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As I recently announced on my page, I was at the Kull Bar, or more accurately, the "Buffet Kull Bar," near the Isartor in Munich's city center with my companion. First, I want to say that even the best restaurants in the city can have an off day. Unfortunately, I have to admit that my companion and I definitely had one. It started with the fact that we didn't get the table we had reserved for 8:00 PM and had to wait at the bar for over 25 minutes. I had arrived at the restaurant before 8:00 PM and happened to know some people at another table, so I sat down for a quick chat. I mentioned twice that I had a reservation for two people at 8:00 PM and would be moving immediately, and therefore didn't want to order anything from the first table.
When the time finally came and my companion arrived, there was no table available for us. At precisely 8:00 PM, we were told it would only be a short wait. Unfortunately, we ended up standing at the bar waiting until just after 8:30 PM. Only after we inquired and expressed our frustration did a member of the staff (I assume the manager) offer us an aperitif. So far, so good – a nice and appropriate gesture. We were then given a table for two just as we were about to leave the restaurant. We couldn't help but notice that the couple who had previously sat at that table were simply ushered to the bar with their drinks. Clearly, something had gone wrong with the table reservation. There were also numerous other groups behind us – also waiting at the bar – who received the same explanation that a table would soon become available. I also overheard another couple (with a reservation) complaining.
Okay. We finally sat down at our table, but without the promised aperitif. Suddenly, two small plates with a "greeting from the kitchen" were placed in front of us. A nice gesture, of course, and appreciated, although I found it a bit odd that it was served "on the house," since in my experience it's always complimentary (hence the "greeting from the kitchen") and we were supposed to be getting the aperitif. The fact that both plates contained meat wasn't a problem, of course, since no one in the restaurant could possibly know that I don't eat meat. When I mentioned this, the waitress was kind enough to check with the kitchen if there was a vegetarian starter. When my plate finally arrived, I was served two small spinach gnocchi with a cherry tomato. We asked where our promised aperitif was. The waitress actually asked what we were talking about, to which we replied, somewhat surprised, that a member of the staff had promised us a Hugo and an Aperol Spritz as compensation for the long wait. When we even had to point to the gentleman who had promised us the drinks, the waitress actually said, "He doesn't work here." I know that sounds funny, and you might think there was a mistake. However, I double-checked with my friend, who was also in the restaurant, to make sure the gentleman serving us the drinks was definitely affiliated with the Kull Bar and authorized to offer them to us—he definitely was, and we both had a good laugh because we really couldn't believe it. 🙂 Long story short, after some back and forth and a real verbal sparring match, we were served the quite delicious Hugo and Aperol Spritz. I actually wanted to ask for a straw, but given the previous chaos, I decided against it. I should also mention that I would never argue with a guest about a promised drink, at least not if I offer a certain standard in my restaurant and it's one of the "better" establishments. Oh well…
As for the main courses and general fare at the bar, the selection is manageable (everything on one A4 page) and offers numerous appetizers, main courses, and a few desserts, such as Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancake). There aren't many vegetarian options, or rather, only one dish. Therefore, it was pretty clear what I would order, and I opted for the spinach gnocchi with oven-roasted tomatoes and grated Belperknolle cheese for €14.50. My companion chose the pan-fried calamari with saffron risotto and white wine foam for €19.00. Both main courses were served quickly and simultaneously. My complimentary amuse-bouche turned out to be a "small portion" of my main course. While not particularly creative, it was acceptable to me, as I had chosen to eat there myself, despite the meat-heavy menu. Both the gnocchi and the calamari tasted perfectly fine; only my companion found the calamari a bit too salty. Even if you enjoy very salty food, this was borderline "too salty." The portions were adequate and filling. Visually, the food was appetizing and attractively presented.
Those who regularly read my articles know that I don't just "tear apart" even the worst restaurant with the most terrible food, but rather state the facts as I experienced them and felt personally – both positive and negative. Therefore, I unfortunately have to tell you that, based on my experience – regarding the service – I absolutely cannot recommend a visit. We were friendly to the staff, politely asked for our reserved table even after more than 20 minutes, and even reacted calmly when the server almost knocked over my Hugo with a menu that was still on our table. Nevertheless, we were noticeably no longer receptive to jokes or further mistakes and faux pas. Although we were repeatedly asked if we wouldn't like a cappuccino, Kaiserschmarren, etc., the constant questions didn't make us feel like we were being taken seriously. On top of that, it came out by chance, or rather, it became clear, that I'm a restaurant critic and will be writing about the Kull Bar after my visit today – despite this, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
When my companion and I were about to leave and had paid (a total of €42 including tip – not including the Hugo and Aperol Spritz), our jackets had suddenly disappeared. I really don't know if it was meant as a lighthearted joke, but we were asked to describe our jackets, and the manager apparently thought it was funny to vanish and return with two brightly colored rain jackets that didn't match our description at all. Frankly, that was the last straw. We grabbed the jackets and left. As we stood in front of the restaurant – with two small tables set up in front – I remarked to my companion that the only thing that hadn't gone wrong was the ordering and serving of the main courses.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is usually quite busy. The tables are a bit close together, and as mentioned, there were always several groups of people milling around the bar who couldn't get a table. The restaurant has a room with numerous tables, decorative pictures on the walls, subdued lighting, and a pleasant ambiance. All in all, the food was okay, and on its own, I could come back if the chef were a bit more careful with the salt. As for the service—sorry Kull Bar—it was an absolute disaster. And I'm certainly no fussy prude; I'll even let a server accidentally spill a glass of wine on my trousers and still come back. But this was unacceptable. The ambiance itself is nice and also okay. If you prefer a quiet and orderly atmosphere, like at a classic Italian restaurant, then this isn't for you. However, it's recommended for a relaxed evening for meat lovers. My friend, whom I ran into at the restaurant, said that all the meat dishes their table ordered were excellent. As for the service – at least during my visit – it got a failing grade! I know that Kull Bar is becoming increasingly popular and that there are many people who come back again and again and leave satisfied. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day… Decide for yourselves. 😉
I'll be back: The food was delicious. But unfortunately, the service was so bad that it's not enough for me to come back.
Place visited: Buffet Kull Bar
Address: Marienstraße 4, 80331 Munich
Website
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