Smoke-free Dining in Munich
When I stopped smoking 20 years ago, I soon began to notice several profound and positive results the decision had on my life. Without the need for constant smoke breaks, I gained an immense amount of productive time, I experienced a much greater level of physical well-being and, best of all, I recovered my sense of taste and smell. The only negative consequence, however, was that I had to greatly reduce the frequency of my restaurant visits. Many of my old favorite spots were filled with billowing clouds of the putrid-smelling, unhealthy fog I had wanted to escape by quitting. When I added dry-cleaning costs for dresses, jackets and suits to the price of the meal, it wasn’t exactly an incentive to go out to eat.
Fortunately, all that has begun to change. The French recently banned smoking in their restaurants. Even though they find having a butt in the corner of the mouth to be a matter of national character, there was no problem with the transition. The Italians followed suit, and there wasn’t a revolution anywhere because of it. On the contrary, restaurants in both countries have since experienced a significant increase in customers and, therefore, food sales. . Yet German politicians and restaurant-owners—with the significant support of the tobacco lobby—still continue to argue that freedom and democracy come under fire when citizens can no longer light up in bars and eateries.
In Munich, however, it is increasingly the case that the best restaurants with the most ambitious kitchens have instituted anti-smoking policies that include the designation of smoke-free areas, or even complete bans on smoking. One-third of the top 25 restaurants in the city are partly or completely smoke-free. It’s no wonder, because an insensitive tongue tarmacked with nicotine is practically an insult to the subtleties of good cuisine. Here, for nonsmokers who don’t have a taste for the unoriginal and industrial chow of McDonald’s, Starbucks and the like, is a list of some restaurants with smoking bans or smoke-free rooms. Restaurants with only smoke-free zones are not included here, because that seems to be little more than a half-hearted solution, only slightly better than a fully smoke-filled establishment. Perhaps the city’s restaurant-owners will begin to take further action when they realize that the gourmands still come out in droves even when smoking is no longer allowed.
Our recommendations all offer exquisite quality at adequate prices and are all worth a visit.
Broeding, Neuhausen, Shculstr. 9, tel. 16 42 38. Open Tues.-Sat., 7 pm-1 am. Closed Sun. and Mon. No smoking until 10:30 pm.
High quality, unpretentious international cuisine is served with great Austrian wines. This is a great spot for special occasions. Order a fabulous five-course meal paired with wines chosen by the chef. Five courses, incl. wine: €52.
Degustini, Isarvorstadt, Kapuzinerstr. 25B, tel. 59 94 38 66. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30am-2:30pm and Mon.-Sat. 6pm-as appropriate.
Delicious, certified-organic Italian food and great wines are served here. Enjoy a meal on a beautiful courtyard terrace. Reservation reccommended. 3 courses: €35.
Louis Cuisine, Lehel. Tattenbachstr. 1, tel. 44 14 19 10. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30am-2pm and 6pm-11pm.
A very small restaurant with French style in unexpected combinations. The bittersweet chocolate cake is a must. Reservation recommended. Lunch €4-14, 3 course dinner €35.
Le Faubourg, Haidhausen. Kirchenstr. 5, tel. 47 55 33. Open Mon.-Sat., 6pm-1am.
Great French menu is complented by an oustanding wine list. Dining room is a comfortable and artsy nook. Appetizers €8-11, Main dishes €16-19.
Le Barestovino, Lehel. Thierstr. 35. Open daily 5pm-2am. Main room smoke-free. Smoking in separate bar area.
Enjoy modern French-Mediterranean cuisine, including a small variety of delectable prix-fixe, multi-course meals in a lovely atmosphere. Prix fixe 2 courses €25, 3 courses €30, 4 courses €35.
Kade, Au. Sommerstr. 41, tel. 62 30 38 44. Open Mon.-Fri., 11:30 am-10pm and Sun. 2pm-8pm.
Certified-organic Japanese and vegetarian food is served at this small family restaurant. Even the beverages and beer are organic. If you don't like raw fish, this is your place! Lunch €6.50-7, Soups €3.50, Main dishes €7-8.
Wilder Reis (former Gourmet Garden), Schwabing, Belgradstr. 9, tel. 308 84 93. Open Mon.-Sun., 10am-6pm.
This vegetarian bistro boasts organic products. The new Brazilian owner also offers vegetarian feijoada. Don't miss his rainforest cake with chocolate and Brazil nuts.Soups €2.60, main dishes €7.90.
Hanshe, Schwabing, Nordendstr. 19, tel. 27 37 58 25. Open Mon.-Sat. from 10:30am.
This small lunch place offers a super variety of the best authentic Asian food in Munich for €5-5.50.
Zauberberg, Neuhausen. Hedwigstr. 14, tel. 18 99 91 78. Open Tues.-Sat. 7pm-1am. Closed Sun. and Mon.
Here, diners enjoy creative international cuisine. Try the Surprise Menü, with 3 courses for €33.
Cafe Ignaz, Schwabing. Georgenstr. 67, tel. 271 60 93. Open Mon.-Fri., 8am-11pm and Sat-Sun. 9am-11pm.
This small coffeeshop and restaurant serves organic cookies and cakes. The vegetable cakes are surprisingly good. Appetizers €2.50-7 and Menü €10.50.
