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„"Restaurant Kleinschmecker" – that's the name of the newly opened restaurant by Bastian Hartwig and Nepomuk Grau (formerly chef in London, Sydney, and head chef at the Alte Wache in Nördlingen) on the always bustling Sebastiansplatz, a popular spot for Munich locals. I recently visited the restaurant in the evening with a companion and would love to go back again today to eat there and enjoy the friendly service.
The location itself has a long history. Various restaurant signs have hung above the door over the years, including an Indian shop and a French restaurant (the ChameleonFollowing an Italian restaurant (Limone) that only lasted six months, the restaurant was replaced at the end of December 2013 and reopened just a few months later as Restaurant Kleinschmecker – to be precise, on March 5, 2014 – shining in new splendor. The two young men prove that it's all a matter of willpower and good execution, because Kleinschmecker is already doing wonderfully – so soon after its reopening. Proof of this can be seen, for example, on the evening of my visit, in the few groups waiting for a free table in the restaurant's entrance area, and even I myself couldn't get a table for a Friday evening, as it was already fully booked.
I arrived a little earlier than my companion, so I had plenty of time to look around and soak up the atmosphere of the restaurant. I felt comfortable as soon as I stepped inside the very chic and invitingly cozy space. The green-gray walls and oak tables, combined with the gray upholstered banquette and light gray upholstered chairs, created a harmonious overall impression. On each of the 16 tables, which varied in size and were already set, was a simple tealight holder made of a kind of parchment paper – simple yet elegant – next to a small bottle of oil and a bowl of sea salt. Dark parquet floors, soft lighting, warm colors, plenty of wood, and of course – much more important than any interior design – excellent service further contributed to the comfortable and welcoming ambiance.
I had the opportunity to chat with one of the friendly owners for a few minutes that evening. He told me the stories about the arduous search for suitable premises for the restaurant, the long-standing friendship and connection between the two young men who had shared a long-cherished dream of owning their own restaurant for years, and about the approximately three-month renovation. It's clear from the start: Restaurant Kleinschmecker is a labor of love, driven by passion and a realized dream. The name "Kleinschmecker" (meaning "gourmet" or "delicacy") reflects the fact that this "small" restaurant prioritizes ensuring guests leave full and satisfied despite the stylish ambiance and slightly higher prices – and I can confirm: the portions are indeed generous, despite the name.
The menus were handed to us immediately, and we both opted for a starter and two main courses. The exceptionally friendly and helpful lady recommended suitable wines, and after a small wine tasting and a bottle of water (0.75l/€5.90), we chose a Chardonnay (Jordan Stellenbosch – Nine Yards 2012, 0.1l for €9.80) and a Müller-Thurgau – a simple Müller, one of the restaurant's three wines by the glass. It was offered to me because I had initially asked for a Lugana. Unfortunately, they didn't have one, so I opted for the aforementioned wine. I drank two 0.1l glasses for €4.20 each. My wine tasted delicious and paired perfectly with our chosen dishes. My companion's Chardonnay had a very strong aroma but also tasted delicious and had a smooth finish. For my starter, I chose marinated beetroot with goat cheese and ricotta cream and Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette for €12.50. After some deliberation, my companion opted for soup: white tomato foam soup with cassis and a small prawn croissant for €7.50. The starters were served to us simultaneously and promptly after we ordered. A feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate. I thoroughly enjoyed my starter – admittedly modest in size, but nonetheless excellent. The combination of beetroot and goat cheese was very delicate, and I'm generally quite enthusiastic about anything with goat cheese. My companion's soup seemed a bit too cold. After we asked the waitress, she explained that the soup should be lukewarm, so we left it at that. We were offered a fresh bowl of soup, but we declined. The small croissant with shrimp was delicious and a great idea in combination with the perfectly flavorful soup. The portion wasn't large, but the price was reasonable considering the shrimp in pastry.
The regular menu also features other appetizers, such as "New Style Sashimi" – fjord trout, black radish, shiso, chives for €17.50; Simmental beef tartare with steak fries and quail egg for €12.80 (small); or beef fillet carpaccio with arugula, vanilla olive oil, and Parmesan ice cream for €12.50. Equally enticing are other salads, such as the "Little Gourmet" salad, and my chosen Caesar salad in various combinations, like plain or with mango and corn-fed chicken breast, priced between €5.50 and €15.80. Two different soups (gazpacho or the white tomato foam soup we selected), as well as numerous main courses and a selection of desserts (e.g., three kinds of sorbet or a cheese selection from the Tölz cheese shop) are also available. Take a look at the well-mixed Map It's best to do it yourself online.
We ordered our main courses at the same time as our starters. We opted for truffle tagliatelle (€18.50) and Caesar salad with avocado and king prawns (€15.80). My companion's pasta was divine and almost impossible to finish. The portion was perfectly generous, sprinkled with plenty of fresh truffle, and absolutely delicious. My Caesar salad was beautifully presented and topped with ample avocado and six large, very easy-to-shell prawns. Overall, the salad was delicious, and I—just like my companion with the pasta dish—would order it again in a heartbeat. At the next table, two ladies ordered the smoked Scottish salmon tartare with citrus and fennel salad (€14.50) as a starter, which also looked fantastic. So, if you happen to visit the Kleinschmecker restaurant—which you absolutely should—you can't go wrong with the truffle pasta and the other dishes we chose. After our plates were completely empty, our wine glasses emptied, and our stomachs full, we decided to order two coffee drinks. A cappuccino for €3.60 – unfortunately a bit too cold – and a latte macchiato for €4.10 – very delicious with fluffy milk foam. Once we had finished these, Bastian Hartwig personally served us a complimentary surprise – a small glass of fruity cocktail made with rhubarb, strawberry, and passion fruit, mixed with a touch of vodka. Very fruity, very refreshing, and served from a giant hip flask that he conjured from the inside pocket of his chef's jacket – a nice little surprise, too.
A particular plus is the 70 outdoor seats spread across 24 tables right on Sebastiansplatz, which, with the upcoming summer, is a huge advantage over many other restaurants in Munich. And if it does happen to rain, the restaurant's 36 indoor seats offer shelter. 🙂 Even if you just fancy a glass of wine – no problem! A fine selection of wines awaits you. As mentioned, the restaurant's ambiance is very cozy and warm. In a separate, small room – where we also sat – there are four small wooden tables for two, distinct from the larger, very long dining room with a bar, where you can comfortably sit and enjoy a drink. A daily changing lunch menu is also offered throughout the day. On this particular day, for example, we had mushroom risotto with bacon, a yogurt and elderflower soup, and strawberries. To finish, we had an espresso.
The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Parking is available, if you're lucky, on the surrounding streets or in the Schrannenhalle parking garage, the Oberanger parking garage, or the Marienplatz parking garage. If you're still looking for the perfect venue for a birthday party, wedding, or similar (corporate) event, look no further and contact the friendly team at Kleinschmecker. The service is excellent, the ambiance is great, the food is fantastic, and it's a must-visit in Munich. Card payments are accepted, and good times, full stomachs, and complete satisfaction are guaranteed. Have fun! Don't forget to make a reservation.
I'll be back: Generally, yes. For simple food in a pleasant atmosphere, yes. My companion didn't feel so comfortable – it's a matter of opinion. I think it's perfect for eating and having a nice chat.
Place visited: Restaurant Kleinschmecker
Address: Sebastiansplatz 3, 80331 Munich
Website
Pictures:
Gwen & Sigi
Hello dear Bianca, we love following your culinary blog and will certainly continue to do so. However, we were disappointed with "Kleinschmecker" at Sebastiansplatz in Munich. While the staff was very friendly and competent, they were a bit too verbose for our taste when it came to recommending and interpreting the menus (quality speaks louder than words). The trout carpaccio and the dessert were excellent both visually and in terms of taste. The main course, "Roast Beef from Pomeranian cattle, for 2 people," was tough, and the "let's call it Japanese soup (we've forgotten the ingredients due to overstimulation of our taste buds)" was completely over-seasoned. It has once again been confirmed for us that some new restaurants in Munich, which aspire to haute cuisine, ultimately fall short of this standard, leaving one with the feeling that "the price-performance ratio isn't right (e.g., hidden price tags on drinks)." My motto: either good and good value for money, or go straight to the top (Haas-Tantris, Winkler). Unfortunately, you'll usually be disappointed in the middle (Monaco-style trendy restaurants). Best regards and keep up the good work.