Where to Eat in Munich: Restaurants, Beer Halls and Typical Bavarian Food

Munich is paradise for Bavarian cuisine — generous portions, exceptional beer, and beer halls with centuries of history. But the city goes far beyond tradition: there are great international food options, gourmet markets, university neighbourhoods with affordable street food, and modern restaurants. We lived here and tested a lot, so we're sharing what's truly worth it.

Typical Bavarian dishes you must try

• Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle is the most iconic dish in Bavaria. The skin is crispy and the meat inside is tender and juicy. Served with sauerkraut and Knödel (potato dumplings). If you only eat one thing in Munich, make it this.
• Weißwurst: White sausage made from veal and bacon, seasoned with parsley and lemon zest. By tradition, it is served before noon with sweet mustard (Süßer Senf) and a pretzel. Yes, there is a right time to eat it — a tradition the Bavarians take seriously.
• Brezen (Pretzel): Munich's soft, salty pretzel is different from what you know. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a dark, glossy crust — perfect alongside a beer or on its own.
• Obatzda: Creamy camembert cheese spread seasoned with butter, onion, paprika and beer. Served as a starter with bread or pretzel. Very popular at beer gardens.
• Knödel: Boiled potato or bread dumplings, served alongside meats. A central element of Bavarian cuisine — every grandmother has her secret recipe.
• Kaiserschmarrn: A classic dessert — thick shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and served with plum jam or berries. Simple and delicious.

Must-visit beer halls and beer gardens

• Hofbräuhaus München — The most famous beer hall in the world, founded in 1589. Huge, loud, and always packed with tourists, but it's an experience well worth having. The food is good, portions are generous, and the beer served in 1-litre mugs (Maß) is excellent. Located in the centre, just a short walk from Marienplatz.
• Augustiner-Keller — For those who want to escape the tourist trail and eat where locals actually go. The beer garden sits under centuries-old chestnut trees and serves Augustiner beer, considered by many locals to be the best in Munich. A more relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
• Chinese Tower Beer Garden (Englischer Garten) — One of the largest open-air beer gardens in the city, inside the Englischer Garten. Perfect for lunch or dinner after a walk through the park. Always busy on sunny days.
• Schneider Bräuhaus — Home of Schneider Weisse wheat beer, a classic Bavarian style. Great for trying a quality Weizenbier paired with a proper Schweinshaxe.
• Wirtshaus in der Au — Considered by many to serve the best Knödel in Munich. An authentic and cosy Bavarian restaurant, very popular with locals. Located in the Au neighbourhood, a bit outside the tourist centre — but worth the trip.

Practical tips for eating in Munich

• Brotzeit at beer gardens: It is a tradition — and completely accepted — to bring your own food (a snack, cheese, cold cuts) to beer gardens, as long as you buy drinks there. A cheap way to enjoy the atmosphere.
• Beer sizes: In Munich, beer is served in 0.5L or 1-litre glasses (Maß). A Maß costs between €10–13 at traditional beer halls.
• Tipping: Tipping is very common. The standard is to round up the bill or leave around 10%. You usually tell the server the total you want to pay — it can be by card or cash.
• Reservations: Germans are very organised, so when they want to go somewhere, they book in advance. If you don't do the same, you may end up without a table — especially at popular spots.