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Acquarello is an Italian restaurant on Mühlbaurstrasse in Bogenhausen, not far from Prinzregentenplatz, and is also known as one of Munich's most expensive Italian restaurants. It boasts two Michelin stars, and its reputation precedes it. Well, what can I say? First of all: If you're hungry, or if you even plan on eating for more than five minutes, save your money. Regular readers know that I'm quite willing to pay a bit more for good food. In Munich, that's simply part of the experience, and if you want to eat well and in a high-end setting, you have to pay. But here, I was truly taken aback. Not even by the amount of the bill, but rather by the sheer quantity of food.
My companion and I chose this restaurant, which boasts a Michelin star and is supposedly among the 100 best restaurants in the world, for a special occasion, and were unfortunately quite disappointed – at least regarding the portion sizes. Naturally, one would expect to receive appropriately modest portions in such a restaurant, given the ambiance, but this was, frankly, bordering on an insult. Sorry, dear Acquarello team.
Let's start with the positives: The restaurant's ambiance is truly wonderful, very chic and elegant; you feel a bit transported back in time: Warmly lit ceilings, yellow walls painted with "sea views," cozy lighting, light blue upholstered chairs made of white wood, yellow retro-style fabric lamps, an olive tree in the middle of the restaurant, white tablecloths, gold mirrors, and beautifully set tables. The restaurant is visually divided by a shoulder-length, light brown upholstered leather wall.
Immediately upon entering, we were shown to our table by the friendly waiters – we hadn't made a reservation. When we visited Acquarello on a weekday evening, only two or three of the approximately 25 tables in the restaurant were occupied. We sat down and immediately felt comfortable in the atmosphere. The very attentive and friendly waiter suggested a menu (from memory, of course) to us in great detail right after we were seated. We listened patiently, but still chose from the menu. Menu We ordered our food. After deciding on two main courses, we didn't have to wait long. Everything was served simultaneously, of course. My choices: I chose mushrooms on fish with potato baskets, and my companion ordered spaghetti with scampi for two.
Well… let me put it this way: We paid €100 for the evening, didn't drink a single glass of wine, and were both still very hungry when we left the restaurant. Generally speaking, a successful evening in a great restaurant is often worth that amount, especially if you have fond memories of it. However, on this particular visit, I actually finished my main course with three forks – and I'm not exaggerating. The potato basket was about 2 by 2 cm, and the fish – despite its tenderness – disappeared in one bite. Just take a look at the photo. My companion's pasta was very tasty – and the bite of fish was also quite good – but at €48, the spaghetti was absolutely overpriced (€48 for a plate of pasta that was clearly meant for two people and could just about be considered a normal portion). The exceptionally friendly waiter explained to both of us in great detail how our food was prepared and what ingredients it contained before placing our plates on our small table. While very nice and in keeping with the ambiance and reputation, it wasn't necessary or fitting to then be annoyed that you've spent €100 but haven't satisfied your hunger. We only ordered a bottle of still water to drink. As a complimentary appetizer, we received a small ball of cheese with herbs, served on a white porcelain spoon – a nice appetizer.
We finished our meal – which, as mentioned, was tasty – but the portions were far too small, relatively quickly, and left Acquarello somewhat disappointed. As I've said again, I'm used to paying more even for small portions, because in Munich, you're paying for quality, ambiance, and a restaurant's reputation. However, this was actually a bit excessive. "Otherwise," there was nothing to complain about. The staff is very courteous, attentive, and always remains unobtrusive. The food is okay – nothing exceptionally delicious – but acceptable. The atmosphere is pleasant, yet you don't linger longer than necessary to finish your meal, which I usually like to do, especially when you have something to celebrate or want to end the evening nicely.
Card payments are accepted in the restaurant.
Place visited: Aquarello
Address: Mühlbaurstraße 36, 81677 Munich
Website
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