Munich, the world over, has become synonymous with beer, sausage, and pretzels; however, the city’s cuisine extends beyond the stereotypical wurst and brezel. Travelers visiting Munich will discover traditional, flavorful dishes, such as Schweinshaxe and Schweinebraten, savory sides like Semmelknoedel, and the sweet treat Apfelstrudel. The dining scene is as varied as the dishes, ranging from lively beer halls and charming cafés to upscale, Michelin-starred restaurants. And one cannot forget about the storied Viktualienmarkt, where travelers find numerous food stalls selling traditional Bavarian eats alongside international fare.
During my time in Munich, I didn’t plan my meals; I just wandered around until something caught my attention. This led me to discover some wonderful eateries that I highlight in the sections below. As you’ll soon discover, many of my meals were takeaways. Being introverted, I often prefer to pick up meals to enjoy while sitting in a public square, people-watching, or relaxing in the comfort of my hotel room. And for my fellow pescatarians and vegetarians, there’s no need to worry – Munich has plenty of hearty options to suit your diet in the land of sausage and pretzels.
On this trip, I spent 5 days in Munich, with 3.5 days on solo adventures and 1.5 days as a participant on the Rick Steves’ Best of Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna tour. During those first few days in the city, I mainly enjoyed great eats from food stalls and cafés I discovered at the Viktualienmarkt and near the Marienplatz, which I took to go and enjoyed in the warmth of my hotel room (it was rather cold during my visit!). To mark the start of the tour, participants were led to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal.
Unlike the United States, tipping is not “strongly suggested” in Munich. In many restaurants, when paying with a credit card, there is no option to leave a tip on the receipt. In these cases, it is best to tip in cash and give it directly to your waiter.
Note: Prices listed are the amounts I paid in USD, based on the exchange rate between April 24 and April 27, 2025. Tips are not included in the cost.
Fritz Mühlenbäckerei
I stumbled upon Fritz Mühlenbäckerei while meandering through the Viktualienmarkt during my first afternoon in Munich. I had arrived in the city earlier that day, after a 20-hour journey, and was searching for a simple, comforting meal. Fritz is a local bakery specializing in delicious homemade breads, including gluten-free varieties, sweet treats, and sandwiches.
For my meal, I bought the following: an egg sandwich with lettuce and tomato, a Greek-style spanikopita (spinach pie), and a marble loaf. Apparently, I was very hungry that day! The sandwich was simple, yet hearty, and the bread was delicious. The spanikopita was very flavorful and could easily be split between two people. And the marble loaf was tasty, with just the right amount of sweetness (For the record, I did not eat that loaf in one day – it lasted four days!).
At Fritz, I learned that many cafés and bakeries in Munich require a small deposit for take-out cups. This is a city effort to reduce waste and become more sustainable. Other places add an up-charge for to-go coffee orders, rather than charge a deposit. Since I was unsure how the reusable cup system worked or if I would be returning to Fritz, I decided to skip purchasing a coffee here.
If you do need a caffeine boost, Kaffeerösterei in the Viktualienmarkt is a great place to go! Check out my post about the Viktualienmarkt, where I devoted a whole section to this excellent café.
Cost: $15.66
Viktualienmarkt Sababa
Today, I once again found myself wandering through the Viktualienmarkt – a daily occurrence, as it quickly became one of my favorite places in Munich. It was there that I spotted a sign that caught my attention: “King of Falafel and Shawarma.” The sign was for Sababa, an eatery offering authentic Middle Eastern fare in the heart of Munich. I absolutely love falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and vine leaves, so I was thrilled to discover this gem.
Sababa is a small restaurant located on the eastern edge of the Viktualienmarkt. It features a few tables for those who prefer to dine in, but takeaway is also available as an option. Stepping into Sababa took me back to the streets of Cairo, where I had eaten some amazing falafel from a fantastic street-side stall. Everything about Sababa – the fresh food, enticing aromas, and friendly staff – was a wonderful trip down memory lane.
As I hadn’t eaten lunch that day and was starving, I chose the plate that offered a variety of items – hummus, Greek salad, falafel, tabouleh, vine leaves, beans, and a few other options. The meal also came with a side of pita. Wow! This meal was exceptional, bursting with flavor and incredibly filling. Highlights were the falafel, hummus, and vine leaves. The only downside of takeaway is that all the components get a bit mixed in the container, and the hummus spills over and soaks the falafel. Regardless, it was still a great, satisfying meal that was worth every penny.
This restaurant has shawarmas and several other great options under 10€.
Cost: € 15.50 – Sababa is a cash-only establishment.
Pizzeria Monaco
For my Saturday evening meal, I ventured away from the Viktualienmarkt and headed down a street near my hotel that was lined with eateries. Here, I discovered Pizzeria Monaco, a rustic Italian restaurant offering traditional fare, including pizza, pasta, risotto, and more. The eatery, a short walk south of Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt, offers patrons seating in its cozy interior or on outdoor tables, which are perfect for people-watching. I arrived around 5:30 PM, and the restaurant was quite crowded; definitely a place to be on the weekend.
