Five really good cafes to try in the city

From long-standing favourites to buzzy new openings, Munich has no shortage of cafes. Here are some places to start.

Café Bla

Nordic influences and British accents define this cool blue café close to the Deutsches Museum. When Jacob Foord took over from founder Stephanie Bjarnason in 2021, he decided to work with his former employer Vits to create his own speciality coffee brand. Come for cortados and flat whites, as well as their fantastic cakes including miso brownies, apple and walnut muffins, and a spicy ginger and beetroot cake topped with a thick layer of sweet cream cheese.

Try: A cappucino with a miso brownie

Café Faber

One of the hottest café openings in Munich in recent years, Faber brought fans of their hugely successful pop-up in the centre of town to a new location on Zeppelinstraße. Run by Leon Hänseler and Hannah Gratzfeld, the light-flooded space with linoleum-covered tables, large pot plants and custom-made ceramics has one of the most interesting breakfast menus in the city, not to mention great coffee too.

Try: Anything featuring the chili mushrooms

Ladencafé Marais

Named after a Parisian district, Marais is located in a former clothing and haberdashery shop. While some takeovers result in a completely new look, here it feels like as if the café has had to find space amongst the existing cupboards and tailoring equipment. The original lettering can also still be seen on the outer façade. Much of furniture here is actually available to buy, along with smaller items such as jewellery, organic cosmetics and vintage ornaments. Come for breakfast, light meals or a slice of cake.

Try: The tarte tatin

Fortuna Cafebar

This Haidhausen institution has been supplying the neighbourhood with coffee and croissants since 2002. Expect a strong Italian vibe with a vintage listino prezzi, punchy espresso and piping hot panini. During the week, the cafe is open from 8am with the colourful chairs on the pavement soon filling up with people grabbing a pre-work cappuccino or settling in for the morning with newspaper.

Try: The ciabatta with grilled vegetables and caramelised onions

Caffé Conte

Tucked away in a quiet Schwabing street, Caffé Conte has a minimalist style and modern feel. On the menu, a good selection of egg-based breakfast dishes and plenty of fresh juices made with the fruit and vegetables which fill part of the bar. Also tempting are the pre-made sandwiches similar to those you might find in the UK – just with less paper and plastic. In fact, owners Marco and Eva Galati are in the process of completely switching to compostable packaging.

Try: The coconut granola bowl and the urban tonic juice

Other places not to miss:

Head to Poppi Farmer in Giesing for an Australian-inspired brunch, laid-back Baader Café for a full English, Om Nom Nom in Sendling for vegan options, and of course, Café Frischhut on the edge of Viktualienmarkt serving deep fried pastries known as Schmalznudel.