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Restaurants near Gasteig – I can't do without food. Not even a trip to the theater. Or rather, I do go to the theater, but not without having eaten something delicious beforehand. Don't get me wrong, the "Gast" restaurant located in the Gasteig itself isn't bad if I want a quick pasta, pizza, or rice dish, but before a theater visit—dressed up and full of anticipation for what I hope will be a great evening—I prefer something a bit more upscale. So, over the past few weeks, I've been exploring Haidhausen and trying out various restaurants near the Gasteig. Where's worth going for a meal before the theater, or just anytime? Here are my favorites.
The start of the three-course pre-theater menu
1. MUN Restaurant
Innere Wiener Straße 18, 81667 Munich; Website
Kitchen: High-end Asian fusion restaurant, sushi, Korean cuisine, à la carte and set menu
Mood: Upscale, chic ambiance, subdued lighting
Reservation required?: absolutely
Menus/dishes from: €35 (sushi platter), €45 (set menu)
It suits you if, where you enjoy high-quality sushi, unusual creations and fresh fish in a chic setting.
Distance to Gasteig: 260 meters
I already told you about it in a detailed article. MUN Restaurant in Haidhausen I've already been impressed by the fantastic menus, the superb quality of the fish and meat, and the unique presentation of each course. I discovered that MUN is also a worthwhile hotspot for fine Asian cuisine before visiting the Gasteig cultural center when I tried the restaurant's specially introduced "Three-Course Pre-Theater Menu" and a "MUN Sushi Platter." The menu costs €45 per person and includes a delicious appetizer, main course, and dessert. The starter is a selection of the finest nigiri – eaten from left to right: salmon, tuna, kingfish (yellowtail), and eel. The main course was my favorite. I opted against the alternative "Scallop Miso Risotto" (a scallop risotto) and chose the Korean classic "Kalbijjim." This is incredibly tender Korean meat in the form of short ribs. Buttery soft, I tell you, and unbelievably delicious! The menu concludes with either a chocolate cake with a molten center or a matcha green tea soufflé. I naturally opted for the chocolate version. 😉 To ensure guests arrive at the Gasteig early, the menu is only offered between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Alternatively, if a set menu is too much for you, I recommend the sushi platter with incredibly fresh nigiri, sashimi, and ura maki made exclusively from the finest tuna and Label Rouge salmon. At €35, it's certainly not one of the cheapest sushi platters in Munich, but after the first roll, you'll know it's one of the best! Since the food isn't heavy, it's the perfect spot for an excellent meal before the theater, etc.
Chez Fritz for French cuisine
2. Chez Fritz Brasserie
Preysingstraße 20, 81667 Munich; Website
Kitchen: French, à la carte
Mood: cozy-chic, relaxed atmosphere
Reservation required?: depending on the day of the week (weekend)
Menus/dishes from: Main courses from €13.50 to €38
It suits you if, If you like classic French cuisine, but can do without too much fuss.
Distance to Gasteig: 290 meters
I discovered Chez Fritz during a stroll through Haidhausen and tried it out myself for this article. They offer French cuisine in the form of a concise yet well-structured menu. French appetizers (from €8.50), soups – for example, a bouillabaisse (fish soup) in small or large portions (from €14.50), main courses (from €13.50), and various desserts (from €4) are available. The long, narrow architecture, complete with a cozy bar, soaring ceilings, subdued lighting, and already set tables, creates a very appealing and French-inspired atmosphere. To satisfy my hunger and to try the food, I had a delicious beef tartare with fries (€14.50), a "Joue de Boeuf," which is a beef cheek with mashed potatoes and root vegetables (€19.50), and to finish, a lemon tart (€6). The portions are generous, the service attentive, and the atmosphere relaxed and informal. I like restaurants that are "chic" overall, but still allow for a casual atmosphere. Especially in French restaurants, which usually offer set menus, things can quickly become stuffy. This isn't the case at Chez Fritz Brasserie. The wine list, featuring wines from Austria, Italy, France, Germany, and overseas (both by the glass and by the bottle), is impressive, and the staff are happy to advise you on pairings. The value for money is excellent, and because everyone is efficient, you'll arrive at the Gasteig on time. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, avoid the front section, as new guests are constantly arriving.
Meatballs in the "Kitchen Directory"„
3. To the kitchen directory
Rosenheimer Straße 10, 81669 Munich; Website
Kitchen: Bavarian-traditional
Mood: Classic Bavarian style, lots of wood and cozy
Reservation required?: not absolutely necessary, useful on weekends
Menus/dishes from: Main courses from €14.80 to €29
It suits you if, If you would like to eat classic Bavarian food of good quality (and something a bit hearty and substantial).
Distance to Gasteig: 250 meters
If you visit the website of the Bavarian inn "Zum Kuchlverzeichnis," you might not be immediately impressed. Some of the content is in Russian, and you might not find the menu quite as you expected. Nevertheless, I decided to check it out, because long-established Bavarian inns aren't exactly known for their sophisticated web design – so don't be fooled! And that's exactly how it was. Inside, it's charmingly rustic and Bavarian, with a menu full of classic dishes. On two double-page spreads dedicated to main courses, I was greeted by dishes like Wiener Schnitzel with fried potatoes (€23.50), homemade meatballs with potato salad (€9.80), snacks (from €9.50), and much more. At the next table, a well-built gentleman was enjoying the "Munich Farmer's Pan," consisting of a quarter pork knuckle, a quarter duck, Nuremberg bratwurst, sauerkraut, and mixed dumplings for €28.80. Not exactly a light meal, but like everything else, a fair portion. I started with the meat patties and then had the Wiener Schnitzel. (Where would we end up if I skipped a veal schnitzel...). Excellent quality, prompt service, and friendly staff. You do feel full afterward, but it's just right for "sitting in the Gasteig" – depending on the program. 😉 "Zum Kuchlverzeichnis" is just a stone's throw from the Gasteig, and you can stroll over at your leisure. So, if you're looking for some "classic" Bavarian dishes before your cultural experience and don't care too much for a modern ambiance, this is the place for you.
Rue Des Halles – great French menus await you
4. Rue des Halles | Brasserie de Paris
Steinstraße 18, 81667 Munich; Website
Kitchen: French, set menu and à la carte
Mood: chic and cozy
Reservation required?: sensible
Menus/dishes from: Set menus from €38 or €42, à la carte from €19
It suits you if, you enjoy French menus in an authentic setting
Distance to Gasteig: 450 meters
And once again, French cuisine, but different from Chez Fritz, is on offer at Rue des Halles, Munich's oldest French restaurant. Here, they serve more classic set menus and à la carte dishes. You have complete freedom to choose between a fixed three- or four-course menu (for €38 or €48 respectively) or to create your own menu from the à la carte menu for €42 (starter, main course, Trou Normand (intermediate sorbet), and dessert). Those with some culinary knowledge or a more adventurous spirit should take advantage of the rare opportunity to create their own four-course meal at a fair price in a French restaurant. I had six Burgundy snails "Cassolette" (pan-fried) with garlic butter, followed by swordfish steak with herbs, and finally, homemade strawberry sorbet with champagne. Delicious! If that's too much, you can also order à la carte dishes from €19 and enjoy fresh fish, meat, and classics like oysters, mussels, and the like. Afterwards, the approximately 10-minute digestive stroll to the Gasteig cultural center will surely do you good.
Beef fillet at the Vinaiolo restaurant
5. Vinaigrette
Steinstraße 42, 81667 Munich; Website
Kitchen: Italian
Mood: romantic, classic Italian flair
Reservation required?: Yes
Menus/dishes from: 15€
It suits you if, you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at a slightly upscale level
Distance to Gasteig: 350 meters
My Italian friend whisked me away to Vinaiolo for a private meal, and I was thrilled. It's incredibly cozy and inviting, with a sunny summer terrace, fantastic food, and the perfect ambiance for an Italian restaurant. Candlelight, a manageable number of tables, wines everywhere, knowledgeable Italian waiters at your table, and a touch of Italy in your heart. Of course, good food is essential, and Vinaiolo certainly delivers. For parties of six or fewer, they request that each guest order at least two courses. So I opted for three. 🙂 My "Filetto di manzo," or beef fillet, was excellent (250 grams for €33), and the other courses—you simply choose something to share from the antipasti or pasta dishes beforehand—were also superb. Individual fish dishes at Vinaiolo start at €27, delivered fresh daily and prepared in a variety of ways. For those who fancy a classic, "simple" plate of pasta, a satisfying meal starts at €15 (plus a second course). Four-course set menus are €54.50 per person. The Gasteig cultural center is just over 300 meters away.
I hope my restaurant recommendations near the Gasteig have whetted your appetite and, of course, enhanced your theater visit. All the restaurants are worth a visit – whether you're going to the Gasteig or not. Feel free to send me your feedback or any other suggestions for good restaurants. via email communicate.
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