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Emporio Armani Caffé in the Fünf Höfe A few days ago, I met my companion for a leisurely lunch at the Emporio Armani Caffé on Theatinerstrasse. The sun was shining, my stomach was rumbling, and my anticipation of a sunny midday on the Armani terrace was growing. In fact, I haven't been this excited to write an article for you in a long time. Why? Because, in my opinion, the Emporio Armani Caffé, despite its very central location and its unmissable terrace right on Theatinerstrasse, is a true hidden gem. Dolce Vita in the heart of Munich – a feeling I want to share with you.
The restaurant on the upper floor
Ambiance, feeling and service at Emporio Armani Caffé
Emporio Armani Caffè is located in the Fünf Höfe (Five Courtyards) between the Odeonsplatz and Marienplatz train stations and can also be reached via Theatinerstraße. If you head directly towards the café from there, you'll walk straight towards the inviting terrace. Perhaps you've already noticed it many times. Walking past it, especially after reading this, would be a mistake. Why? Because few places in Munich's city center boast such authentic charm. Italy right in the heart of the city. That's what Caffè Armani is to me. But back to the story… the partially sunny terrace, with its 12 tables (seating 36) and large umbrellas, invites you to linger. Despite the many sun-seekers, my companion and I were lucky enough to find a free spot. Everywhere we looked, people were enjoying espresso, pasta, pastries, and other treats – and I was increasingly enveloped by that typical "Italian feeling" that immediately grips you as soon as you cross the border into Italy. Do you know that feeling?
The café on the lower level
If you approach the café from inside the Fünf Höfe courtyard complex, the first thing you'll notice is the dining area on the left, with its 10 simple black tables (seating 30), and the café's stylish bar. On the right, besides the small corner offering tarts, muffins, filled croissants, and homemade cakes, the staircase leading to the Emporio Armani Restaurant on the first floor is the dominant feature. This restaurant, with approximately 180 square meters of space, also boasts an Italian flair and can accommodate another 100 guests. This is divided into 22 tables (seating 69), as well as 19 additional seats in the comfortable lounge area – again, the classic Italian ambiance is present.
Armani / Dolci – also suitable for takeaway
Before heading out through the shop onto the terrace, we sat for a while in the lower restaurant area, and I took a look around. Dark, elegant furniture with some large round tables, an open view of the bar, and Armani/Dolci clothing. The atmosphere, in my opinion, exudes typical Italian joie de vivre. Here again, I could feel it: like being on an Italian holiday, relaxing, enjoying myself, sitting, feasting, and unwinding. Both inside and on the terrace.
The ambiance of the Emporio Armani Caffè is certainly enhanced by the competent service – in my case, an attentive gentleman, just as one would expect in the heart of Milan's café scene. Empty water glasses are refilled, plates pushed aside are promptly cleared, and care is always taken to ensure that you, as a guest, have everything you could wish for. I lacked nothing during my visit, yet at the same time, I never felt crowded at my table. As the saying goes: good service keeps an eye on the guest but maintains enough distance to protect their privacy. Thumbs up for that.
Non-alcoholic aperitif with mint and soda
Menu, lunch specials and bar
The menu features a wide variety of Italian delicacies, prepared with a mix of local, regional, and Italian specialties. For example, the flour for the fine pasta, as well as the herbs, spices, and vegetables, come directly from Italy. The cheeses, sausages, salami, and beef also originate in Italy. As you can see, great emphasis is placed on high-quality ingredients and authentic Italian products. This further enhances the Italian flair that clearly distinguishes the café from others.
The menu at Emporio Armani Caffé changes every three months, is created by Armani's chefs in Milan, and is distributed worldwide – with an individual touch. all Emporio Armani Caffès The Munich classic is the variety of pasta dishes on the menu. I haven't had the pleasure of trying them yet, but I've been told that the "Spaghetti Emporio Armani" with cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and special nut sauce is a must-try – also because it's considered Mr. Armani's personal favorite. (...so my next choice for my next visit is already decided...)
Cold watermelon – lobster soup with cream cheese
You can order from the entire menu here, which applies to both the café and restaurant areas as well as the terrace. In addition to fresh pastries, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and desserts, the menu features numerous chef's recommendations. From mouthwatering appetizers, soups, and salads to delicious pasta, fine fish, or meat dishes, everything your culinary heart desires is on offer. For example, there's burrata with vegetable caponata, lamb's lettuce, pistachios, and grape must (€13) or smoked salmon with lamb's lettuce and guacamole mayonnaise (€9.80). A satisfying club sandwich with oxheart tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, a boiled egg, crispy bacon, and chicken breast (€18.50) is also available. Likewise, you'll find antipasti, vitello tonnato, Caesar salad, or a salad with mango and shrimp. Sounds delicious, doesn't it? The ultimate challenge – as mentioned – is pasta. Tagliatelle, linguine, ravioli – sometimes filled with porcini mushrooms or cheese, sometimes with a sauce made from grilled shrimp, or even refined with squid and mullet roe. But no matter which item you choose from the menu, you'll be served a generous portion of "Bella Italia" and "Dolce Vita" on every plate.
Prices for dishes range from just under €10 to €32, for example, grilled beef fillet with sautéed vegetables or grilled veal fillet with fresh chanterelles and celery puree. There's even a burger (€17) on the menu, featuring a homemade bun, beef, iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and cheese, served with baked potato wedges.
Playful details add that certain something.
