Food in Munich: My 7 Best Munich Restaurants for Traditional German Food (2025)

For me, both as a traveler and as a backpacker, food has always been a huge part of my trips. I honestly think that trying the local food, no matter where in the world, gives me a much deeper connection to the culture and the people compared to just sticking with international restaurants.

That’s exactly how I feel even when I’m in Munich and I say this as a German! Where I grew up, the food is completely different from what people eat in Bavaria. So even when I come to Munich as a tourist, eating at traditional Bavarian restaurants and beer gardens is always high on my list.

Over the years, I’ve been to Munich quite a few times, and I always try to eat out as much as possible, pretty much exclusively at German or Bavarian spots because I just love that kind of food so much as well as the atmosphere.

Since I know many of you also want to try authentic Bavarian food while you’re here, I figured it’s time to put together a guide on the best food in Munich Germany and my personal favorite restaurants I’ve eaten at.

Food in Munich – My Experience

As I already hinted at in the intro, I absolutely love German food. Growing up in Germany, I honestly didn’t appreciate it the way I should have, but now that I’ve been living abroad for a few years, I’ll take every single chance I can get to sit down with a proper German meal.

Whenever I’m in Munich, it’s basically foodie heaven for me. I’ve been to so many beer gardens, beer halls, and traditional Bavarian restaurants here, and it feels like they’re all amazing. That was actually the tricky part for me, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a handful of places to recommend because Munich really knows how to do food right.

Just a quick note in case you’re planning to travel around Germany: you’ll find German restaurants everywhere, and there are some fantastic ones in cities like Berlin, Cologne and Hamburg too. But when it comes to traditional Bavarian classics, Munich is unbeatable, so if you’re going to indulge anywhere, this is the place to go all in.

And one more disclaimer before we dive in: I’m not a local. These are simply places I’ve personally been to and loved. Some of them are well-known and yes, definitely touristy, but honestly, I don’t really get the hate for touristy places. If the food is good, the beer is flowing, and the atmosphere is fun, then who cares? That said, I’ve also included a few more local spots that friends recommended to me, just to balance things out.

My Top 7 Best Restaurant in Munich

1. Augustiner Klosterwirt // Best German Food in Munich

Opening Hours: 9:30am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

This list isn’t in any particular order, but if it were, Augustiner Klosterwirt would probably take the crown as my favorite restaurant in Munich for traditional German food.

I first came here during my recent Christmas trip, and right away I loved the vibe. Unlike many traditional beer halls that go heavy on the dark wood and rustic charm, this place feels a little more modern and upscale. It’s still cozy, but with a fresher twist and honestly, the kind of spot that works just as well for a date night as it does for a hearty Bavarian dinner.

Food-wise, it’s classic Bavarian fare but with that slightly elevated touch. I went all in with the pork knuckle, German dumplings, and rich brown sauce, and it was absolutely fantastic. 

For dessert, I tried their Apfelstrudel, which was warm, sweet, and the perfect finish. If you’re looking for a place that balances traditional flavors with a bit of sophistication, this is the one.

2. China Tower Beer Garden // Best Beer Garden in Munich

Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s still one of the best beer gardens in Munich. Honestly, I never really understand the hate for touristy places, sometimes they’re busy for a reason, and the China Tower Beer Garden is exactly that.

It’s set right in the middle of the English Garden, Munich’s massive city park, which already makes it special. My usual routine is wandering through the park, stopping by the Eisbachwelle to watch the surfers, and then making my way here for a proper beer-and-food break.

I usually keep it classic: a Maß (that’s a liter of beer, often confused with a “stein”) paired with something hearty and unfussy like schnitzel with fries or a currywurst. Simple, filling, and best enjoyed while sitting under the chestnut trees surrounded by greenery, it’s kind of my ultimate Munich afternoon.

3. Wirtshaus Augustiner Kurgarten // Top Local Restaurant Munich

Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I promised I’d throw in some more local spots, and one of my favorites has to be Wirtshaus Augustiner Kurgarten. I came here after visiting Nymphenburg Palace since it’s actually not too far away, so I’d definitely recommend combining the two, it makes for a pretty perfect afternoon.

The place itself is really charming. We sat inside, which has that classic Bavarian beer hall vibe (lots of dark wood). They also have a beer garden, but sadly it wasn’t open when I visited, though I can totally imagine how nice it would be on a summer evening.

As for the food: cold Augustiner beer (of course), perfectly crispy fried potatoes, and honestly some of the best Käsespätzle I’ve ever had. In case you don’t know, Käsespätzle are basically Bavarian mac and cheese but on another level, they’re gooey, rich, and exactly the kind of comfort food you need after a day of sightseeing. Absolutely worth trying.

4. Görreshof Wirtshaus // My Favorite Traditional Food in Munich

Opening Hours: 11am-12am
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Honestly, just thinking about Görreshof Wirtshaus makes me question if it might actually be my favorite spot in Munich. I’ve been here a couple of times, usually in the summer, because I absolutely love their little beer garden.

