Café Josefina
A convenient location just off Josephplatz, this unassuming little café is an absolute gem. Trendy interior and a modest terrace (3 or 4 tables under an awning) make a great location for a bit of people-watching, and a shady spot from which to enjoy the sun while tucking into potentially the best vegan breakfast I have ever tasted. I can’t recommend the Crumble Müsli enough, and there are lots of other sweet and savoury options for veggies, vegans, and meat eaters. Instantly a favourite spot, and if you head there on a Tuesday, you can enjoy a trip to the Josephplatz market a few steps away.
Neuschwabing
Strolling along the regal streets (especially Hohenzollenstraße) which branch off from Leopoldstraße in the once bohemian and now gentrified Schwabing neighbourhood might be a little painful for the purse strings, but is definitely worth a look. Upmarket shops and trendy cafes are housed in art-deco buildings, and whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, an interesting find, or just a spot of wistful window shopping, it’s a great area to spend a bit of time leisurely strolling through.
Café Ignaz
Tucked away on a relatively residential street in Schwabing, this veggie and vegan restaurant was the second absolute find of the week. Outdoor seating on a quiet street, spacious tables, exceptionally friendly service, huge selection of cakes, generous portions of creative healthy food, and a lunchtime offer to top it all off, this one is definitely going to become a regular.
Westend
With slightly similar vibes to Schwabing, the area just West of the Ludwigvorstadt is another little hub of cafés and eateries, with locals filling pavement tables and enjoying the weather. The Bavaria Park is a cute little place to sit and chill, and a bit further on the Westpark is another green escape from the urban vibes. The ‘Endlose Treppe’ statue is worth checking out as well if you’re in the area.
Lohner + Grobtisch
One of the many options close to the Bavaria Park, this cosy bakery-slash-cafe offers a great brunch menu, but also some simple quality lunch options. Just around the corner off the main road, the location and friendly service were the perfect accompaniment to a hummus plate with fresh bread.
Englisher Garten
Not exaclty Munich’s best kept secret, the English Gardens are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and during a day by the river I heard more than just German being spoken. A top spot to sunbathe and relax, even for a swim (although paddling is probably a more accurate description - the current of the Isar is so strong that you can only really go in one direction). Warning: the water is cold. I don’t mean ‘it’s a bit cold but you get used to it’, I mean I lasted five minutes not fully immersed. Although it works for a bit of back and forth to beat the heat. I didn’t make it as far as the Eisbachwelle this time, where you can see people surfing, but it’s on the list.
Olympiapark
You wouldn’t believe that it was as far back as 1972 that Munich hosted the Olympics based on the state of the Olympic Park. A bit of a way north and west of the city, it’s still a decent walk from Schawbing, but worth it for the panoramic views of Munich from the top of the Olympiaberg. Munich doesn’t have the most standout skyline (I think it’s prettiest when you’re walking around it), but the park, stadium, tower, and BMW building are quite impressive in themselves. For the hottest day so far, a little more shade would have been ideal, but otherwise the grassy expanses, lake, and walkways make a great spot to soak up the sun just away from the centre of town.
Tushita Teehaus
Not technically a find from this week (I’d scouted it out already when I visited the Glockenbachviertel), I roughly knew what to expect and was very much looking forward to it. Japanese vibes with a few outdoor tables and a cosy interior, this place has everything a vegan tea-lover could wish for. All their food is organic and naturally vegan, with a daily changing lunchtime option for their top-notch vegan bowls: you don’t get a choice of what goes in, just small or large, but you can guarantee it’s going to be tasty and good for you. Fantastic value for the quality of food, and a huge selection of tea-based hot and cold drinks, plus smoothies and juices, to go alongside. That’s without mentioning the breakfast dishes (which I was sadly a little late for), and the cakes (which I was in perfect time for). Creative combinations, natural ingredients and a generally calming atmosphere make this place a perfect central spot to settle for some reading, or to meet with friends.
Sankt Anna’s (Alpine Eatery)
Last but definitely not least. To start with the location: right on Gärtnerplatz, a beautiful little square just a 5 minute walk from the Viktualienmarkt, with an outdoor terrace. Next, drinks: who can resist a good aperol spritz on a summer evening? Finally, the food: where to begin? Based around ‘bala’, described as dumplings, you first choose your filling, then your side and sauce. Now dumplings don’t sound like the most elegant main option, but these were some special dumplings. Flavoured based on the different fillings (mine was beetroot and ginger), they were light and satisfying at the same time, and the selection of sides and sauces was innovative and impressive. At almost too good to be true prices, and alongside a brunch menu still to be sampled, I think Sankt Anna’s was probably by favourite find of the week.
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