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The Lenbachhaus with the ELLA restaurant

Restaurant ELLA at the Lenbachhaus on Königsplatz | High-quality Italian cuisine with a modern twist, reinterpreted – Anyone with even a passing familiarity with "special" Italian cuisine, art, and joie de vivre is likely to know ELLA. ELLA is the restaurant located directly on Königsplatz in the Lenbachhaus – also known as Munich's "golden house." The Lenbachhaus stands for art and culture, but thanks to the ELLA restaurant, it's equally synonymous with culinary delights and enjoyment. During a past event (Read more hereI recently visited ELLA again for food and drink, enjoyed an excellent meal, and soaked up the unique charm that ELLA exudes. I've now experienced the concept, the special features, and of course, the taste of this Maxvorstadt restaurant so often that I wanted to share it with you.

The terrace of ELLA

ELLA at the Lenbachhaus – cuisine, concept, history and origin

Nearly five years ago, the Lenbachhaus, a perennial star among Munich's museums, was redesigned by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster and expanded to include the ELLA restaurant. Since its opening, it has delighted not only museum visitors but also served as a hotspot for formal dinners, à la carte evenings, a meeting place for after-work drinks, or simply enjoying sunny hours on the terrace with friends and family. As an all-rounder (offering breakfast, coffee and homemade cakes, business lunches, and dinners), it caters to Munich residents, museum visitors, and anyone who wants to experience Munich's vibrant city life with a touch of "la dolce vita." What makes ELLA at the Lenbachhaus so special? It skillfully combines the longing for Italy so familiar to Bavarians, with artistic tradition and Munich's cosmopolitan flair, all in one place, divided between the restaurant, lounge area, and terrace. Even from the outside, both the Lenbachhaus and the integrated ELLA exude style and charm through their glazed facades. The interior features exclusively designer furniture (Zeitraum GmbH/Wolfratshausen), and wherever you look, every detail is meticulously designed.

Fresh and special cuisine at ELLA

Clearly, a good feeling during your visit to a restaurant is important, but even more important, or at least just as crucial, is what's on the menu, what ends up in the pots and pans, and ultimately on your plate. ELLA at Lenbachplatz, under the management of owner Florian August, has come up with some clever ideas in this regard. The restaurant offers a culinary experience encompassing all of Italy, with innovative and authentic cuisine from 20 different regions. Italy's culinary landscape is as diverse and varied as the country and its people. At ELLA, this is reflected in meticulously crafted dishes – all made with high-quality, first-class ingredients, including some sourced from the Bavarian countryside. ELLA's cuisine is thus characterized by Italian flair, Bavarian quality, and a combination of refinement and variety on the menu.

Naturally, this is accompanied by the "Italian way of life" that Munich residents often seek when they encounter a restaurant with a "Bella Italia" theme. At ELLA, at least for me, you walk in, hear the clatter of dishes, waiters taking orders, see guests dining, and catch a few rays of sunshine on the terrace – a feeling you want to hold onto and experience. The focus isn't "just" on the food, nor is the guest treated as one would wish. On the contrary: warm and efficient service, always eager to fulfill our wishes as guests.

An inviting atmosphere awaits you as a guest

Food offer and selection

If you, like me, enjoy starting your day with breakfast, then ELLA is the perfect place to begin. ELLA is a great spot for a varied breakfast, from authentic Italian frittata to homemade granola. They offer a signature breakfast for every taste, and you can also choose from a variety of extras – take a look here. a look at the extensive map. What would you order? I'd have the "Strammer Massimo" (a variation of the "Strammer Max") with fried eggs, focaccia, rosemary ham, and arugula (for €7.50), and a little San Daniele ham with cantaloupe melon, balsamic glaze, and Greek bread (for €10.50). Also delicious: pancakes with cinnamon sugar, croissants, chia seed pudding, or Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and honey. Yummy!

When lunchtime arrives, and hungry professionals, tourists, or simply sun-seeking Munich residents are looking for a delicious midday meal, ELLA tempts them with a daily changing business lunch menu. This also includes a different pasta or salad of the day. In the afternoon, of course, a variety of homemade cakes appear on the counter, and those with a sweet tooth can choose the slice that calls to them most. As the sun slowly sets over Königsplatz and the usually busy terrace fills with guests eagerly anticipating dinner, ELLA reveals another culinary side: sophisticated set menus, unusual à la carte dishes, accompanied by a glass or two of good Italian (or German, French, or Austrian) wine, and you've arrived in "Bavarian Italy.".