It’s located in Maxvorstadt, a bit outside the city center, which keeps it super local with barely any tourists around. The inside is cozy and charming, with traditional decor and lots of cute little knick-knacks everywhere. 

Outside, the small beer garden is perfect for a sunny day. Sometimes I actually prefer it over the bigger, more popular beer gardens, which can get really loud. This one is just calm, relaxed, and feels like a true local spot which is perfect for a quiet nice family lunch.

The food here is great too, and I honestly found it more affordable than many of the other places on my list. It’s the kind of spot where you can really enjoy a full Bavarian meal without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.

5. Hofbräuhaus Munich

Opening Hours: 10am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Location

Alright, next up is the Hofbräuhaus Munich. Yes, I know, it’s probably the most touristy spot in all of Munich. But honestly, who cares? One of my biggest pet peeves is tourists complaining about a place not being “authentic enough” while simultaneously complaining about other tourists being there. Some places are tourist spots for a reason, they’re amazing, and Hofbräuhaus is one of them.

The Hofbräuhaus itself is stunning, with a charming little beer garden tucked into the courtyard. The atmosphere is always buzzing when I’m there, with live music and a lively crowd, it really feels like the heart of Bavarian beer culture.

Sure, it’s not necessarily where locals would grab a beer after work. But if you’re visiting Munich on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, maybe coming from overseas (USA, Australia, wherever), this is exactly the iconic beer hall experience you’re looking for. That’s why I think Hofbräuhaus absolutely deserves a spot on this list, it’s a must-visit, in my opinion.

6. Ayinger in der Au

Opening Hours: 10:30am-12am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Ayinger in der Au is a charming little German restaurant I discovered on my most recent trip to Munich. It’s not exactly in the city center, which automatically makes it a bit less touristy and gives it a more local, relaxed vibe. 

The interior is modern and chic, and they even have a cute outdoor terrace with fairy lights, perfect for a cozy evening.

The food here is classic Bavarian, done really well, and it feels a touch more upscale than your typical beer garden or beer hall. I’d come here for a nicer family dinner or a casual date night without it feeling too fancy.

One dish I absolutely have to recommend is their Kaiserschmarrn. We shared it for dessert and it was ridiculously good and not to be missed.

7. Tattenbach Wirtshaus & Stüberl

Opening Hours: 5pm-1am
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Last on this list, but definitely not least, is Tattenbach Wirtshaus, which I had to include because they serve some of the best schnitzel in Munich. 

Whenever I come here, I stick to their classic Wiener Schnitzel, Viennese-style schnitzel with fried potatoes and a squeeze of lemon. It’s perfectly airy, the batter is light and fluffy, just how schnitzel should be.

The restaurant itself has a great vibe, traditional, cozy, and just a little outside the old town. It’s technically within walking distance, but being off the main tourist streets makes it feel more local and relaxed. 

My rule of thumb: the further from the old town, the more local and less crowded it gets. That said, being touristy doesn’t always mean bad food; many of the old town spots are excellent too.

FAQs About Where to Eat in Munich Germany

What food in Munich should I try?

There are so many dishes worth trying, but two of my personal favorites are Käsespätzle (basically the German version of mac and cheese, but way better) and Kaiserschmarrn, which is a shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and usually served with berries or apple compote.

What is the best restaurant in Munich for German food?

There are plenty of contenders, but my personal favorite is Augustiner Klosterwirt. I’ve been a few times, and it never disappoints. Yes, it’s popular, but the food is consistently excellent and the atmosphere makes it worth it.

What are non-touristy restaurants in Munich?

If you want to go more local, I really like Görreshof Wirtshaus. It’s a smaller German restaurant with a cozy beer garden that feels very neighborhood-y. Perfect for a casual lunch outside in summer with a cold beer in hand.

What should I eat in Munich?

Definitely try Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Käsespätzle, a classic Bavarian pretzel (Brezn), Kaiserschmarrn, and Obatzda, the cheesy spread you’ll find at all beer gardens. And of course, drink as much beer as you can manage. It’s Munich, after all.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Munich

This article kind of turned into a love letter to German food or more specifically, Bavarian food. I’ve eaten in plenty of traditional German restaurants and beer gardens all over the country, from Cologne to Hamburg to Berlin, and while there are great spots everywhere, Munich just does it best.

It’s not only about the food (though dumplings in brown gravy or a perfectly crisp pork knuckle will win me over any day), but also the atmosphere. From the long wooden tables in beer halls to the leafy shade of Munich’s beer gardens, there’s just something about eating here that feels so good to me.

If I had to pick, my go-to restaurant in Munich is Augustiner Klosterwirt, especially on a cold day when I want hearty comfort food. But if it’s sunny and I feel like spending the afternoon outside, you’ll find me at the Chinesischer Turm Beer Garden in the English Garden, which is as relaxed and fun as it gets.

I hope this guide on Food in Munich gives you a good starting point for exploring Munich’s food scene or at least helps you avoid a few disappointing meals. Because honestly, eating in Munich is half the fun of visiting the city.

Check Out My Other Munich Travel Guides

Is Munich Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Munich: My Munich Season Guide

Things to Do in Munich: My Favorite Activities