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Da Federico Bayerstraße I love them. The small, hidden shops that not everyone knows about yet, but that simply cook fantastic food! Since mid-September 2017, Bayerstraße in the city center has a new hotspot for fans of this cuisine. "Da Federico" is the name of the small bistro-restaurant and offers authentic (!) Italian cuisine. I know, I know, a word that is all too often used and misused in connection with taste and culinary delights, but here at Da Federico, it's more than appropriate. At lunchtime, exciting set menus land on the plates, featuring ingredients that are predominantly sourced from Italy, and every day there's a new handwritten lunch menu on the chalkboard. Incentive enough to go in and try it.
Starter: Tomato stuffed with stockfish
What can you expect at Da Federico?
Federico is no bigger than a spacious living room, is run by Federico himself, and invites you in to enjoy. The cooking takes place in the set-back kitchen, where the only Italian chef is responsible for creating the menu. At lunchtime, there's a daily changing menu featuring antipasti, two appetizers, pasta dishes, main courses (fish or meat), and desserts – all fresh and different every day. That's all there is to lunch, and that's all you need, because Federico knows what he's doing. Most of the ingredients for his dishes are flown in from Italy, and only the very best makes it to your table. Creativity is a key focus, and you won't find the "Italian classics" like spaghetti Bolognese, pizza, or bruschetta here. Instead, Federico – the owner and namesake – and his chef create and serve these unique dishes. "I only sell what I like myself!" Federico said with a smile, when asked what factors, besides seasonality and quality, play a role in putting together the menu. You can find the lunch menu here. on-line under the item „Menu“.
Italian pasta with salt cod
Food offer and selection
Fresh daily, different every day, created anew each day. Not your average "cheap Italian" restaurant, but a deliberately and skillfully designed new meeting place for those who appreciate good, simple food made with clearly high-quality ingredients. Available for both lunch and dinner. In addition to the aforementioned lunch menu – there is no à la carte service at lunchtime – a set menu will be offered in the evenings starting December 1st, 2017. An extensive wine list featuring Italian wines (exclusively and predominantly from Piedmont) is also available, including wines by the glass. Da Federico offers approximately 10 red wines (3 of which are available by the glass) and 10 white wines (3 of which are available by the glass). It's best to view the full wine list online, where you'll find a small selection. In the entrance area there is also a small counter which offers Italian desserts, cakes, sandwiches and more – all homemade, all also available to go, as well as the Italian coffee specialties (Italian coffee „Polo“).
So, at lunchtime, there's the wall menu; in the evening, it's a set menu. Starting now, from December 1st, Da Federico will also be offering three different Italian set menus in the evening (usually changing monthly): one fish, one meat, and one vegetarian. The set menus consist of fixed courses, but you can also order à la carte from a menu that—unlike the lunch menu—doesn't change continuously but adapts to the season. For a nightcap, in addition to a glass of Italian wine, there are also cocktails, drinks, and snacks. Oh yes…be sure to try the homemade Italian desserts—whether at lunch or dinner, they're always delicious. 😉 I don't want to go into too much detail about the dishes, as they change regularly, which I really appreciate. However, I'd like to briefly tell you about my lunch experience so you get a good idea.
This is what Da Federico looks like. Cozy and modern.
Review of the food and service
I arrived at noon on a weekday, and it wasn't long before the tables were full (so be sure to reserve a table!). I sat down, ordered a drink (non-alcoholic, it was noon... ;-)), and was immediately brought a small bag of Italian bread and southern Italian taralli as I selected my food. I started with an appetizer: a tomato stuffed with salt cod (€9.50). Really delicious, because vegetables and fish always go well together, and salt cod has a wonderful flavor. Then came some rather peppery and somewhat unusual paccheri, a typical Italian pasta, with aromatic and buttery salt cod (€11.50) to try (delicious!), followed by my main course: rack of lamb with cold cauliflower cream (€16.50) – all from the aforementioned lunch specials. The lamb was delicious and tender; I initially thought the cauliflower cream would be warm, which surprised me at first bite, but I quickly appreciated the harmony between the cold and the warm, the cream and the meat. I skipped dessert, but the choice is either one of the two daily specials or something sweet from the counter.
Italian coffee specialties are also offered.
Ambiance and service
Especially in smaller restaurants and more focused concepts, friendly service plays a crucial role. At Da Federico, the owner sometimes serves himself, exchanges a few words here and there, and welcomes feedback from guests. Any questions about the menu, allergies, or anything else can be asked of the knowledgeable staff at the table. The restaurant's glass front allows plenty of natural light to flood the space, which features a bar. The tables are already set, the chairs are light-colored, and the decor is simple and uncluttered. Don't picture a stuffy little Italian restaurant with candlelight and wood-paneled walls; instead, look for a modern bistro that truly understands how to combine a cozy atmosphere—perhaps with Italian music playing in the background—with good food. For a more intimate setting, there are two separate tables located on a small mezzanine above the bar. Because the restaurant is relatively small, the tables are cleverly spaced further apart, preventing any feeling of confinement. Next time you're in the corner, take a peek. I'm sure Federico will greet you with a cheerful "Ciao!".
Hard facts, information and personal opinion
Treat yourself and stop by. At lunchtime, as is typical in most restaurants, the atmosphere is different than in the evening. The prices are fair considering the quality, but they're not exactly a bargain. Anyone who enjoys good food and appreciates quality will understand the pricing. Da Federico also regularly offers special events and occasions. (For example, a seven-course tasting menu with seven Italian wines and a local winemaker in a small group for €95, etc.) I felt very comfortable; the Italian charm of Federico plays a big part in my opinion, as does the fact that the restaurant-bistro isn't too large (30 seats).
+++ This article was created in cooperation with "Da Federico". Thank you! +++
Da Federico | Bayerstraße 103, 80335 Munich
NOW CLOSED
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Contact via telephone: 089 288 56 178
Pictures:
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- Starter: Tomato stuffed with stockfish
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- Italian pasta with salt cod
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- Italian coffee specialties are also offered.
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