An unobstructed view of the adjacent Königsplatz is included.

A glance at the daily menu reveals a division into "Antipasti" (from €6.90), "Primi (homemade pasta)" (from €13.90), "Secondi" (from €17.90), and "Dolci" (from €4.50). A nice touch: next to each dish is the region of Italy from which it originates. These include Puglia, Marche, Sardegna, Veneto, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Sicily, and Calabria. Besides "Baby Burrata with organic tomato cocktail, nasturtium pesto, ciabatta, and volcanic salt" (€12.90), starters also include "Scallops with prawn, octopus, tuna, and calamari" (€16.90) or "House-smoked beef carpaccio with sour cherries, arugula, saffron olive oil, and Parmesan breadsticks" (€12.90). Homemade pasta dishes include four different varieties (Campanelle, Linguine Vongole, Gnocchi Norma, or Chanterelle Risotto) and six different main courses (Pomeranian beef fillet, suckling pig porchetta, pigeon breast, sea bream fillet, Canadian lobster, or focaccia with ricotta). In addition, there are daily specials, which the friendly waiters will be happy to explain at your table.

For me, the highlight and crown jewel of ELLA has always been the spacious sun terrace, with its black and red chairs, tables spaced far enough apart and some shaded by umbrellas, and the unobstructed view of Königsplatz – simply wonderful. Whether bundled up in a winter coat, enjoying a Hugo, flip-flops, and a slice of cake in the summer, or savoring the beautiful autumn days when the trees turn from green to red with a delicious à la carte meal – it's always fantastic here. No wonder, then, that ELLA at the Lenbachhaus, with its panoramic view of the Propylaea and Königsplatz, is also proving to be the perfect event and celebration location. So, if you're still looking for the right venue, feel free to contact the ELLA team (in person or via the contact information below).

One of Munich's most beautiful terraces – even in winter.

The cultural and culinary „UNTITLED DINNER“ at ELLA

ELLA regularly rolls up its sleeves when it comes to events – for example, with its "UNTITLED DINNER" on the first and third Tuesday of every month. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know ELLA in a relaxed atmosphere. So, what's it all about? As part of the UNTITLED DINNER, ELLA offers concise, informative tours of the impressive Lenbachhaus, followed by seasonal menus that showcase ELLA's delicious cuisine. The tour takes you past a variety of world-class artworks, and even if your passion for food is stronger than your passion for art, the Lenbachhaus is something you simply must experience at least once a year. Your cultural interest is then rewarded with a fantastic three-course dinner. Those already familiar with the paintings of Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky, August Macke, Alexej Jawlensky, and Gabriele Münter (nicknamed "Ella" and namesake of the restaurant) can enjoy the UNTITLED DINNER menu even without a prior art tour (reservations are required in both cases). Participation in the UNTITLED DINNER costs €49 per person, including admission and a guided tour, or €35 if you only wish to enjoy the menu. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the lounge area – impossible to miss – of ELLA. The fascinating tour takes place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the dinner begins at 8:00 p.m. To give you a good idea, here is a past UNTITLED DINNER menu: 1.) Citrus coscous / BBQ octopus / wild herbs, 2.) Corn-fed chicken breast / rosemary potatoes / mixed vegetables / gremolata (veggie alternative: stuffed eggplant / raisins / pomegranate / mint yogurt), 3.) Ricotta tart / clementines / nougat ice cream.

Also ideal for celebrations, events and functions.

Free kids' menu on Saturday evenings

Yes, you read that right. On Saturday evenings, children up to 12 years old eat dinner for free at ELLA. This initiative was also launched by owner Florian August, who wants to make it easier for families with children to afford to go out. Eating out is expensive, and of course, you want to bring your kids along – which adds to the cost. To ensure that families can enjoy a high-quality, healthy meal together, ELLA at the Lenbachhaus offers this promotion. In addition, ELLA also has a separate children's menu, which includes main courses, desserts, and breakfast options. The "Bambino Menu ELLA" for €9.90 consists of a children's main course, dessert, and a small lemonade. When adults dine at ELLA on Saturdays, children up to 12 years old receive a free meal from the children's menu – very fair indeed. There are also many other affordable offers, created in cooperation with the Lenbachhaus.

+++ This article was created in cooperation with ELLA. Thank you! +++

Contact for inquiries

ELLA at the Lenbachhaus | Luisenstraße 33, 80333 Munich

Website

Opening hours: Restaurant: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; Monday closed
Exclusive events are possible from 6:00 PM and all day Monday.

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Reservations can be made at: 089 700 88 177

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