CAFE LUITPOLD – SUNSET MENÜ – Altstadt

+++ Advertisement: This post was created in cooperation with Café Luitpold. Thank you! +++

The other evening, I had a mini-vacation right in the middle of Munich's popular Briennerstrasse. Yes, really – after my meal, my companion and I got up from the table and felt like we were on holiday after dinner, surrounded by complete relaxation, good cheer, and a summery atmosphere. How did I manage that? 😉 With a visit to Cafe Luitpold and their summery Sunset Menu. I can only tell you: Try it – whether it's for a cozy dinner, a gift for a special occasion, a surprise, or a romantic date! I'd actually love to stop writing here and let you discover for yourselves how delicious the menu is and how relaxing it is, for example, on the large terrace with its numerous tables in the sun – but don't worry… there's more. 😉

Anyone who follows my page regularly knows: I've mentioned, recommended, and written about Cafe Luitpold countless times, and even visited it a few months ago with National Geographic for a film shoot. I've always loved coming here. Whether it's for a delicious breakfast, a refreshing drink, a relaxed lunch, dinner, or just a quick stop for a bag of fresh (and absolutely delicious!) petit fours – I simply can't resist Cafe Luitpold, and that's no exaggeration. Anyone who thinks of a typical "grandma's cafe" with boring coffee and simple cakes when they hear "cafe" is mistaken. Most Munich residents are probably already familiar with "the Luitpold" and can confirm my opinion. So, a call to the younger generation: Come to Luitpold, forget the "cafe" part, and see for yourselves. (You might even spot me eating somewhere in the corner...)

To be more precise: Here you can sit either in the restaurant, with its soaring ceilings nestled among ornate columns, at dark tables in small, secluded seating areas, or in the beautiful, adjoining vestibule. Luitpold can be entered directly through the truly breathtaking vestibule or via the aforementioned restaurant area, which also houses the popular confectionery. They really do have everything that tastes delicious. (And I can't resist mentioning again the best petit fours in Munich! You absolutely must try them!) All the baked goods, chocolates, and other treats are made right here at Cafe Luitpold and then displayed in the enormous showcase, which, along with the bar, dominates the restaurant area. I honestly couldn't leave the cafe once without buying something, even if it was just a scoop of fresh ice cream from Cafe Luitpold's little ice cream stand (for a reasonable €1.20) – even though I'd already managed to leave. You don't even have to go inside; you can grab it from the street.

But back to the topic… My last visit was just a few days ago, and I'd been really looking forward to it for weeks. Since I eat out so much, I have to admit that, as with everything, a routine inevitably sets in at some point, and the anticipation and excitement for an upcoming restaurant visit become somewhat limited. Not so in this case. I was really looking forward to the upcoming sunset menu at Luitpold. I had made a reservation in advance (you should too, especially for dinner) and therefore knew exactly when it would be. On the evening in question, my companion and I were given a wonderful spot on the terrace. There are numerous tables there – some in the shade right by the front of the building, but also some with direct sunlight. The ambiance is wonderful! The chairs, for example, are modeled after the original seating from the early 20th century, the tables are covered with white tablecloths in the evening, a small lounge area with a corner sofa is available for relaxing, there are beautiful blooming flowers everywhere and overall it's simply a great spot to sit – right in the city center.

Now, on to the menu: Right from the start, my companion and I were served a refreshing aperitif, a punch-based drink with champagne and fresh berries. It was wonderful, and I had to restrain myself from emptying the entire glass in one go. 😉 Around the same time, a bread basket arrived filled with fresh mixed breads, butter, and a delicate basil pesto with sun-dried tomatoes. The bread, by the way—I asked because it was so wonderfully fluffy and soft—came from the Meier bakery in Starnberg. Bread is always a bit of a temptation—you're hungry, you know something delicious is coming, and then there's this tempting bread in front of you. It's so tempting, of course, and before you know it, you're full from the bread basket. 😉 In this case, however, I managed to restrain myself and only tried a slice of each type with pesto and butter. It was delicious, and my discipline paid off, as I was then able to enjoy the wonderful menu even more.

We started with burrata with sun-dried apricots and roasted pine nuts. I don't need to say much more – just look at the photo and you'll know how delicious it was. Truly exquisite and perfect for the hot weather. (Burrata, by the way, is a special type of mozzarella made from cow's milk, with cream and mozzarella strands inside.) It tastes delicious, very soft, and the combination with the apricots makes it an unbeatable starter. The appetizer was accompanied by a wonderful 2013 rosé – 'Le Rosé' Coteaux de Languedoc Rosé AC, Ma des Dames from France. For the main course, we had tuna steak wrapped in Serrano ham on a bed of nutty arugula and sautéed cherry tomatoes. Amazing! The tuna was absolutely fantastic, and I could easily have devoured another plate (yes, I can eat a lot...). My companion, for example, wouldn't have necessarily needed the Serrano ham wrapping around the fish, just to intensify the tuna flavor, but I'll chalk that up to a "first-world problem." 😉 Of course, you can decide for yourselves whether you want it with your meal or not. With the excellent main course, we drank a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Klassik from Schneeberger in Styria. Personally, I always enjoy Sauvignon Blanc the most, along with Pinot Gris, and in this case, it was a particularly harmonious pairing with the tuna. Last but not least: dessert! A buttermilk fritter with blueberry ice cream. I think it's enough to tell you that I devoured my companion's plate, as she had to leave earlier for an appointment. We were also very well catered for with alcohol, namely with an Italian sweet wine, an "I Capetelli" from Italy, vintage 2008. I like anything sweet anyway, but this wine – mmmh – you should definitely try it.

It's also worth mentioning that you'll soon find the aforementioned wines and many more on the newly revised wine list, which features numerous fine wines. You absolutely must try the Italian sweet wine and the rosé, or better yet, book the set menu for yourself and your loved ones. At €36, the price is definitely fair—where else in Munich can you find a three-course meal in such a top-notch setting? And if you're completely vegetarian, a lemon risotto instead of tuna is a great option. 😉

If you've been thinking, "Bianca, just stop already!" for a while now, then go ahead! 😉 I absolutely have to tell you about their relatively new Power Breakfast (served between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.). Cafe Luitpold offers a breakfast of overnight oats, fresh berries, and a green smoothie for €11.80 per person. The smoothie is made with cloudy pear juice, celery, spinach, cucumber, and parsley. Sounds very healthy—and it is, plus it's the perfect way to start the day. Give it a try! "No time!" is no excuse—it's also available to go. 😉 If that sounds a bit too green for you, don't worry. All the breakfasts at Luitpold are delicious, filling, and delicious. I've already tried almost everything on the menu. And the main courses, too, to be honest. Whether you choose a dish from the regular menu or enjoy one of the daily specials (available every day until 5 pm) – think of Luitpold more often when you're in the city center. You won't regret it.

You should book the Sunset Menu right away. Firstly, because it's worth it, and secondly, because all good things are fleeting (meaning the menu isn't available forever), and your friend will surely be delighted if you surprise them with a delicious meal. Cafe Luitpold also issues gift vouchers. Believe me! It works. 😉

I'll be back: I'm already on my way. 😉

Place visited: Cafe Luitpold
Address: Briennerstraße 11, 80333 Munich
Website: Cafe Luitpold

Pictures: