floors, and rock ‘n’ roll tunes. Step back in time for some seriously satisfying comfort food. Greasy spoon goodness, Munich style!

Slide into a booth and order diner staples. Chow down on a juicy classic cheeseburger with crispy fries. Indulge in fluffy pancakes anytime (all-day breakfast!), or slurp down a thick, creamy chocolate milkshake. It’s friendly, fun, and delivers that perfect dose of Americana.

9. Hewad Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Sendling-Westpark Area
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Afghan
• 🔥 Standout Features: Aromatic Afghan spices/flavors, focus on traditional dishes, cozy family-run atmosphere, vegetarian-friendly options.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Exploring Middle Eastern/Central Asian cuisine, fans of aromatic rice dishes, seeking authentic flavors, casual neighborhood dining, and trying Afghan specialties.

Embark on a delicious journey to Afghanistan at Hewad Restaurant. This cozy, family-run spot serves up the authentic, aromatic flavors of Afghan cuisine, known for its skillful use of spices, herbs, and tender meats. Prepare for fragrant feasts!

Discover traditional specialties. Don’t miss the national dish, qabuli pulao (tender lamb shank under fragrant rice with carrots and raisins). Delicate steamed mantu (dumplings) or flavorful Afghan kebabs (chicken or lamb) grilled to perfection are also fantastic.

10. Steinheil 16

• 📍 Location: Maxvorstadt (Near Technische Universität)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / Bavarian
• 🔥 Standout Features: GIGANTIC schnitzel portions (plate-sized!), classic crispy Wiener Art Schnitzel, casual student-friendly pub vibe, good value for money.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Schnitzel challenge takers, hungry students, budget-conscious eaters, casual pub grub fans, and experiencing legendary portion sizes.

Prepare for Schnitzelgeddon! Steinheil 16 is legendary in Munich for one thing: schnitzel so massive it barely fits on the plate. This bustling, no-frills pub near the university is where you go when only a colossal, crispy cutlet will do. Seriously, it’s HUGE!

The main event is the riesenschnitzel Wiener art (Giant Viennese-style pork schnitzel), perfectly pounded thin and fried golden. Pair it with kartoffelsalat (potato salad) or French fries and a cold German beer. It’s loud, popular, and fantastic value.

11. Restaurant & Weinhandel Broeding

• 📍 Location: Neuhausen-Nymphenburg (Residential Street)
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $160+ per person (Explicitly request wine pairing for full experience/price)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Austrian Fine Dining (Surprise Menu)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden gem location, daily 5-6 course surprise tasting menus, exclusive Austrian wine focus (ask for pairing!), Austrian-led, intimate/simple setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous fine diners, Austrian wine lovers, intimate special occasions, surprise menu enthusiasts, and discerning palates seeking nuance.

Discover a hidden fine dining star at Restaurant & Weinhandel Broeding. Two Austrian hosts orchestrate a daily 5 or 6-course surprise tasting menu, showcasing modern Austrian cuisine with exquisite precision. It’s an intimate culinary journey where you trust the chef.

Prepare for perfectly coordinated dishes. Past menus featured stunners like delicate steamed veal wantan with smoky chicory. Incredibly tasteful Poltinger lamb with smoky peppers, or artful fish preparations with seasonal vegetables, also impress. Request the Austrian Wine Pairing.

12. Tantris

• 📍 Location: Schwabing
• 💲 Price range: $200 – $400+ per person (Set Menus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: French Haute Cuisine / Modern European (2 Michelin Stars)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic 1970s architecture (bold orange/black), 2 Michelin Stars (Chef Benjamin Chmura), masterful flavor/texture balance, world-class wine cellar (rare glass options).
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate fine dining splurges, architecture/design aficionados, Michelin star collectors, major celebrations, and wine connoisseurs seeking rare gems.

Enter a temple of gastronomy at Tantris. This legendary Schwabing institution is a 2-Michelin-starred culinary icon famed for its bold 1970s architecture. Chef Benjamin Chmura masterfully balances textures and flavors in exquisite fixed tasting menus.

Anticipation builds with wonderful bread and French butter. Masterpieces like “Printemps” (asparagus, almonds, anise) or “Petit Bateau” (brill, mussels, vadouvan) showcase incredible technique. A delicate langoustine course is also a highlight. Dining here is an investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Munich

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Munich? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Munich’s unique restaurants.

What food is famous in Munich?

Munich is renowned for its hearty Bavarian cuisine. The most famous food in Munich is probably the Weisswurst, a traditional white sausage usually enjoyed with sweet mustard and pretzels. Don’t miss out on trying Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) – it’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. And for dessert, Apfelstrudel, a delicious apple pastry, is a must-try.

Is it expensive to eat in Munich?

The cost of eating out in Munich varies. You can find affordable meals at beer gardens or street food vendors. A hearty meal at a beer garden might cost around €10-€15. However, dining at upscale restaurants, especially those serving fine Bavarian or international cuisine, can be pricey, with meals ranging from €30 to €60 or more per person.

Does Munich have a good food scene?

Absolutely! Munich’s food scene is diverse and vibrant. From traditional Bavarian eateries and beer gardens to modern cafes and international restaurants, there’s something for every palate. The city is also known for its quality beer, so visiting a local brewery or beer hall is a must.

What is a typical Bavarian breakfast?

A typical Bavarian breakfast includes Weisswurst (white sausages), freshly baked pretzels, and sweet mustard. It’s often accompanied by a wheat beer – yes, beer for breakfast is a thing here! This breakfast is more of a tradition than a daily meal, usually enjoyed on special occasions or weekends.

What are 3 popular foods in Germany?

Three of Germany’s most popular foods are:

1. Bratwurst: These grilled sausages are a German staple and come in various regional varieties.
2. Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that’s often served as a side dish with meats.
3. Schnitzel: Although originally from Austria, Schnitzel is hugely popular in Germany. It’s a breaded, fried meat cutlet, typically served with lemon and potatoes or salad.