On the day of my visit, Pizzeria Monaco had a special menu featuring dishes that highlighted Germany’s famous white asparagus, which was in season. Since I love risotto, I opted for the garlic and white asparagus risotto topped with fresh parmesan. My meal was absolutely delicious – creamy and flavorful – and the portion was generous (I couldn’t finish it!). All components were well prepared, and the garlic flavoring was strong but not overpowering. It was the perfect, comforting dish for a cold, dreary afternoon. Between my wonderful dinner and the tasty-looking pizza at the table next to mine, I could see why Pizzeria Monaco is a popular choice in Munich.
For travelers on the go, Pizzeria Monaco offers a cash-only, take-out menu.
My meal was pricier, as it was a special of the day, but Pizzeria Monaco has numerous affordable menu options under € 20.
Cost: $30.77
Ratskeller
This was a dinner that I had been eagerly waiting for, as it was not only the tour group’s “Welcome to Munich” event but also hosted in the famous Ratskeller. I had heard great things about this restaurant’s food and decor, so I was looking forward to the experience. Located in the heart of Munich, the Ratskeller’s interior is designed in a neo-Gothic style featuring vaulted ceilings and beautiful murals. This restaurant can seat over 1,000 patrons in 15 different rooms, each decorated in a different theme.
The group was treated to a traditional, three-course meal consisting of a potato soup, roast pork and bratwurst accompanied by a side of potato salad, and apple strudel with vanilla sauce. Since I’m a pescatarian, I was offered a special meal, which turned out to be the “gardener’s fried vegetables”. We also had the option of a drink, and this evening I opted for an elderflower-flavored lemonade that was both delicious and refreshing.
As I mentioned, I had high expectations for this meal, given the Ratskeller’s reputation, but my experience can best be described as a rollercoaster ride. The highlights of the meal were the potato soup, flavorful and creamy without being heavy, and the apple strudel, filled with flaky layers and tender apples. The entree left me scratching my head – a bowl of fried veggies and a sauce that had a bit of a kick to it. This dish felt more like a side than a main, and the batter had a less-than-appealing taste. My tourmates mainly had positive comments about their entrees, which they described as hearty, rich, and delicious.
Would I recommend the Ratskeller? Although my meal was not perfect, I would still recommend this restaurant, as it offers guests a unique and enjoyable dining experience. The Ratskeller has a vast menu and a considerable number of pescatarian and vegetarian options. If given the opportunity, I would return to this restaurant to try one of its many fish dishes and order another helping of the potato soup.
Cost: Included in the tour
Niu Asian Café
A short walk from Marienplatz, travelers will find a café where they can literally taste the rainbow. The Niu Asian Café is a fascinating eatery that offers coffee drinks decorated with rainbows and glitter, as well as delicious desserts. A tourmate had discovered this gem of a café earlier in the day, and her pictures captivated my attention. As it was close to a church I was visiting, I decided to stop by for a caffeine boost.
The Niu Asian Café boasts a spacious, vibrantly colored interior and ample outdoor seating. Patrons place their orders at the counter, and then the staff delivers them to the table. While the menu offers a variety of regular coffee drinks, I couldn’t resist trying a rainbow mocha with glitter. I also treated myself to a slice of mango cheesecake. The coffee was beautiful, but I would have preferred a stronger chocolate flavor. As for the cake slice, it was heavenly! I love mango-flavored desserts, and this slice had the perfect balance of flavor and sweetness, complemented by a delectable crust.
This café offers a unique and colorful experience, but some menu options can be pricey. So if you are looking for a caffeine boost without breaking the bank, I highly recommend Kaffeerösterei in the Viktualienmarkt. As I shared earlier, I visited that coffee stall a few times, and the coffee drinks are very reasonably priced.
Cost: $18.43
Rischart Café am Marienplatz
When traveling, I am always on the lookout for affordable meals, and one can never go wrong with a delicious, hearty sandwich. While walking around Marienplatz, the Rischart Café caught my attention, as it had a sizable display case showcasing giant sandwiches alongside fresh bread, salads, pastries, and numerous other food options.
The Rischart Café had one vegetarian sandwich on the menu – the Balance Sandwich, served on sesame bread and filled with sliced eggs, sliced cucumber, carrot strips, lettuce, and coleslaw. It also included a creamy spread. The Balance Sandwich was love at first bite! The bread was fresh and crisp, and the filling was flavorful and substantial. I actually wound up buying this sandwich two additional times, as not only was it affordable, it was the perfect meal to eat on the go while sightseeing.
Rischart is a chain of cafés and shops across Munich, with a few locations also offering sit-down service. My go-to location was the Rischart situated in the Marienplatz. Here, the first floor offered a takeaway service, while the second floor provided sit-down service with a view of the plaza. All three visits were for takeaway, and despite the long line, service was efficient, and I never had to wait more than a few minutes. You can’t beat that trifecta – delicious food, affordable price, and great service!
Cost: $6.27
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