Tourist information - Munich
No German city is better renowned for relishing the culture of drinking and eating than Munich. Investing hard-earned money on culinary extravagances has become second nature to the locals. The city features several restaurants which range from the good to the very good, however, it should be noted that the quality of the cooking is not the only thing that is high, the prices are fixed accordingly. Restaurants are mostly located in the inner city areas: Altstadt, Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and Isarvorstadt.
The flagship of Munich's gastromical community is Tantris, which has won a couple of awards by the dreaded Michelin Guide critics. Munich's luxury class of restaurants also includes small and intimate places with a loyal regular customer base; including Boettner, which has remained true to its elegant tradition for generations, and even Kleinschmidtz, which has recently successfully transformed itself from a wine merchant towards a popular venue for those prepared.
Of course Munich isn't without its share of traditional Bavarian cooking and is particularly popular for its roast pork, dumplings, cabbage and white sausages. Those who fear the tourist crowds of the famous Hofbräuhaus should head for the Andechser am Dom, where they serve beer brewed by monks at the Andechs Monastery, 50 kilometres outside Munich. Traditional dishes from Upper Bavaria, prepared in the good old-fashioned way are available at Weißes Bräuhaus. The Wirtshaus zum Huterer encompasses a small yet refined atmosphere, and also for those who have had their fill of Bavarian beer, there are always the fine wines of the Pfälzer Weinprobierstube.
International cuisine is served at Hunsinger Pacific, which offers "Fusion Cooking" along with a luxurious ambience at the more costly of the price scales. Slightly affordable prices but at higher perspectives are offered by the Metropolitan, where you could enjoy a remarkable view over Marienplatz and the town hall. Kays Bistro has been a favourite of Munich's VIPs and celebrities for several years.
Some consider Munich to be "Italy’s most northern city", which is confirmed by the sheer number of Italian restaurants. Pizza at Bei Mario, traditional Italian cooking at Osteria Italiana along with the unique Italian way of life at Acquarello to name is but a few.
Unimpressed by Italian domination of the culinary lanscape, the French influence is also at work here: Chez Philippe is a lot more like a living room, serving delicacies by our western neighbours. Followers loyal to La Bretagne treasure it for the freshly prepared fish dishes from the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The Spanish taste for fish has also left its mark on Munich, in cosy restaurants along with a relaxed and laid-back feel to them, just like Spado's or perhaps the earthly Andalusian El Perro y el Griego.
Those who enjoy a skilfully prepared fish dish should try one of several Japanese restaurants - their numbers are increasing rapidly in Munich as Sushi becomes more and more popular. Good Sushi restaurants include Enshu and Tokami. Other choices for those fans of Asian cooking are Hong Kong Bar, Man Fat (Chinese) and Shida (Thai); or perhaps the Indian Tandoori and Ganga.
Even the USA has gastronomical ambassadors in Munich, they include; Munich’s First Diner, Bobolovsky?s and Dillinger. Youngsters gather in the fashionable Tex-Mex bars like Enchilada, Tijuana and Zapata.
Away from the noisy crowds of the trendy bars, Greek and Turkish restaurants are pleasant areas for families. Schwimmkrabbe is a favourite meeting place for locals, Robinson often host jam sessions and Lucullushas the additional appeal of the best prices.
Ljao/jan/1v21