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You can reach „Ludwig 8“ via the courtyard or from here.“
LUDWIG 8 – Enjoy „colorful“ gourmet cuisine in the Ludwigpalais – When my companion and I recently left Ludwig 8 after a few hours – satisfied and happy – one of my first thoughts was how I would begin this article for you. Those who read my posts regularly know that this is always a good sign. Firstly, because immediately starting to think about it means I felt very comfortable in the restaurant, and secondly, because it always means there's a culinary recommendation for you. In this case, it's about Ludwig 8 in the Ludwigpalais, near Odeonsplatz. The somewhat hidden gourmet restaurant Ludwig 8 has been around since September 2018, minus, of course, the forced closure due to the pandemic. My companion and I were able to spend an evening there, enjoying warm service, good wines, and excellent cuisine. I want to share my experience with you now, as I'm sure far too few of you have had the chance to dine at the simply fantastic Ludwig 8. Come along and experience for yourself why it's worth getting to know the special concept, the great cuisine and the appealing atmosphere at Ludwig 8.
The „Carrot and fennel salad with mozzarella and fig“
Discover Ludwig 8 in the Ludwigpalais
One of the most important things to know about Ludwig 8: Here, gastronomy and gourmet cuisine are completely reimagined. Run by renowned restaurateur Florian Spitta, Ludwig 8 opens its doors daily at noon and offers a small, handwritten lunch menu. Former Michelin-starred chef Jakob Stüttgen (formerly of the Michelin-starred restaurant "Terrine") likes to describe his lunch menu as "canteen fare." As a guest, you simply choose something delicious from the small "L8 Canteen" board and enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere. The cuisine is light, regional, seasonal, and vibrant. Examples include "Lemon Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower, and King Prawn," "Carrot and Fennel Salad with Mozzarella and Fig," "Saffron Couscous with Aubergine and Chicory," or "Lamb Sausages with Celery Cream and Lettuce.".
This is how the evening menu will be presented to you – you will eat „according to color“.
Cozy, chic and definitely worth a visit: The gourmet restaurant Ludwig 8
In the evening, the cozy Ludwig 8 transforms into a gourmet restaurant with a concept that's truly unique in Munich. Specifically, this means that instead of a menu, you'll find a handwritten chalkboard listing around five different dishes – nothing too unusual at first glance. However, you don't necessarily choose a dish from this list. Instead, you wait for the friendly service at your table, perhaps even with Jakob Stüttgen himself, who will explain the concept and announce which course will be served next throughout the entire restaurant. That's right, in the evening, everyone eats the same course, served continuously, like a carousel. Each dish has a specific color – both on the menu and on the plate, corresponding to the primary ingredients used. Diners at Ludwig 8 don't have to worry about a thing; they can simply relax, sit down, and immerse themselves in the unfolding menu and the evening. Brilliant, isn't it? It doesn't matter where you start or which dish you choose, as the menu always starts again.
Don't worry, you're not obligated to try a certain number of dishes or even eat the entire evening menu. You're free to choose whichever dish you like and decide whether you want to try the whole menu in one go, or stop after one, two, or three dishes – completely spontaneously, just as you feel like it. At Ludwig 8, you're also welcome to simply stop by for a light lunch, a glass of good wine, or any dish you choose from the menu.
I recommend you try good wines in the form of a tasting menu.
The food and the procedure
To give you a better idea of what to expect at Ludwig 8, here are a few impressions of the creations I experienced during my visit. As mentioned, there's no beginning or end to the menu. Each dish complements the previous one and the next. Jakob Stüttgen places great emphasis on ensuring that all dishes are harmonious both individually and as a complete meal. So, whether you order just one dish or try the entire menu from start to finish, you'll have an absolutely unique culinary experience.
Our evening featured the following courses/plates for my companion and me: „white“ – celery cream, leek, white truffle foam, catfish with a nut crust; „green“ – fennel and mint wonton, wakame seaweed, braised lettuce, wasabi pea foam; „yellow“ – pumpkin risotto, caramelized chicory, tarragon, Duroc pork; „red“ – purple curry couscous, ginger plum, mushrooms, red cabbage, chestnut cream, duck ham; and „purple“ – beetroot and apple salad, blood orange reduction, gratinated goat cheese.
