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RISTORANTE MARTINELLI – Let’s Wine – „That Ristorante Martinelli is undeniably and, in my opinion, irrefutably one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, I have stated not only in my article about the restaurant (Article (November 2015) about the Ristorante Martinelli in BogenhausenI've not only made it known, but also shared it countless times in personal recommendations and in response to numerous inquiries about where to find good Italian food. The Bogenhausen restaurant is the answer to high-quality cuisine in the form of fantastic creations and, for some – quite rightly – is the "Italian Tantris." It's run by an Italian couple who have become very dear to me. Just recently, we sat down together again because there was news to share.

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Elegantly set tables at Ristorante Martinelli

Ristorante Martinelli – What's on offer?

Before we get to the main point, a little flashback to Ristorante Martinelli. My first visit was in November 2015. Since then, I've been a big fan and have been there several times with different friends. The menu fits on two A4 pages and is divided into an aperitif and wine recommendation, as well as à la carte dishes and a set menu recommendation. In addition to the à la carte dishes (for tables of up to four people), they also offer four-course, five-course, and six-course set menus. Currently, to give you a better idea of what to expect, we're offering a set menu (5 courses for €66 or €95 including wine pairing) with the following courses: 1) Poached sea bream with cucumber and cherries, 2) Octopus carpaccio, 3) Foie gras ravioli with apple pearls, 4) Milk-fed lamb shoulder with chanterelles, 5) Lemon delice. Each course can also be ordered individually, i.e., à la carte. The regular 4-course menu is €55 without and €80 with wine pairing, and the 6-course menu is €77 without and €115 with wine pairing.

Also offered, in addition to a surprise menu (…also available as a 4-, 5- or 6-course menu at the prices mentioned above), is a creative and varied lunch menu consisting of 3 courses for €24 (starter, main course, dessert) from Monday to Friday (12:00 – 14:30 / only by the table!).

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So, what kind of wine was in the glass?

…and what is the story behind „Let’s Wine“?

Okay. Now for the highlight: Let's Wine! This is a kind of "wine game" created by the owner, Elena Martinelli – who is also a trained sommelier. Each month, wines are served in a kind of "blind tasting" and playfully identified by the guests. Here's how it works: You book a table, and anyone who wants to can participate in "Let's Wine!" It doesn't have to be the whole table, nor a specific number of guests. If you join in, Elena will pour you various wines, which are, of course, paired with the menu, and you won't see the labels. Different wines are featured each month. For each wine, a question about the bottle is posed. Elena pours the wine, asks a question, and then leaves the table. Then you can discuss it with your tablemates and playfully answer the question. Cool, right?

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An example creation, cooked by the professional himself.

In July, for example, the theme is "Fine Sparkling Wines," and three different wines (0.1l per glass) will be served. This is also why the wine game doesn't have a fixed price. It changes each month and depends on the consistently high-quality wines served. In July, participation costs €30 per person. The whole thing becomes more fun and interesting when everyone participates and a conversation ensues about the wines. Of course, the aim isn't to embarrass anyone or show off your wine knowledge ;-), but rather to enjoy the company while discovering new wines. At the end, or rather, at the end of each course, the wine in each glass will be revealed. Did you guess correctly? Or were you mistaken? It's often not so easy to figure out, and the more practiced your nose, the better the result will likely be. The prize is fame and glory from your tablemates and the admiration of Elena Martinelli. Should there be a wine that you particularly like – regardless of the month or theme – you of course have the option to buy the wines by the bottle.

Especially now in summer, the whole experience is even more enjoyable. A secluded terrace, elegantly set tables, a cozy atmosphere, and fantastic wines. For groups of approximately six or more, a separate area with a pavilion (for up to eight people) can also be reserved – with or without the wine game "Let's Wine!". Importantly, and worth mentioning again: It doesn't matter whether you're a wine connoisseur or not. As long as you enjoy yourself and have a basic interest and enthusiasm for the subject, you're guaranteed a wonderful evening for an additional €30 per person on top of the set menu. In August, four white wines are included, costing the same as the three sparkling wines in July, meaning "Let's Wine!" is also available for €30 in August.

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The cozy terrace invites you to linger.

Giveaway (CLOSED! Terms and conditions deactivated)

The best is saved for last! And in this case, I don't mean dessert (…although you shouldn't miss that at Ristorante Martinelli either…), but rather a giveaway. I've been given the opportunity to raffle off two entries (worth €30 each) for the wine game "Let's Wine!", which includes three glasses of fine wine (0.1l/glass). The two winners will also be treated to a delicious dessert. A fantastic idea and another top-notch effort.

Hard facts and information

The "Let's Wine!" competition is offered monthly with a different wine each month. In July, the focus is on fine sparkling wines (for three 0.1l glasses). Participation is possible per person, not necessarily per table. A set menu (excluding the price) is served with the wine. Up to four people can order à la carte. If you would like to see pictures of the sample menu mentioned above and get a different impression of the restaurant, you can find more information in the... report You can read more about it from my colleague and friend Ben. Since "Let's Wine!" can be booked individually, it doesn't matter what time you reserve or arrive. The game is played by table, so you have flexibility in that regard as well. Ristorante Martinelli is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. On Saturdays, it's only open from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, and it's closed all day Sunday.

Place visited: Ristorante Martinelli
Address: Wilhelm-Dieß-Weg 2, 81927 Munich
Website: Ristorante Martinelli

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