Munich is one of the best cities in Germany for those who want to experience Bavarian cuisine. Here you can find everything from historic breweries with centuries of tradition to modern restaurants, food markets, and more affordable options.
Since we live in Munich, we gathered in this guide the places that are truly worth visiting, as well as the traditional dishes you should try during your trip.
What you will find in this post:
Traditional Bavarian food you must try
Before choosing a restaurant, it is worth knowing some of Munich's most traditional dishes. Bavarian cuisine is known for generous portions, meat, bread, cheese, and of course, plenty of beer.
Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)
Probably the most famous Bavarian dish. The roasted pork knuckle has an extremely crispy skin and tender meat inside. It is usually served with Knödel (potato dumplings) and sauerkraut.
Weißwurst (White Sausage)
A Munich tradition! This white sausage, which can look a little unusual at first, is usually served with sweet mustard and a fresh pretzel.
Brezen (Pretzel)
The famous German pretzel is one of Bavaria's greatest symbols. In Munich, it is usually larger, soft inside, covered with lots of coarse salt, and perfect to enjoy with a beer.
Obatzda
A creamy spread made with Camembert cheese, butter, onion, and spices. It is one of the most common appetizers in biergartens. And it is perfect with a pretzel!
Kaiserschmarrn
A traditional Austrian dessert that is very popular in Bavaria: a shredded sweet pancake served with sugar and jam. It is quite filling, so it is a great dessert to share!
Best restaurants in Munich
If you are looking for where to eat in Munich for the first time, these restaurants are great options to try traditional dishes and experience the local culture.
Traditional Bavarian restaurants
- Hofbräuhaus München: One of the most famous breweries in the world, founded in 1589. It is very touristy, but it remains a classic Munich experience, with live music, traditional dishes, and beer served in 1-liter mugs.
- Augustiner-Keller: One of the favorite breweries among locals. The biergarten with centuries-old trees creates a much more authentic and relaxed atmosphere. It also has several locations around the city.
- Löwenbräukeller: One of the most beautiful breweries in Munich, with traditional Bavarian architecture and a very special atmosphere. It is a great option to try dishes like Schweinshaxe, sausages, and Löwenbräu beer in a historic setting.
- Andy’s Krablergarten: Famous for its huge schnitzels and excellent value for money. It is the perfect choice if you want to try this classic dish in a generous portion, in a simple and traditional environment.
Best biergartens in Munich
Visiting a biergarten is one of the most traditional experiences in Munich. A biergarten is an outdoor space where people gather to drink beer, eat traditional Bavarian food, and enjoy the city's atmosphere.
They are especially popular during spring and summer, when locals and tourists fill the outdoor tables. During winter, many close or move to indoor areas, as temperatures can become very cold.
- Hirschgarten: Our favorite biergarten in Munich! Besides being one of the largest biergartens in the world, it has something special: an area with deer that makes the experience even more unique. It is mostly visited by locals, with lots of green space, a peaceful atmosphere, and great traditional food options.
- Chinese Tower Biergarten: Located inside the Englischer Garten, one of Munich's most famous parks. It is a great combination for those who want to explore the park, see the famous Chinese Tower, and finish the day with a beer and traditional Bavarian dishes.
- Löwenbräukeller Biergarten: One of the most beautiful biergartens in Munich, with an elegant atmosphere and traditional Bavarian architecture. It is a great choice for those looking for a more sophisticated experience while still enjoying Bavarian traditions, Löwenbräu beers, and classic German dishes.
- Biergarten at Englischer Garten (Seehaus): Another excellent option inside Englischer Garten. Seehaus is located next to a lake and has a very pleasant atmosphere, especially on sunny days. It is perfect for relaxing after walking through the park.
Where to eat cheap in Munich
This is a question we ask ourselves almost every day living here haha. Despite its reputation as an expensive city, Munich has great options to eat well while spending less.
While a meal at a traditional restaurant usually costs around €20 per person, it is possible to find alternatives for less than €10–15.
💡 Tip to save money at restaurants
A non-sponsored tip (TheFork, here is the invitation haha): the TheFork app has restaurants in Munich with up to 50% discount during certain time slots. You make the reservation through the app and do not pay anything extra for it.
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Döner and Kebab:
One of the easiest ways to eat cheaply in Germany. The famous Döner usually costs between €8 and €10 and is a complete and quick meal. We like Doner Deluxe, and make sure to try the pide — it looks a bit like a Turkish-style pastry!
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German bakeries (Bäckerei):
Bakeries are great for saving money: you can find sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and quick meals at much lower prices than restaurants.
Besides traditional chains like Rischart, it is worth looking for local bakeries. Our tip is Adriatik Bäckerei — try the Apfelstrudel!
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Asian food:
Munich has a large Asian community and many excellent restaurants with more affordable prices. Many dishes cost between €10 and €15.
Some places we like:
- KAIMUG: Thai restaurant with quick dishes and good prices.
- Anzi Kitchen: Asian food option with Chinese and Japanese dishes.
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Vinzenzmurr:
To try traditional Bavarian food while spending less, Vinzenzmurr is a great option. The chain offers daily menus with traditional dishes starting at around €7. See weekly menu
Tips for eating in Munich
- Make reservations: Especially on weekends and at famous breweries. Many places get crowded.
- Tipping in Germany: People usually round up the bill or leave around 5% to 10%.
- Beer in Munich: At traditional restaurants, it is common to order a Maß, the famous 1-liter beer mug.
Frequently asked questions about food in Munich
What is the traditional food from Munich?
The most famous dishes are Schweinshaxe, Weißwurst, pretzel, Obatzda, and Knödel.
Is Hofbräuhaus worth visiting?
Yes, especially if it is your first time in Munich. Although it is touristy, the experience is part of the city's culture.
How much does it cost to eat in Munich?
A traditional dish at a brewery usually costs between €15 and €25. A 500 ml beer usually costs around €5 to €7.
Where to eat near Marienplatz?
The city center has great options such as Hofbräuhaus, Viktualienmarkt, and traditional restaurants close to the historic center.
Munich is a city that combines history, tradition, and gastronomy like few others. Whether you are having a beer at a biergarten, trying a Schweinshaxe, or discovering a local restaurant, eating in Munich is part of the experience of discovering Bavaria.
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Written by
Feitos para Viajar
We're Fernanda and Vinicius, travel content creators since 2021. As software engineers living in Germany, we share real travel experiences to help you discover both iconic destinations and hidden gems.
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