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Six-course New Year's Eve menu at "Kleines Max" – Today we're talking about New Year's Eve 2016 and the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic Italian menu at "Kleines Max." But let's start from the beginning: In February 2015, I told you about the "Kleines Max" restaurant in the old town. Do you remember it? (Click here for the article.) Article about the restaurant "Kleines Max"„.A while ago, the "Maximilian Munich Apartments & Hotel," which houses "Kleines Max" (hence the name), celebrated its 10th anniversary. This event thankfully brought the restaurant back onto my radar. That's how I learned about the new professional chef, Rosario Monachello, who has been cooking at "Kleines Max" since November 2016. The topic of New Year's Eve quickly came up, and I heard about the fantastic menu that Mr. Monachello will be preparing this year – a classic Italian affair. Now I'd like to encourage you to experience the restaurant firsthand with its extensive six-course menu on New Year's Eve – firstly, because you're sure to enjoy the food, and secondly, because I highly recommend the restaurant with its many unique touches.

The New Year's Eve menu at Kleines Max

So let's get straight to the menu. On the last day of the year, you should treat yourself to a truly exceptional culinary experience. The best fireworks and the most amazing party are worthless without the right menu in the evening. At "Kleines Max"—that was my first impression after studying the menu—you have a pretty good foundation for just that. There are a total of six courses, served in a comfortably chic atmosphere. It starts with Cotechino with lentils—a rather strongly spiced Italian raw sausage made from pork. Course two consists of a red tuna tartare, marinated with clementines and cedar, on green apple carpaccio. Before course four arrives, featuring beef fillet with an almond crust and sage and Parma ham stuffing, along with potato gratin and lentils, you can look forward to a third dish—wild prawn risotto in the Champagne style. The grand finale is a chocolate puff pastry cake with tiramisu cream and raspberries. (…I'm getting quite hungry…). As you all know, eating is most fun in company, and „Kleines Max“ offers the perfect setting in an appealing atmosphere.

Wine is not offered as a separate tasting menu in this case, but there are several good champagnes on the menu. These include Morize Brut, Champagne Reserve (0.375l/€37.50), a fruity and fresh grower champagne (0.75l/€75), Roederer Champagne (only a few bottles left – 0.75l/€129), and Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne or Ruinart Rosé Champagne (0.75l/€138 each).

Wild prawn risotto

The „Little Max“ outside of events

In case you already have other New Year's Eve plans, aren't in Munich, or were too slow to make a reservation: No problem! It's a shame, but "Kleines Max" will, of course, still be open in the new year. As you've probably noticed from the menu and the chef's Italian name, the restaurant's cuisine is entirely Italian. The standard menu is divided into Italian antipasti and appetizers, soups, pasta dishes, and meat and fish dishes. There are also a few select desserts and a tasting menu for €46.50. Individual items on the menu change regularly, depending on availability and the season. But rest assured, you'll discover something new on the menu at least once a week.

High quality, along with a strong regional focus, plays a crucial role. With Sicilian chef Rosario Monachello having already cooked in numerous other Munich and Grünwald establishments ("Villa Romana," "Schloss Hotel," "San Michele," "Interview," and most recently seven years at the multi-award-winning "Beccofino"), a true professional in Italian cuisine is at work here. The already Mediterranean-regional focus of the "Kleines Max" restaurant is now further enhanced by an even stronger emphasis on Southern Italy and its regional cuisine.

Fried zucchini blossoms

Food offer (outside of the New Year's Eve menu)

To whet your appetite – even outside of the New Year's Eve menu – here are a few items from the current menu: Appetizers – Warm seafood salad with potato and celery cubes, wild salmon tartare with Cipriani sauce and caper pesto, or Vitello Tonnato (each €13.50). For main courses and pasta, tempting options include Tagliolini with black truffle (€15.50), Pappardelle with venison ragout, or Fig risotto with Parma ham and goat cheese (each €13.50). The fish (€24.50 each) and meat (€23.50 each) dishes offer a delightful variety, ranging from market-fresh fish baked in a salt crust or grilled, to rabbit, poussin, and pork chops with various side dishes. The „Kleines Max“ also enchants with sweets in the form of tart with compote, profiteroles, cinnamon panna cotta (each €6.50) or cheese specialties and jam (for €13.50).

The garden in summer. Beautiful, isn't it?

Ambiance and atmosphere

The restaurant's atmosphere is truly special. You'll best understand what I mean when you're there in person, gazing out over the tranquil and inviting garden – accessible, for example, from the restaurant's conservatory. Although the hotel and restaurant are located right in the city center and just a stone's throw from Maximilianstrasse, you'll find absolute peace and quiet in the restaurant. If you're not familiar with it: imagine an idyllic spot filled with birdsong – that's what the garden is like. And to give you a sense of the restaurant and its ambiance: quiet, with lots of glass offering unobstructed views, relatively small and cozy, furnished with white tablecloths, a comfortable atmosphere, and friendly service – just like the hotel itself. (The "Kleines Max" restaurant is part of the Maximilian Munich Apartments & Hotel, which features 54 suites and luxury suites, as well as a wellness and spa area.) Don't worry about thinking, "Oh no, I have to go into a hotel to get to the restaurant!" Just walk straight through the very welcoming, family-run hotel (no huge lobby, no frills or anything like that) and you're there. So don't worry – you're welcome here. 😉

Hard facts

The New Year's Eve menu at Kleines Max costs €85 per person, including an aperitif. Reservations can be made directly at the restaurant, by calling 089-24 25 8 195, or by emailing restaurant@maximilian-munich.com. The restaurant opens at 6:00 PM, and the menu starts at 7:00 PM. It's not long now, and there aren't many seats left, but it's still worth calling. A fireworks display will light up the sky at midnight on January 1st on Maximilianstrasse. Public transport is recommended, which can help keep the party going. Double rooms are also available at the hotel starting at €298, so you can head straight to bed after the festivities.

Location: Kleines Max – Restaurant in the Hotel Maximilian
Event: New Year's Eve menu at Kleines Max
Address: Hochbrückenstraße 18, 80331 Munich
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