SPECIAL: „Mein Lieblingsitaliener“ – #5 Menzingers – Untermenzing/Nymphenburg

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Menzingers is the fifth restaurant in my "My Favorite Italian" test series, which includes a total of ten fantastic Italian restaurants – all part of Munich's "My Favorite Italian." In other words, Menzingers was my halfway point in this project and a wonderful experience combined with great food. My companion and I reserved a table for 8:00 PM on a Friday evening. Because I was quite early, we arrived at 7:40 – but no such luck. At Menzingers, you shouldn't arrive too early, and certainly not without a reservation, as every table was completely full. However, we got our table at exactly 8:00 PM. That alone speaks volumes about the restaurant's popularity. I also found it particularly nice and thoughtful that we were offered a glass of Prosecco while we waited – despite our early arrival. Very thoughtful. (If that were always the case when I had to wait somewhere because I was early, I'd be an alcoholic by now ;-)…but that's another story).

As other guests left the restaurant, we were immediately given a small table for two with a white tablecloth amidst the bustling and cozy Menzingers. The restaurant is quite chic yet comfortably furnished. Dark wooden beamed walls; stylish wallpaper; three different types of designer lamps providing a cozy light; a prominent bar – also in dark wood – with a chicly plastered gray wall; numerous tables with white tablecloths; and overall a very lively and pleasant atmosphere. As soon as we sat down, we were given the menus and asked for our drink orders. I was incredibly hungry because I'd been on my feet all day and had barely had time to eat. I opted for an aperitif with raspberry syrup and Chardonnay sparkling wine (for €4.60) and a still water. Even before the drinks arrived, we were given a bread basket with incredibly delicious and soft bread, as well as a generous amount of breadsticks – which, of course, I immediately devoured because I was so hungry. 🙂 However, the friendly waiter didn't keep us waiting long and we were able to order our pre-selected food.

The menu offers everything from classic fare to exquisite fish dishes from the weekly specials – everything your heart desires. For a starter, I chose an incredibly delicious pumpkin cream soup with truffles (€6.50). My companion opted for a fish soup (€14.80). Admittedly, not exactly cheap for a starter, but once you saw the soup with its generous garnish, you would have agreed that the price was reasonable (and perhaps panicked about having to eat a main course and dessert afterward ;-)). The soups – I naturally tasted both – were absolutely delicious. My pumpkin soup had a subtle hint of truffle and was beautifully creamy and thick. (I think that's how a cream soup should be made...). The fish soup contained salmon, scampi, mussels, and various types of fish, and tasted fantastic. You should definitely try it if you're generally open to trying new things. After we finished the soups, the second course arrived about 20 minutes later. I opted for swordfish with porcini mushrooms, cranberries, spinach, and rosemary potatoes (€23.50), while my companion chose the various fresh grilled fish (€22.90). My swordfish was divine. It was so tender it practically fell apart with a fork. The combination of cranberries, potatoes, and mushrooms was new to me but wonderful. The spinach had an intense garlicky flavor—which I love—and if you have a date afterward, I recommend a mouthwash! 🙂 The portion was enormous—two large pieces of swordfish, along with the side dish, graced my plate. My companion's fish platter was just as generous. I naturally sampled everything and was equally impressed. They use a bit more oil here, meaning the fish was slightly oilier than you might be used to, but it worked well in the overall combination and wasn't at all bothersome. If you're not a fan of oil, you can always mention it beforehand. The meal concluded with a "small" crème brûlée and a classic tiramisu (each €6.50). I can usually eat a lot, but unfortunately, I couldn't quite manage it all. My companion helped me out with the swordfish, and the exceptionally delicious dessert with its crunchy sugar-caramel layer was the final straw. I did try the tiramisu, though 😉, and was pleasantly surprised. Tiramisu always sounds so simple, but it's often ruined. Not so at Menzingers. Overall, apart from being completely unable to move, which I attribute to my previous bread binge, I was extremely satisfied with the meal.

The service didn't detract from Menzingers' otherwise excellent presentation. Competent, friendly, and in good spirits (the waiter even offered to finish my plate if I couldn't manage it ;-)), the staff was attentive. Our dishes were always served simultaneously, attractively presented, and piping hot. Although Menzingers was quite busy until we left, the atmosphere in the restaurant and among the staff remained consistently pleasant. Unfortunately, I've witnessed waiters arguing and snapping at each other in front of guests before, which often detracts from the overall experience and comfort, as one naturally wants to feel good and enjoy a meal in a restaurant – and at Menzingers, that's definitely possible.

Summer may be over now, but if the sun's rays beckon you one last time, you can sit and eat outside in comfort here. The restaurant boasts a wonderful terrace with plenty of seating. For cooler days, patio heaters will keep you warm. Even though it started raining when we left, many tables were occupied. As you can see, Menzingers is popular. Although it's a bit outside the city center, I highly recommend a visit. Say hi to the friendly restaurant owner, Amadeo Trocali, for me. 🙂

I'll be back: Absolutely. Very friendly service, a very cozy atmosphere, and fish dishes par excellence.

Place visited: Menzingers
Address: Menzinger Straße 123, 80997 Munich
Website

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