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Connection is a restaurant in Munich's city center, specializing in Italian cuisine – but also offering Asian dishes. I'm sure that if you know Munich at all, you've probably walked past it countless times. The restaurant is located between Munich's Marienplatz and Karlsplatz/Stachus.
We were spontaneously out and about in the city center and decided to visit this restaurant. Admittedly, it was truly impressive, both from the outside – while rushing past on the busy shopping street – and from the inside. Numerous simple beer garden tables are set up right in the middle of the bustling street, and there are usually plenty of people sitting at them enjoying their pasta, pizza, or Asian dishes. Since it had just started to drizzle during our visit, we decided to sit inside under the covered walkway. You're seated right in the alcove between a shoe store and H&M, but in my opinion, that's not a problem.
Admittedly a bit hectic, but still worth a visit. The friendly waiter came right after we sat down and brought us the black menus with their various offerings of pizzas, pasta, Asian dishes, cakes, and even Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes). Generally, I tend to get suspicious quickly when a restaurant tries to offer "everything." In this case, however, it was still within the realm of what was reasonable. A young couple sat down next to us and happened to order two Asian dishes. When their plates arrived, both looked very delicious and appetizing. We opted for two salads from the menu, each costing €10.90. One was the "Vitamin Bomb" salad, and the other was the Caesar salad, which was originally listed with chicken strips. I asked if I could have scampi instead, but had to pay an extra €4.40 for that. Of course, it's my own choice to add something to my salad, but I wasn't offered the option to swap the chicken. The exceptionally helpful waiter offered to serve the chicken on a separate plate, which I accepted, as my companion could then sprinkle it over the salad. However, the chicken was a bit too dry and only palatable when eaten with plenty of salad and dressing. Taste-wise, there was nothing to complain about – but unfortunately, the portion size was lacking. In effect, I had a salad that cost almost €16, and a double portion would have been just as reasonable for that price. My companion was otherwise satisfied with the taste; her portion was slightly larger than mine, but still not exactly generous.
In the seating area I mentioned, located within the passageway, there are about 12 tables of varying sizes, some with comfortable armchairs – more like a lounge. Upstairs – where the restaurant's restrooms are also located – there are roughly the same number of tables again, offering a cozy atmosphere. A higher table with eight chairs was occupied by a family with children, all of whom were enjoying their pizzas. Flat screens adorn the walls, and the restaurant is furnished with stylish chairs, dark tile floors, and light wood tables. The bar/food counter is also located inside, right next to the small counter displaying fresh cakes, such as tiramisu, profiteroles, strawberry cake, and apricot cheesecake. They all looked delicious. Our salads were served with fresh, delicious baguette – not too hard or crumbly. I was also satisfied with the scampi. They were easy to peel, but there weren't enough for €5. There were only four, and overall, as mentioned, it was a bit too expensive.
Since the restaurant doesn't have a website, I've photographed the main courses for you and am showing you some excerpts from the menu here. For example, at Connection in Munich's city center, you'll find stone-baked pizzas with various toppings from €8.80 to €13.90; pasta dishes from €9.90 to €14.90; antipasti and salads from €7.50 to €14.90; and Asian dishes from €10.20 to €16.80. As you can see, it's not exactly a cheap Italian restaurant, and you can definitely feel the city center location reflected in the prices. You can see more details in the photos. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this isn't the place for you. I constantly had to lean forward and into the table so my companion could hear me – perhaps that was also partly because she was sitting directly under the sound system. 🙂 Nevertheless, there's not much going on here where people sit quietly and listen to the clinking of glasses when toasting.
The service was excellent. There was absolutely nothing to complain about. Even when I wanted the scampi on the Caesar salad, which wasn't possible due to kitchen reasons, the waiter went out of his way to accommodate my request. For drinks, we opted for a Hugo (€5.90) and a Radler (€3.80). With tip, we paid €39. Not exactly cheap for two relatively simple salads without any frills and two drinks. However, considering the price, we would still come back, as the food wasn't bad. Generally speaking, the restaurant – despite its central location and the fact that I've walked past it countless times – had never crossed my mind as a place to visit. So I can honestly say that you can definitely eat here. Whether you can get better food, and especially more food, for the same price is another question. Italian restaurants are rather limited on the main shopping street in Munich. I would give it a try if I were you. Card payments are accepted. It's easy to get there by taking any S-Bahn to Marienplatz or Stachus and then walking a short distance. Subway lines 4 and 5 will take you to Stachus, lines 3 and 6 to Marienplatz. Have fun!
I'll be back: The food is fine, the service very friendly. Perhaps a bit too hectic for a relaxing and, above all, quiet evening. The prices are steep, but the food is delicious.
Place visited: Italy Connection
Address: Neuhauser Straße 5, 80335 Munich
Website
Pictures:
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