There’s something about Ledererstrasse. Despite being pretty much next door to Munich’s biggest tourist attraction, the Hofbräuhaus, this little alley still manages to maintain its cool, with a host of funky shops, bars and the Cortiina Design Hotel. So it comes as no surprise to hear of the newest arrival on the street—Unique (Ledererstrasse 14, Tel. 24 20 92 22). This shoe shop / café sounds like the stuff Carrie Bradshaw’s dreams are made of. Go check it out!
But why stop at shoes? With a couple of double espressos to boost that shopping stamina, check out the Armani Caffé in the Fünf Höfe (Theatinerstrasse 12, Tel. 55 05 28 16). Italian owner Davide De Matteis, formerly of Schumann’s Tagesbar, has just taken over this chic little spot, and is promising to knock down the designer prices. Soups now start at € 5 and mains at € 11.50, and after-work specials are also offered on Thursday evenings. What’s more, the bar’s new terrace on Theatinerstrasse is the perfect place to sup an aperitif on a spring evening, and let your mind drift off to bella Italia…
There’s more Italian action to be found on Prinzregentenplatz—with the opening of upmarket restaurant Sottovoce (Prinzregentenplatz 23, Tel. 470 62 77)—and in the Old Town, where Falckenberg has opened at Hildegardstrasse 4 (Tel. 24 24 36 49).
Fans of the Riva Bar, meanwhile, will be thrilled to hear that the ever-packed pizzeria in Tal has opened a new branch in Schwabing (Feilitzschstrasse 4, Tel. 309 05 18 08). And, get this—they stay open until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Beats a dodgy kebab stand when you get those post-pub munchies!
Or, you could try the newly opened Alhambra (Schwanthalerstrasse 13, Tel. 54 88 17), which is also open until 5 am on weekends. Chill on big divans as you nibble away at the Moorish-Spanish tapas on offer, or prop yourself at the bar, which offers a range of coffees, teas and hot chocolates. There’s DJ entertainment after 10 pm each evening, and summer promises to see the opening of the bar’s rooftop terrace, offering one of the best views in town.
Those who prefer the comfort of their own sofa should take a look at the new delivery service offered by Sushibar 2 (Heimeranstrasse 37, Tel. 51 26 29 51), which describes itself as providing “sushi for connoisseurs.” Simply click your way through the Website, www.sushibar-muc.de, popping whatever you fancy into your shopping basket. Delivery within Munich is free and there’s a minimum order value of € 12.
It’s worth dragging yourself out of the house for the revamped menu on offer at Café Atlas (Innere Wiener Strasse 2, Tel. 480 29 97), which is under new ownership. Take our word for it—you’re in for some huge portions of top-quality food. Dishes range from salads to Asian specialties to very reasonably priced steaks, straight off a lava-stone grill. While you’re there, don’t forget to try the café’s light and crispy homemade potato chips. Delish…
Speaking of homemade… the backlash against mass budget bakeries (well it was never going to go down well in Germany, was it?) is underway. Brotraum, a traditional bakery that supplies Munich hotels and restaurants, has opened a café / lounge in Schwabing (Herzogstrasse 6, Tel. 76 10 21). One taste of the made-to-order bread and you may never set foot in a Back Factory again.