Each course is designed to be prepared vegetarian, or with meat or fish. The ingenious aspect, as Jakob Stüttgen himself explained, lies in the fact that no dish lacks that "certain something" when ordered without meat or fish. Rather, the dishes are always vegetarian at their core and can be enhanced with meat and/or fish. The foundation is always fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and ingredients, sourced as locally as possible. Take a look at the entire menu in my photo gallery at the end of the article.
Happy before the first plate of the evening – the „white“ creation“
My personal experience report
What makes a good restaurant in your eyes? – Of course, delicious food and good company at the table, but the whole experience is just as important, right? – As I always say: If the chef is having an off day, I'll come back if everything else was great and I received warm service; however, if I don't feel comfortable, even the best food can't redeem my overall experience. Here at Ludwig 8, you definitely enjoy the "all-inclusive package" and feel right at home or at a friend's house. 🙂
Immediately after being seated, we were offered a choice of water and wine, and everything was explained to us again. Jakob Stüttgen even greeted us personally at the table. Since it was a bit chilly during our visit, we didn't sit on the cozy sun terrace in the courtyard of the Ludwigpalais, but instead chose one of the tables decorated with fresh flowers. We arrived for the "white" plate and it was a real hit. The combination of celery cream, leek, white truffle foam, catfish, and nut crust remained my companion's favorite of the evening until the very end. I felt similarly, although I personally preferred the "red course" described above, with the ginger plum and duck ham. Anyone who enjoys good, varied food will immediately recognize that this is truly exceptional. The price of each dish in our menu was a very fair nine euros. The portions are intentionally not too large; for a medium appetite, two to three plates are usually sufficient, depending on whether you also order meat and fish – you will, of course, be asked about this at the beginning. If you eat all five plates, you will go home satisfied, but not overstuffed.
Perfect with „red“ and „purple“, the Réserve del Conte 2017
The first course was a racy white wine from the Moselle, a truly excellent 2018 Riesling from Markus Molitor, traditionally vinified, with an elegant balance of expressive minerality and delicate fruit – ideal with the first courses. From the red course onwards, we switched to red wine and enjoyed a 2017 Réserve del Conte, aged for 12 months in oak barrels – a blend of Merlot (40%), Lagrein (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) from vineyards surrounding the Manincor estate. Its full texture with juicy tannins and low acidity with plenty of extract made this wine a perfect match for the red and purple courses as well. So, be sure to treat yourself to a glass or two of wine with your meal, or perhaps a Moselle Riesling is simply a great choice for a spontaneous after-work drink.
Other important things
Ludwig 8 isn't just for a relaxed lunch or a cozy yet sophisticated gourmet dinner; you can also book it for business and private events of all kinds. So, if you're looking for a venue, get in touch with the team directly. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and eager to help you plan your individual event according to the concept described above. I think it's perfect that they can easily create a gourmet experience for vegetarians as well.
The „purple“ plate from the evening menu with goat cheese – absolutely delicious!
Be sure to check out the tranquil courtyard terrace. It's another example of why it's always worthwhile to explore new places in Munich, wander through courtyards, and try new things. The terrace is very cozy and quiet, and the atmosphere – like in the restaurant – is very relaxed.
Key facts and conclusion
Ludwig 8 is easily accessible by any tram line that goes to Odeonsplatz, as well as several Munich bus lines. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, but you can also try your luck spontaneously – Jakob and his team always make sure you find a spot and feel comfortable.
My conclusion is clear: anyone who doesn't visit Ludwig 8 is missing out. Culinary delights, a wonderful atmosphere, and simply a beautiful memory. For me, this gourmet restaurant is already one of my new favorites. Dishes from a former Michelin-starred chef in a unique concept at fair prices. A must-see!
+++ This article was created in cooperation with the restaurant "Ludwig 8". Thank you! +++
Ludwig 8 | Ludwigstrasse 8, 80539 Munich
Details: Daily changing dishes at lunchtime; gourmet menus/dishes in the evening.
in a unique „carousel concept“ – each dish has a color, and the same course is always served throughout the entire restaurant.
Opening hours: daily from 12 noon
Website
Contact via telephone: 08921566100
Pictures:
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- You can reach „Ludwig 8“ via the courtyard or from here.“
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- This is how the evening menu will be presented to you – you will eat „according to color“.“
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- Happy before the first plate of the evening – the „white“ creation“
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- Cozy, chic and definitely worth a visit: The gourmet restaurant Ludwig 8
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- I recommend you try good wines in the form of a tasting menu.
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- Perfect with "red" and "purple", the
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