IL CIGNO RISTORANTE – Haidhausen – italienisch

+ + + Advertisement + + +

Some time ago, my companion and I had dinner at Il Cigno Ristorante in Haidhausen. I was actually in the mood for Bavarian food, but since I was very cold that evening, we spontaneously decided to go to Il Cigno near Munich's East Station without a reservation. All in all, a good decision.

The restaurant was almost fully booked during our visit, and all of the approximately 30 tables, each with a white tablecloth, were occupied. We were shown to a small table at the front, which, although very close to the other tables, was still cozy. As soon as we entered the restaurant, a friendly waiter approached me and ensured that we didn't have to wait long.

The restaurant has a very pleasant and cozy atmosphere: high ceilings with original stucco, large French windows, lots of Italian and traditional decorations (such as an old Italian moped on the windowsill, colanders on the walls, sheaves of grain in the corners, and much more). Dark wood paneling, candlelight, and soft background music create a welcoming ambiance, though the music was unfortunately turned off after a disgruntled guest complained (He should try an Indian restaurant sometime! ;-)). Overall, the atmosphere is very comfortable, and although the tables are quite close together, as mentioned, and you can (or rather, have to) overhear conversations at the next table, my companion and I felt quite at ease.

After looking through the menu, I ordered an antipasti platter as a starter. It wasn't anything groundbreakingly extraordinary, but quite tasty, attractively presented, and I would order it again. It was filled with the typical Italian delicacies one expects from antipasti (see photo). My main course, the truffle pasta, which wasn't on the menu but on the additional weekly specials on the wall, was unfortunately quite expensive, and I briefly wondered if pasta could really be worth almost 20 euros. I decided "yes" 😉, chose it, and received some of the best truffle pasta I've ever eaten – I can definitely recommend it. The truffle slices were a bit sparingly distributed on the pasta, but there was plenty of truffle oil. (I know that truffle oil is somewhat frowned upon in connoisseur circles, but I was quite happy with my dish in this combination.) The pizza my companion ordered was also delicious – not too bland or crispy – and generously topped with mushrooms, ham, olives, and cheese. The dough was also neither too thin nor too thick. Personally, I don't like it when a pizza is so thin in the middle that you practically have to tear it rather than cut it; on the other hand, I also don't like it when I feel like I've ordered a cheesy pizza with an extra-thick crust at Pizza Hut. 😉

The waiters were very friendly yet discreet. Lately, especially in nicer restaurants, I've noticed that waiters come to the table every five minutes to ask if everything is alright, refill the water, change the tea light, adjust the flowers, etc. 😉 Sure, these are all gestures of good service, but they're also a bit excessive, and you feel slightly watched and—at least I do—constantly bothered. At first, we unfortunately had to wait a while for our drinks after ordering—which was certainly due to it being a Friday evening and the restaurant being full. Something else I appreciated and would like to mention: I asked for a straw with my Hugo, and the waiter brought it on a napkin without touching it directly with his fingers. Unfortunately, I've often experienced waiters simply sticking the straw into my drink after I've asked for one, even touching the area where I put it in my mouth—not very nice, and all the better here, as my hygiene concerns were definitely met. 🙂

The dessert I chose – the tiramisu – was excellent. I hadn't actually planned to eat it, as I'm not a big tiramisu fan, but after my "test forkful," I simply couldn't stop. So definitely order it if you're there.

At almost €50, it's not exactly a cheap dinner, but highly recommended for delicious food and an authentic Italian atmosphere. Around 9:45 pm, things quieted down, allowing for relaxed conversation and enjoying a Hugo (after stirring it ;-)…). Suitable for romantic dates, evenings with friends, colleagues, or even clients. All in all, a very classic and recommendable Italian restaurant.

I'll be back: Yes, especially for delicious truffle pasta and when I want to eat in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Place visited: Il Cigno Ristorante and Pizzeria
Address: Wörthstraße 39, 81667 Munich
Website: unavailable

Pictures: