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The Gourmet Bar
Gourmet Bar at the Novotel Munich City Arnulfpark – I've thoroughly disproven the notion that you can't eat well in hotels with my numerous reviews of excellent hotel restaurants over the past few years. However, being served bread baked in the hotel's own bakery, in a wide variety of types, is truly something special and unique in Munich. The selection of the finest Italian hams and cheeses, as well as excellent antipasti and salads at the generous deli counter of the Gourmet Bar, is also a highlight. All this and much more is part of the Gourmet Bar at the Novotel Munich City Arnulfpark, which opened in September 2015. That was reason enough for me to take a closer look at the Gourmet Bar, to stop by, relax, eat, and try it out.
First, let's talk about what is probably the most distinctive feature of the Gourmet Bar: an in-house bakery where not only is everything homemade, but the bread and baguettes are said to taste better than in Paris – quite a bold claim, wouldn't you say? We'll see. The hotel also boasts an attractive bar with a cozy design, a bright and inviting restaurant area, and a friendly little library complete with a children's play corner. In fact, the entire ground floor of the Notvotel is dedicated to the Gourmet Bar, restaurant, and breakfast area, all with a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. Imagine the Gourmet Bar as a giant living room. For example, the reception area occupies a very small and almost inconspicuous section of the hotel, and you practically step into the Gourmet Bar as soon as you enter.
The fresh food counter
High-quality ham and cheese varieties
The fresh food counter of the gourmet bar
The first thing that undoubtedly catches the eye is the colorful, fresh, and diverse deli counter, complete with an original Berkel slicer, fresh breads, and high-quality products. Italian ham (Coppa di Parma, San Daniele ham, Finocchionape salami, etc.), various cheeses (goat cheese, Mare Montante, Camembert de Normandie, Comté Extra AOC, etc.), antipasti and salads (from Kugler delicatessen in Munich), desserts in glasses (crumble, tiramisu, etc.), as well as cakes and tarts are all available. On my first visit, I helped myself at the counter and sampled ham, cheese, antipasti, salads, fish, and more. Afterward, I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino from the screen-printed coffee machine. Everything in the gourmet bar is incredibly fresh and of top quality. Take a look at the pictures! Fans of high-quality products, or anyone who likes to snack on ham, cheese, and the like here and there, should be satisfied with a small, freely assembled selection of these – whether as a starter or a snack in between.
Selection of individual homemade bread varieties
The in-house bakery
Part of my first test, of course, included sampling the diverse and highly praised breads offered by the Gourmet Bar and its in-house bakery. These breads are baked by the passionate baker Mike Fischer, who also creates the unique bread recipes for the Gourmet Bar and its bakery. He's always experimenting and developing new ideas. For example, by using the finest French flours from the "Grands Moulins de Paris" mill, he produces particularly delicate breads with a crisp crust. The dough for the baguettes, for instance, rests for up to 48 hours before baking. True craftsmanship, high-quality ingredients, and ample time for preparation play a crucial role. A total of six different varieties are regularly available. From the "Stone Mill House Bread," the "Malty Pumpkin Seed Bread," and the "Spelt Crescent," to "Fischer's Crispy Ancient Crust," the "Rye Loaf Vinschgau Style," and the classic "Baguette de Pain," there's something for everyone. Indeed, the breads live up to their promise: they are incredibly fluffy and soft, with a crust that has just the right bite – neither too hard nor too soft. You can clearly taste the main flavor component in each variety, giving you the distinct taste of "real bread" – a world apart from other hotel bread offerings. My favorites were the baguette and the half-moon bread made with spelt flour (100%) and topped with flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Delicious! This, combined with good butter (served alongside) and fine ham, cheese (or even a main course) from the menu, is sure to be a culinary hit.
Cozy, isn't it?
Service, ambiance and atmosphere
I planned my next visit, which I'd already started planning during my first stay, to try the regular menu. So, I came back again with my companion. This time it was an evening, and I was pleasantly surprised once more, right from the moment I walked in. To put it simply, the Gourmet Bar is a cozy place that makes you want to linger. Besides the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, I especially liked the overall atmosphere. It wasn't cold, sterile, or like the sometimes misconceptions one has about "hotel restaurants." It was more like an inviting living room atmosphere, complete with subtle lighting, carpeting, and sofas with large cushions. Quite unlike lunchtime (my first visit), the Gourmet Bar's ambiance in the evening transformed into a relaxed, homey lounge. People were eating, reading, laughing, and chatting everywhere. At the bar next to the deli counter, some guests were having a drink, others were playing with their children in the specially set up children's corner, while other guests were paying attention to the pictures on the large TV wall.
