Ciao Ragazzi
A cute little Italian place in the heart of Maxvorstadt, I’d walked past several times before trying it out for a lunch date, and the pizzas lived up to my (high) expectations. It does depend what kind of pizza you liked but these were puffy and doughy, not too cheesy and with some interesting toppings. With a daily pizza or pasta for €6,50, I don’t think you can do better for an Italian lunch.
Café Marais
On the west side of town, I’m not sure this place is worth the journey every time, but if I lived nearer it would be a regular. A French themed cafe and trinket shop, the vibes are very aesthetic and the menu had a good selection of tasty treats, although potentially a little more style over substance when it came to service and value for money.
Bean Batter
Also in Westend, this adorable cafe had just brilliant vibes, and it really is a shame it’s not closer. Serving mainly their homemade waffles (savoury and sweet) with a variety of classic and more inventive toppings, service was friendly and the space, both indoor and out, was pretty and comfortable.
Beim Hauser
Along Schellingstrasse in the heart of Maxvorstadt, this unassuming bakery is easy to miss, unless you glance in at the window on your way past and spot all the yummy things on offer. From breakfasts, to avocado and hummus breads, to buns and pastries, with a little outdoor terrace and a spacious interior, it’s a good place to spend the day.
Frisch Futter
I have been eating a lot of salad and energy bowls since I got here and I have to say that Frisch Futter is in the running for the number one spot. Entirely vegan and veggie, they have two convenient locations in the centre of town, the staff were very friendly and the food spoke for itself. Just enough choice to offer variety but not to overwhelm, and most of the usual things you would expect for this type of place (although not at the price premium they usually come with), plus a few special little extras and twists, it’s definitely one to return to.
Bowls and Blenders
If I hadn’t been to Frisch Futter first, Bowls and Blenders would hands-down win the title of best bowls in Munich. Covering breakfast all the way to dinner, with smoothie and hot bowls, they have tasty creations with homemade daals and curries, and some really interesting ingredients. They also get top marks for the names of their bowls, and the place itself is really cute. Friendly staff give you the feel that it’s a well-loved business and it really has everything it needs to keep customers happy.
Nostimo
A charming Greek deli on Theresienstrasse, this place isn’t big but it’s popular. I didn’t try their savoury offerings, but grilled veg pittas and feta salads sounded and smelt divine as it started to fill up for lunch not too long after I’d finished my scrummy breakfast of dollops of natural yogurt smothered with honey and walnuts.
Echt jetzt
A bakery with an unusual concept: everything is gluten free, made following a special recipe also without yeast, and none the worse for it. The only downside was that they don’t have anywhere to sit in, otherwise it’s a handy little place in Maxvorstadt to stop for both sweet and savoury goodies.
Emmi’s kitchen
This was an unexpected find in the centre of town. Serving salad bowls and burgers, we didn’t realise when we first looked at the menu that everything on it was vegan, with creative pairings and hearty portions which left even the meat eaters among us satisfied. Service was exceptionally friendly and the location in a quaint courtyard just off the main street made it a generally delightful experience.
Hope Fresh
A juice and salad bar in up-market Schwabing, this isn’t an especially cheap location, but it does feel like you’re paying for quality, with mostly vegan options, lots of gluten free and sugar-free cakes (which still tasted amazing), fresh juices, lunch bowls and energy balls, the decor was also quite trendy and the staff really made you feel at home. The location is also very convenient from where I live and I can see this one becoming a regular.
