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This is what „Ciao Francesco“ looks like.

Ciao Francesco at Bamberger Haus | Italian cuisine – A while ago I told you about the restaurant „To Ferdinand“"with a focus on Austrian cuisine. One floor below, also located in the Bamberger Haus, is the family-run Italian restaurant "Ciao Francecso," which focuses on Italian cuisine. I had, of course, already discovered it during my previous visit to "Zum Ferdinand" (...incidentally, my Favorite for Wiener Schnitzel…), but I only just got around to trying the Italian restaurant. After a pizza, pasta, and lasagna, I naturally don't want to miss the chance to tell you about it.

„Ciao Francesco“ in the Bamberg House

What already impressed me during my visit to "Zum Ferdinand," when I had the opportunity to take a quick peek into "Ciao Francesco," was the initial impression and the feeling of having landed in two different worlds. This was the first thing I noticed again when I tested "Ciao Francesco," which opened in May 2015. While "Zum Ferdinand" is rather chic and upscale, with set tables, silverware, and chandeliers, "Ciao Francesco" is a completely different world. It's typically Italian, with a relaxed atmosphere, Italians preparing pasta and pizza behind the partially open kitchen, and a laid-back vibe. Red and white checkered tablecloths, mint-green paneled walls, dark wood furniture under soaring dormer windows, and the immediate feeling of having somehow landed right in the heart of Italy complete the authentic Italian flair. Although only a staircase separates you from the "Austrian part" with its schnitzel and other dishes, "Ciao Francesco" offers a completely different world.

Two types of bread from the menu

Details about ingredients, menu, etc.

The focus, as mentioned, is on Italian cuisine. Beautifully classic and perfect for anyone who enjoys dining in a relaxed atmosphere with the Italian ambiance described above. At "Ciao Francesco," you'll find a variety of appetizers and salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, as well as desserts and a children's menu. Appetizers range in price from €6.50 (for example, bruschetta with garlic, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil) to €12.90 (for antipasto misto with bruschetta, grilled vegetables, Parma ham, and olives). The pizza selection is quite classic and offers a good variety. From Pizza Pane (simple pizza bread for €5.90), Margherita, Funghi, Salame, Prosciutto, to Regina, Tonno e Cipolla (with tuna), to Diavola (nice and spicy), Verdure Grigliate (with grilled vegetables and rocket) or the house creation „Pizza Francesco“ with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, spicy salami, artichokes, rocket and Parmesan (for €12.50) there should be something for everyone.

A popular classic: Pasta with scampi

Pasta dishes start at €7.90 and go up to a maximum of €11.90 for "Tagliatelle al Salmone" with smoked salmon and cream sauce. With eight different pasta options on the standard menu, there should be something for everyone, complete with a variety of sauces. While unusual creations aren't offered, they're not really necessary. Since "Ciao Francesco" is also a family-friendly Italian restaurant, there are plenty of options for children as well. Three different spaghetti variations (from €3.90) and three pizzas (from €4.90) are available. For a sweet finish, you can choose between Italian classics like panna cotta, crème caramel (both €4.90), or tiramisu (€5.40).

In addition to the standard menu, "Ciao Francesco" also offers a regularly changing weekly menu with various specials. During my visit, for example, there was a Pizza Parmigiana with tomato, mozzarella, eggplant, ham, egg, and Parmesan (for €11), a Pizza Napoli with capers, anchovies, olives, and garlic (for €9.50), and a Pizza Perugina with bresaola, mascarpone, arugula, and cherry tomatoes (for €12). This smaller menu also includes pasta dishes such as lasagna, orecchiette with eggplant, and gnocchi starting at €10.50. So there's plenty of variety. Good food also calls for something to drink, and the drinks menu is divided into non-alcoholic beverages, juices, hot drinks, beers (Augustiner Bräu), vermouth and bitters, liqueurs, vodka and gin, and rum. They also offer a selection of mid-range Italian red and white wines.

The in-house creation „Pizza Francesco“

Selection and evaluation of food/drinks

My two companions and I opted for a mixed menu, essentially a "everything in the middle of the table" approach. "Ciao Francesco" is generally up for anything, and upon request, they happily accommodate larger groups. As part of their "La Famiglia" program, they serve pizza and pasta to larger families at a large table. The three of us sat at a cozy table for four, perusing the menus and choosing together. Ultimately, to be able to sample a variety of dishes, we chose the classic "Insalata Caprese" (tomato and mozzarella for €8.50) as a starter and selected three different options for our main course: Pizza Francesco (see above), pasta with scampi, and the lasagna served in a casserole dish.

First and foremost, we were served two kinds of bread – panini with garlic and oregano, and ciabatta. A successful, if somewhat "dangerous," start, as the bread tasted so good I couldn't stop eating it. However, I needed plenty of room in my stomach when the appetizer, pizza, pasta, and lasagna were served. The pizza was my absolute favorite. A beautifully thin base, crispy but not too crumbly dough, generous toppings, and delicious right to the edges – exactly how I like a pizza. However, the pizza has to share the top spot in terms of taste with the lasagna. A pasta dish that I somehow eat far too rarely, or rather, don't think about often enough, even though it's so good. At "Ciao Francesco," however, I seized the opportunity and wasn't disappointed. Italian ingredients, fresh meat, and a not-too-heavy layer of cheese over the pasta. The classic dishes on the menu immediately showcase the qualities of "Ciao Francesco": simple, authentic, and delicious, without any frills, and exactly as you'd expect. I also tried the pasta – incidentally, one of the most popular options at this Italian restaurant, featuring scampi – and had absolutely no complaints. A generous portion, plenty of filling, and the pasta perfectly al dente. Satisfying both Italians and Germans with a single plate of pasta isn't easy, but "Ciao Francesco" managed it quite well. Last but not least, a large salad of tomatoes and cucumbers was served on the side – a little extra vitamins is always welcome. Also wonderfully fresh, simple, and tasty. Speaking of tasty, I'm also reminded of the tiramisu served at the end with a Dinzler cappuccino, which I did have to share, but that was the only thing I could possibly criticize about it. I don't like overly creamy tiramisu variations that taste too strongly of egg, but this wasn't the case here.

Too good to share: The lasagna

Key facts and personal conclusion

I would definitely eat at "Ciao Francesco" again. Firstly, because it's cozy and a great Italian restaurant for a casual evening, and secondly, because the quality, value for money, ambiance, and service all come together perfectly. There was nothing to complain about, or rather, nothing I noticed that I would have preferred to be different. You feel well taken care of, the food is delicious, and you leave satisfied and full. At least, that's how it was for me, and I'll definitely be back the next time I have a craving for pizza or lasagna.

The restaurant "Ciao Francesco" is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. On weekends and holidays, it is open from 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM. In the summer, the restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM and offers a special lunch menu for corporate guests. Reservations can be made depending on the day of the week and any events taking place (e.g.,...). Comedy ClubParking is no problem here, as the Bamberger Haus has its own parking spaces. Inside, there's room for 120 guests, and outside for another 150. Thanks to its idyllic location right next to the park, these seats are especially popular in good weather. Ciao Francesco also offers... Deliveroo They offer the option of home delivery. Oh, and by the way, everything here is prepared according to old family recipes from Italy. Perhaps that's why "Ciao Francesco" impresses with its simplicity. Love and quality in the selection of ingredients and preparation, friendly service, and the harmonious ambiance combine to create the perfect and uncomplicated Italian experience right in the heart of Munich.

Tested: Bamberg House – Ciao Francesco
Address: Brunnerstraße 2, 80804 Munich
Website

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