Black Angus Steak (350 grams)
Offer, selection and evaluation of the food
After glancing around the bar, I turned my attention to the DIN A3-sized menu that had been brought to me and my companion. The menu is divided into several sections: tapas (from the deli counter, such as olives, Greek feta cheese, deli salads, etc.) with homemade bread, salads, soups, bestsellers, and drinks (soft drinks, water, wines, hot drinks, cocktails, and beers). The so-called bestsellers offer something for everyone. The selection is quite manageable, yet well-organized. Fish, meat, salad, steak, pasta, sandwiches, and burgers are available for between €13.50 and €39.50. For that price, however, you'd have to order a Black Angus rump steak (350 grams) with chili fries and a small salad. This is exactly what my companion did during my visit. Before that, though, we shared two appetizers, since I was already familiar with the antipasti. I opted for the (vegan, by the way) coconut and kaffir lime soup (€6.50), while my companion ordered the Caesar salad with pan-fried chicken breast, croutons, and Parmesan (€13.50). This salad isn't listed as a starter and would easily fill you up as a main course. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of both dishes. The soup was nicely spiced and intensely flavorful. The bread croutons were served in a separate pot, and the amount of chicken breast in the well-portioned Caesar salad was exceptionally generous. A small bowl of fresh bread is also available as an alternative.
The empty plates were quickly cleared, and the chosen main courses arrived promptly, though not too quickly. (Something I really dislike – when you've just put down your fork from the appetizer plate and the waiter is already waiting with the schnitzel and steak.) I couldn't resist and ordered the Wiener Schnitzel (veal schnitzel) in breadcrumbs with fries and a small salad (for €23.50). Unfortunately, this brings me to my only criticism of the entire experience: the appearance of the schnitzel – combined with the hefty price tag – was a bit disappointing. Take a look at the photo. Sadly, it was rather carelessly presented and breaded in such a way that the breading fell off as soon as I picked it up to cut it. Taste-wise, if you ignore the appearance, both my companion and I found it very tasty. It was nice and thin, not oily or tough at all. Just how a schnitzel should taste. Presentation matters, and it could have been done a bit more attractively, don't you think? However, the Angus rump steak I ordered was all the more appealing. It was cooked to perfection, earning a top mark in terms of doneness. The meat was of superb quality and the right choice down to the last bite. The meat was served individually on a plate, while the side dishes were presented separately in small bowls or baskets. This is a common practice for steak, but as mentioned, it was a visual disappointment for the schnitzel, even if it didn't affect the taste. I think it would have been nicer to arrange the salad or fries directly with the meat to make the plate look more appealing. Nevertheless, it tasted great.
For a sweet finish, I had a small apple tart, along with an espresso macchiato. It arrived promptly and piping hot, which isn't always the case. The tart was delicious and also wonderfully fresh. Alternatively, there were various desserts served in small glasses, but I'll treat myself to those next time, as I plan to return. The open and relaxed atmosphere makes you feel neither like you're in a hotel nor a restaurant – more like you're in a living room where you can also sit, work, and relax (with free Wi-Fi, by the way). Oh yes: The wine selection is manageable but well-curated. During my visit, I opted for a 0.2l glass of dry Pinot Gris from the Kaiserstuhl winery for €7.90. In total, there are three red wines, three white wines, and one rosé to choose from. The wine list at the gourmet bar doesn't get any more expensive than the aforementioned Pinot Gris, which costs €28 for a 0.75l bottle. Cocktails are also offered – seven alcoholic classics (from €10.50), as well as two non-alcoholic drinks (for €9.50).
Wiener Schnitzel made from milk-fed veal
Key facts and personal conclusion
All in all, my visit to the Gourmet Bar was a highly recommended experience. Firstly, because the service is incredibly attentive, friendly, and genuine; secondly, because the atmosphere is wonderful and everything just clicks. The quality of the individual products and dishes is excellent; only the presentation of my schnitzel warrants a minor deduction. I would and will definitely return, especially since I fell in love with the fresh baguette and bread. At the Gourmet Bar, you're just as welcome for a glass of wine as you are for a leisurely meal or a quick meeting.
I definitely recommend checking out the Gourmet Bar. It's well worth a visit and a real pleasure to sit and eat there. Even as a Munich resident, it's perfectly acceptable to dine at a hotel. 😉 The Gourmet Bar, with its well-thought-out concept and in-house bakery, makes it especially enjoyable. The hotel also offers a generous breakfast buffet, which is open to non-guests (for €19 per person). (Breakfast is served Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 10:30 am and on Sundays and public holidays until 12:00 pm). Public transport will take you directly to the hotel, or you can easily park in the surrounding streets or in the hotel's underground car park. Have fun at the Gourmet Bar, and perhaps we'll see you there?!
Details:
Restaurant: Gourmet bar including in-house bakery
Address: Arnulfstraße 57, 80335 Munich
Website
Pictures:
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- Selection of individual homemade bread varieties
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- Black Angus Steak (350 grams)
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- Wiener Schnitzel made from milk-fed veal
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- Cozy, isn't it?
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