Everyone calls this authentic, old-world cafe by its specialty: die Schmalznudel. This hearty snack is the German version of a funnel cake, but made fresh all day long, these sweet cakes are fluffy, crispy and delicious. You can get a variety of toppings and fillings, as well as another Bavarian dessert (Buchteln, another delicacy not to be missed. Claim a seat in one of the cozy, wood-panneled rooms and take a breather from Munich sightseeing.

This classic brasserie in trendy Haidhausen has long been a local favorite for celebrating a special occasion and taking your parents out for a lovely meal. The food is excellent, with an often-changing, seasonal menu heavy on French classics (moules-frites, bouillabaisse, steak tartare etc.), but what makes Chez Fritz such a mainstay is the unfussy, cozy ambience and the down-to-earth service. The wine list is terrific and the friendly team is happy to help with recommendations. Chez Fritz is a big night out masking as a quick jaunt to the local brasserie at the corner of your favorite Parisian neighborhood. Open for dinner only; reservations, especially on weekends, are a must.

When touring the museums of the Kunstreal, a great spot for a nearby lunch is the Bayerischer Hof’s Garten restaurant. Diners sit in a lovely airy greenhouse-style setting. It’s modern and sleek, a welcome change to the wood-heavy interiors of Munich’s more traditional restaurants. The menu, too, is all about light and refined, with a Mediterranean slant (though there’s also some very good renditions of German dishes). It’s a lovely, calm oasis to linger over lunch or for a romantic dinner. Open daily.

One of Munich's most acclaimed French restaurants, Les Deux is a good choice for a quiet, elegant dining experience. The ground floor houses the brasserie in a modern, understated dining room, while the first floor holds a fine dining restaurant, which has a Michelin star. The restaurant is a multi-hour fine dining experience, with exquisitely plated, delicate food. The brasserie, meanwhile, is a good spot for a quick lunch or dinner, with French staples, like Flammekueche and beef tartare, though the daily changing specials showcase a broader vision: lamb with couscous and coriander-spiced yoghurt, bouillabaisse with rouille and garlic bread and the occasional (excellent) Schnizel. Both restaurant and brasserie have a friendly serving staff.

The tiny town of Krün, a one-and-a-half hour drive south of Munich near Garmisch Partenkirchen, got a major spotlight boost in the summer of 2015 when President Obama visited prior to the G7 meeting (when he stayed at nearby Schloss Elmau). For gourmets, however, the congenial Post Krün has long registered as one of southern Germany's top spots for traditional Bavarian food.

The setting is totally authentic, with a wood-paneled dining room, staff in Dirndl and uninterrupted views towards the Bavarian Alps. Most ingredients are locally sourced, like venison from the surrounding forests and fish from the Walchensee. There's an excellent wine list but don't forget to try Mittenwald beer, which is produced in Germany's highest (altitude) brewery. It's a long drive to and from Munich, so it's best to add a night (or two) at nearby Schloss Elmau. And be sure to reserve – the Post is normally fully booked for lunch and dinner.

Roland Kuffler is one of Munich’s most prominent culinary impresarios, and he has several restaurants, but the Spatenhaus has the best location. Bavarian dishes are served in the beautiful setting of a historic palais just across from the State Opera House. The Wiener Schnitzel is legendary.

It’s worth a taxi drive to get to this Thai restaurant in the Haidhausen district (about a 15-minute drive from the Bayerischer Hof). Authentic (spicy) dishes are served in a cool-mod space, with a loungy ambience and rich golden-red color scheme.

One of only two restaurants in Munich with two Michelin stars, Tantris remains the foodie temple in the city; the building it’s been housed in since the 1970s, in Schwabing, was recently landmarked. The backdrop is a dramatic (and definitely retro) mix of China red, black and orange; the menu is a seasonal, classic French-Mediterranean affair, with multiple courses and a tome of a wine list. There’s also a small Tantris outpost in the Schrannenhalle near Viktualienmarkt. Closed Sunday, Monday.

The large communal table in the center of the dining room (whose walls are lined with cozy booths) sets the scene at this lovely restaurant. Theresa is renowned for its grilled meats but also delivers in the seafood and vegetables departments with a well-edited, delicious menu. It’s a local favorite and can be packed, especially on weekends. Open daily.