The additional lunch/daily menu is available from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and is updated weekly. Here you'll find lunch dishes starting at €6.50, with prices typically capped at around €14.50 for a main course featuring fresh fish, for example. It's a fair deal in terms of both price and taste. The same goes for the beef carpaccio with mushrooms, arugula, and Parmesan for €9.50. Also part of the daily menu is the business menu, offered Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This consists of a starter and one of two main courses, as well as the option of a dessert (€19.50 instead of €14.50). A selection of Italian wines (currently a Lugana from Veneto, an Insolia DOC from Sicily, or a Chianti from Tuscany) can also be ordered with the lunch menu for €4.50 per 0.1l glass.
In addition, the menu for the café and terrace is supplemented with further Italian snacks. For example, you can order the "Sandwich di Salmone" with smoked salmon, lamb's lettuce and guacamole mayonnaise, the "Pane e Roastbeef" (Altamura bread with roast beef, cream cheese, arugula and sun-dried tomatoes) or the "Croissant Salati" with salmon strips and avocado cream or prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula in the sun and enjoy another taste of Italy.
If you're in the mood for a drink, the café's cozy bar will take care of you. A special cocktail menu for the Emporio Armani Caffé Munich is currently being developed in Milan. However, creations such as the "Emporio Armani Club Style" with Grey Goose, Triple Sec, and fresh orange; the "Lychy Spritz" with lychy liqueur, tonic water, Prosecco, and fresh basil; or the "Emporio Spritz" with Aperol, fresh grapefruit, and Sprite are already considered absolute classics. During my visit, I had a non-alcoholic aperitif with mint and soda – delicious and wonderfully light and summery.
Paccheri pasta with cherry tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella cream
Selection and evaluation of the food and the café
I've now told you a lot about the café and the menu. The clear highlights for me are definitely the "Dolce Vita" feeling right in the heart of Theatinerstraße and, of course, the delicious food. More on that now: We both opted for the business menu with two courses each. The starter was a set "Anguria e astice," a cold watermelon and lobster bisque with cream cheese (6.50€ on its own), and the main course was a choice. There was either "Ravioli al Gamberi" (homemade prawn ravioli with lime butter and mint oil) or "Paccheri" pasta with cherry tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella cream (10.50€ each on its own). My companion chose the latter, while I was looking forward to the prawn ravioli. Since I wasn't the only one who felt that way, and numerous other guests had been quicker, the prawn ravioli were sold out and replaced with ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms. Also delicious, and ultimately my final choice. I was incredibly excited for my pasta right after ordering and I wasn't disappointed.
Homemade porcini mushroom ravioli with lime butter and mint oil
First, of course, came the soup – served quickly and all at once, and attractively presented with separate spoonfuls of fresh cheese on the side. It was accompanied by a basket of nicely crusty bread. I've always been a fan of cold soups. The combination of watermelon and lobster delighted me from the very first spoonful – cool, refreshing, and intensely flavorful. If you just need a little pick-me-up on warmer days, this appetizer is ideal. After that – we only had to wait nine minutes – our main courses arrived. Beautifully presented on simple white plates, the portions were just the right size to satisfy without feeling overly full. My porcini ravioli with Parmesan and lime butter was fantastic. The pasta was still perfectly al dente, the filling tasted fresh and intensely of porcini mushrooms, and the toasted arugula on top gave my dish a special touch – I was increasingly immersed in that "cozy Italian holiday feeling." I didn't try my companion's pasta, but of course, I asked about it. Here too: delight and complete satisfaction, with a generous portion of delicious pasta. (The Parmesan in the photo was sprinkled on at the table – you'll be asked if you want it.) Again: thumbs up for this lunch menu with its excellent value for money. This should dispel any reservations you might have about "Emporio Armani equals high-end – so the food must be expensive too." You'll eat exceptionally well here; the quality of the ingredients is clearly evident, and you'll pay a fair price. I can't stress this enough: a free taste of Italy is included.
Strawberry tarts and vanilla apple muffins
After a while, I finally took a look at the "Armani/Dolchi" corner I mentioned earlier, and a few minutes later we were sitting on the terrace with a small strawberry-vanilla tart and a vanilla muffin. Everything was homemade, of course, and also available to go. I love muffins and didn't regret my choice. A pleasantly light vanilla flavor combined with a soft, fluffy batter made my final dessert a winner. The strawberries in my companion's dessert were fresh and crisp, and I would recommend saving room for them after your main course. So, for authentic Italian desserts, remember the Emporio Armani Caffé next time.
Information, hard facts and personal conclusion
The bar and lounge in the restaurant (1st floor)
Emporio Armani Caffé has been run by Michael Wilhelmer, a restaurateur and expert in his field, since the end of July 2015. This wonderful café is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, serving hot food. On sunny days, the terrace is also open from 12:00 PM. The restaurant on the first floor, as well as the bar and lounge, are also open from 12:00 PM on the same days. Card payments are accepted. Direct access by car is not possible, as the entrance is located within the "5 Courtyards" complex. Parking garages are available in the city – for example, near the Opera House. Reservations can be made in advance by phone (Tel. +49 89 550 528 16).
The bar area including café is located on the lower level.
My personal conclusion is short but sweet: "Dolce Vita in Munich!" – A bullseye at Emporio Armani Caffé. Forget the prejudice that you can only get a good meal in the city center, especially in upscale establishments. Emporio Armani Caffé proves the opposite. I'm also impressed by the concept and the authentic cuisine. I will definitely be back and will enjoy both the restaurant and the terrace. Emporio Armani Caffé – the ideal meeting place for the perfect lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a mini Italian getaway in Munich.
Tested location: Emporio Armani Caffé
Address: Theatiner Straße 12, 80333 Munich
Website
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