A taste of munich

News

Stacey Meadwell

06 October 2007

After hours Following a long day at Expo, it is time for rest and relaxation.Stacey Meadwell recommends what nightlife to sample in the city

Expo Real celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and what a difference a decade has made to both the exhibition and the market.

In 1998, there were 147 exhibitors and 2,528 visitors. This year there are around 1,740 exhibitors – one-third of which are from outside Germany – while visitor numbers are expected to top 21,100.

There will be a bigger presence from Russia – including Kazan, which made a splash in Cannes this year – and the United Arab Emirates. New kids on the block will be India, Latvia, Macedonia and the Ukraine.

Exhibition centre facilities have been improved with the addition of bookable meeting rooms and expanded catering facilities.

After a long day of networking and meetings, most people will head into Munich to enjoy the nightlife.

Although the Oktoberfest will be over, that does not mean beer will be off the menu. Recommended beer cellars (bierkellers) include the Hofbrauhaus, which is probably the best known and can be found behind the town hall on Platzl.

Described by one visitor as “vast, deafening when full with the oompah band going full blast”, it is a bit of a tourist trap.

So for something a bit more authentic, try the Augustiner Keller in Neuhauserstrasse, and Donisl next to the town hall, where visitors will also be able to get good food.

Opposite the Opera House is Zum Spatenhaus, another bierkeller which offers good meals – and caters for vegetarians, EG is told.

But the real hidden gem is Durnbrau on Durnbraugasse. It is small and more sedate than other places – a haven for those looking for a quieter evening after a busy day.

One visitor says: “The beer is served in beautifully crafted, lidded beakers, and it’s the sort of place which only the German word ‘gemutlich’ can adequately describe.”

Restaurants

For food, if sausage and sauerkraut are not your thing, there are plenty of other cuisines to choose from.

Munich’s proximity to Italy is evident in the numerous Italian restaurants that have sprung up across town. To impress clients, La Cambusa, a short cab ride from the exhibition centre on Cosmastrasse 4, is recommended. It is described as being a quiet and unpretentious, family run restaurant offering really good food.

If you are bringing guests into central Munich, head for Perazzo on Oskar-von-Miller-Ring 36. This is a high-quality establishment that will impress.

Another close to Expo rather than in town is EvViva on Wilhelm-Diess-Weg 2, which is said to serve outstanding Italian food combined with excellent service.

Heading into the town centre and looking for a place where the locals eat? Il Museo on Preysingplatz is very central but small, so not one for big groups. If you can get in, it is worth it for the food and the friendly atmosphere.

For fish lovers, Austernkeller on Stollbergstrasse 11 is recommended for its shellfish and other specialities. And you can also enjoy a glass of champagne at its small bar.

After hours Following a long day at Expo, it is time for rest and relaxation.Stacey Meadwell recommends what nightlife to sample in the city Expo Real celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and what a difference a decade has made to both the exhibition and the market. In 1998, there were 147 exhibitors and 2,528 visitors. This year there are around 1,740 exhibitors – one-third of which are from outside Germany – while visitor numbers are expected to top 21,100. There will be a bigger presence from Russia – including Kazan, which made a splash in Cannes this year – and the United Arab Emirates. New kids on the block will be India, Latvia, Macedonia and the Ukraine. Exhibition centre facilities have been improved with the addition of bookable meeting rooms and expanded catering facilities. After a long day of networking and meetings, most people will head into Munich to enjoy the nightlife. Although the Oktoberfest will be over, that does not mean beer will be off the menu. Recommended beer cellars (bierkellers) include the Hofbrauhaus, which is probably the best known and can be found behind the town hall on Platzl. Described by one visitor as “vast, deafening when full with the oompah band going full blast”, it is a bit of a tourist trap. So for something a bit more authentic, try the Augustiner Keller in Neuhauserstrasse, and Donisl next to the town hall, where visitors will also be able to get good food. Opposite the Opera House is Zum Spatenhaus, another bierkeller which offers good meals – and caters for vegetarians, EG is told. But the real hidden gem is Durnbrau on Durnbraugasse. It is small and more sedate than other places – a haven for those looking for a quieter evening after a busy day. One visitor says: “The beer is served in beautifully crafted, lidded beakers, and it’s the sort of place which only the German word ‘gemutlich’ can adequately describe.” Restaurants For food, if sausage and sauerkraut are not your thing, there are plenty of other cuisines to choose from. Munich’s proximity to Italy is evident in the numerous Italian restaurants that have sprung up across town. To impress clients, La Cambusa, a short cab ride from the exhibition centre on Cosmastrasse 4, is recommended. It is described as being a quiet and unpretentious, family run restaurant offering really good food. If you are bringing guests into central Munich, head for Perazzo on Oskar-von-Miller-Ring 36. This is a high-quality establishment that will impress. Another close to Expo rather than in town is EvViva on Wilhelm-Diess-Weg 2, which is said to serve outstanding Italian food combined with excellent service. Heading into the town centre and looking for a place where the locals eat? Il Museo on Preysingplatz is very central but small, so not one for big groups. If you can get in, it is worth it for the food and the friendly atmosphere. For fish lovers, Austernkeller on Stollbergstrasse 11 is recommended for its shellfish and other specialities. And you can also enjoy a glass of champagne at its small bar.