Restaurants and bars in the pedestrian zone on Theatinerstrasse
Bar Comercial Theatinerstrasse 16 (in the Fünf Höfe) Tel. (089) 20 70 02 66 Open Mon.–Fri. 9 am–12 am; Sat. 9 am–8 pm; and Sun. 12 pm–8 pm This sleek establishment brings a postmodern touch to the Fünf Höfe. The exposed infrastructure of tangled wires and ventilation ducts looms overhead, and raw concrete walls are illuminated under subtle, colored lighting, yielding along one wall to dimpled red leather padding and smart wall-mounted lamps. But the offerings are those found in any classic Italian bar; simple grilled sandwiches (€ 2.50), salads (€ 5.50) and excellent, potent coffee beverages and wines by the glass (€ 1.80–3). The amicable, mostly Italian wait staff navigates the long, rectangular space and the smattering of tables located in the passage with efficiency. Whether you choose a seat at the bar inside, or at an outdoor table with a view onto Theatinerstrasse, Bar Comercial is an excellent location from which to watch Munich’s Beautiful People stroll by or just take a breather from shopping and sightseeing. Food ** Service *** Atmosphere ** Café Kunsthalle Theatinerstrasse 8 Tel. (089) 20 80 21 20 Café open daily 10 am–8 pm. Bar open Mon.–Fri. 8 am–8 pm; Sat. 9 am–8 pm and Sun. 10 am–8 pm Looking at art seems to make people hungry, at least that is the conclusion anyone visiting the Café Kunsthalle must come to, watching diners tuck in with gusto. Unfortunately the café, decked out in Jetson-style tables and chairs and a staggeringly cluttered array of large white, bulbous light fixtures, has unsuccessfully tried to emulate the artistic atmosphere of the adjoining Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung. The spacious, window-lined café does, however, afford customers an impressive view of the bustling Perusahof below. The daily menu may include a choice of soups, such as a curried blend of coconut milk, coriander and chicken (€ 3), various pastas (€ 6.50–12) and grilled sandwiches (€ 5.40). Apfelstrudel, crepes, gelato and other sugar fixes are worth sampling, as well. The ground-floor bar offers the same menu as the café without the abundance of seating. It’s a good choice for grabbing a sandwhich to go but, like the other establishments belonging to the Café Münchner Freiheit family, Café Kunsthalle seems to drag its heels. Food ** Service ** Atmosphere * Kaimug Theatinerstrasse 15 (Salvatorpassage) Tel. (089) 20 60 33 25 Open daily 10 am–10 pm Reservations not accepted The cooks move swiftly in the small, open kitchen at Kaimug, tossing the contents of their woks into the air and causing the aroma of Asian spices not just to fill the restaurant, but to draw a hungry and diverse clientele from the Fünf Höfe to Munich’s premier destination for Thai fast food. This beautifully appointed restaurant with its glossy red walls and long teak bar, features a compact menu of ten items that includes almost all the standard fare, such as spring rolls, coconut milk curries and spicy shrimp with Thai basil. Sample three dishes in one by ordering the Saham Kasat (€ 7.95). Ingredients are fresh, the presentation, like the overall atmosphere, is stylish and service is fast and friendly. True, the food sometimes lacks the subtle complexities that make really good Thai cuisine so special, but for a satisfying quick bite Kaimug delivers. Food ** Service *** Atmosphere ***