Savor traditional German fare and global culinary gems: the finest restaurants in Munich

As Germany's third-largest city, Munich excels in offering both classic dishes and international flavors. From upscale dining to vibrant beer halls and gardens, you'll find a diverse range of culinary experiences throughout the city. Traditional Bavarian restaurants highlight hearty meat dishes, especially sausages and pork, all paired with generous servings of beer.

Top dining spots in Munich: Bavarian specialties

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Bavarian cuisine prominently features meat, especially pork, with classics like schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and schweinebraten (roast pork) commonly appearing on traditional menus.

You’ll frequently encounter sides such as potato dumplings, beets, and cabbage salads, reflecting the local agricultural traditions. Beer also plays a vital role in the dining experience, with many local taverns closely linked to breweries.

Hofbräuhaus

Location: Hofbräuhaus München, Platzl 9, 80331 München

Hofbräuhaus is an essential stop in Munich, whether or not you're in the mood for a full meal. Known as the oldest (and likely the most renowned) beer hall globally, it offers refreshing beer served by friendly staff in traditional dirndl attire. Beyond the beer, it's a fantastic venue for a substantial Bavarian feast; don't miss their roast pork, enormous pretzels, and bratwurst to savor the essence of Bavarian cuisine.

Bratwurst-Glöckl am Dom

Location: Frauenplatz 9, 80331 München, Germany

Bratwurst-Glöckl am Dom is among Munich's finest dining spots – and it's easy to see why. With a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and a genuine touch, it offers an array of traditional and decadent German dishes. Highlights include open-fire roasted bratwurst, homemade cheese, and the delightful Kaiserschmarrn: fluffy shredded pancakes served with raisins and apple compote, dusted with icing sugar.

For those visiting with a group, their meat platter is a fantastic option to sample various dishes. With generous servings and superb beer, you won't regret choosing Bratwurst-Glöckl am Dom for a memorable culinary experience.

Ratskeller

Location: Marienplatz 8, 80331 München, Germany

When in Munich, you’ll likely find yourself wandering through the Old Town. While there, Ratskeller is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal in a historic setting. In German, a Ratskeller refers to a bar or restaurant located in the basement of a city hall or nearby.

Munich’s Ratskeller ranks among the finest in the country, dedicated to providing remarkable culinary experiences with simple yet delicious authentic regional dishes. While beer is undoubtedly the star of their drink selection, you’ll also discover a variety of wines and non-alcoholic options available.

Trendy dining in Munich: global cuisine

While indulging in traditional German fare is a must during your visit, you might also find yourself desiring something different. Munich boasts numerous restaurants serving delightful dishes from around the globe. From French-inspired Michelin-starred eateries to Greek restaurants that offer some of the best cuisine you'll taste outside of Greece, there’s plenty to explore.

Spatenhaus an der Oper

Location: Residenzstraße 12, 80333 München

Spatenhaus an der Oper is conveniently located just across from Munich’s Opera House and National Theatre, serving a delightful mix of Bavarian and international dishes. The upstairs dining area boasts a more formal atmosphere, while the downstairs offers a rustic vibe with a focus on traditional Bavarian fare. They brew their own beer and have a charming outdoor space that’s perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.

This is an excellent spot to consider if you’re planning to catch a performance at the Opera House, but be sure to make a reservation in advance. The restaurant tends to fill up quickly during pre-show hours, so remember to specify whether you’d like to sit upstairs or downstairs when you book.

Preysinggarten

Location: Preysingstraße 69, 81667 München

Nestled in the trendy Au-Haidhausen district, Preysinggarten occupies a stunning 19th-century building. The menu features a variety of European dishes, with a special emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine.

Highlights include minestrone, steak in gravy, and fresh salmon, alongside excellent vegan and vegetarian selections. Opening at 11 am, the outdoor terrace is ideal for a midday meal or an afternoon catch-up. Preysinggarten ranks among the most sought-after spots, so be sure to reserve a table in advance to ensure you won’t miss out.

Pageou

Location: Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße 10, 80333 München

Pageou specializes in globally inspired dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, prepared and paired in innovative ways. Their steaks and braised beef are standout options, with excellent seafood and vegetarian choices also on the menu. While the restaurant has an upscale feel, the atmosphere remains relaxed. In warm weather, you can reserve a table in the courtyard to enjoy some sunshine with your meal, and private rooms are available for group bookings.

Tantris

Location: Johann-Fichte-Straße 7, 80805 München

With two Michelin stars, Tantris is a must-visit for any food lover in Munich. This culinary gem, renowned for its French-inspired haute cuisine, has been delighting locals and tourists alike since the 1970s. Their set menus feature four or six courses at lunch and six or eight courses at dinner, each dish artfully presented. One standout element of their striking decor is the walk-in glass wine cabinet housing an extensive selection, and you can always rely on their expert wine pairings.

Pescheria

Location: Pettenkoferstraße 1, 80336 München

Pescheria offers a cozy setting for enjoying fresh seafood prepared in a Mediterranean style. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the friendly staff are eager to offer recommendations tailored to each guest. Menu highlights include fried calamari, shrimp, crab pasta, and fish soup. Whole fish displayed on ice allows you to choose your meal directly. They also provide curbside pickup for takeout and are open from 6 pm to 1 am, Tuesday through Saturday.

Kalypso Restaurant

Location: Agnesstraße 8, 80801 München

Step into Kalypso Restaurant and you’ll feel transported from Munich to a vibrant Greek island, thanks to its outdoor seating and energetic ambiance. If you’re in the mood for Greek cuisine, this spot is among the best in the city, with a fantastic selection of wine and ouzo to complement your meal.

Menu highlights include grilled octopus, ribs, and tzatziki served with garlic pita, all offered in generous portions. Kalypso is a favorite among both locals and visitors, so it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, particularly if you wish to dine outdoors.

Where to find vegan and vegetarian dining in Munich

Bavarian cuisine is known for its meat-heavy dishes, with beets, potatoes, and cabbages being the primary vegetables due to the region's climate. This can lead vegan and vegetarian travelers to worry about their dining options in a city like Munich. Fortunately, there are numerous restaurants across the city that not only offer vegetarian choices but also specialize in crafting delicious, plant-based meals inspired by global cuisines.

Blitz

Location: Museumsinsel 1, Access via Ludwigsbrücke, 80538 München

Featuring a relaxed vibe, welcoming staff, and vibrant decor, Blitz delights with its Mexican-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes bursting with flavor. The menu includes tasty tacos, ceviche, and fajitas, complemented by refreshing margaritas and cocktails to cleanse your palate from Munich’s traditional beer.

Portions are ample, with bold and inventive flavor combinations. Additionally, Blitz is connected to the Blitz techno club, making it a perfect spot for a hearty meal before hitting one of Munich’s hottest nightlife venues!

Prinz Myshkin

Location: Hackenstraße 2, 80331 München

Located just minutes from Marienplatz, Prinz Myshkin is a standout for vegetarian and vegan dining in Munich. With offerings like truffle pasta, tofu stir-fry, and vegan chocolate cake, there's something for everyone. The restaurant features minimalist decor, a diverse menu, and friendly service, making it an ideal stop for travelers. It's open from 11:30 am to 11 pm, perfect for lunch or dinner.

What’s next on your journey?

Ready for your next adventure? Discover more amazing places to explore in Germany this summer or winter.