Where to Find Munich's Best Bakeries

The smell of freshly baked bread that lingers outside Julius Brantner Brothandwerk is almost impossible to resist. Owner Julius Brantner bakes around half a dozen different loaves and rolls daily (the Bio Brothandwerk 25 is a local favourite) and often sells out before closing. A third generation baker, Brantner is passionate about creating healthy and flavourful bread. His chic and minimalist bakery may be a relatively new addition to the Maxvorstadt neighbourhood, but it has already gained a large following for its traditional craftsmanship and use of natural, organic ingredients.

While the original Café Kreutzkamm opened in Dresden in the 19th century, the Munich location has been serving delicious pastries and cakes since the 1950s. Located near Marienplatz, this classic café is the place to go for Baumkuchen (tree cake). The layered cake is traditionally cooked on a spit and spiced with nutmeg and rum. The batter is then spooned up in a way that creates distinct layers, like the rings of a tree. You can try the Baumkuchen here either by ordering a small, personal-sized cake or a thin slice cut from a larger cake.

For a true Münchner experience, head to Cafe Frischhut and try the legendary Schmalznudel. Tucked away on a side street just off of Viktualienmarkt, this café was once known for feeding hot, fresh baked goods to partygoers in the early hours of the morning. While it now opens at 8am instead of 5am, the Schmalznudeln are still delicious. These flaky pastries are a Bavarian favourite and are made of a fried round of dough that has been stretched in the centre. Also worth trying are the apricot jam doughnuts (Krapfen) and the Rohrnudeln, which are sweet dough buns with a variety of fillings.

Home to the prettiest pastries in Munich, Maelu is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Situated along the lively Fussgängerzone (a pedestrianised street) between Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz, this pastry shop attracts many passersby with a front window full of colourful cakes and macarons. The creative pastries are all hand-crafted and taste, if possible, even better than they look. Inside the shop, a wide array of sweet eats beckons, including eclairs, chocolates, mini mousse cakes and pralines. You can sit down and savour your treat with a cup of coffee or take your cake to go.

The place where real Münchners go for their daily bread, Hofpfisterei has a tradition reaching back to the 14th century. Originally founded in 1331, there are now 160 stores across southern Germany. You can find one of their bakeries in most areas of the city, each one with a range of organic, preservative-free loaves and tasty pastries. Their production is CO2-neutral and they have won awards for their focus on environmental practices. While you can’t really go wrong when ordering here, standouts include the slow-baked Sonne bread and the Zimtschnecke (cinnamon buns).

A cult-classic café in the university district, Kaffee Schneller is one of the oldest and best cake shops around. There’s always a tempting array of handmade confections on offer, including the Prinzregententorte, a Bavarian sponge cake made with chocolate buttercream and apricot jam, and the Bienenstich, a classic German treat featuring almonds and vanilla cream. It’s a popular spot for students between lectures and the people-watching is also great. If the weather’s nice, grab a table outside and relax with an espresso or one of the impeccably made cappuccinos.

As the first cupcake shop in Bavaria, Wir Machen Cupcakes (We Make Cupcakes) has become the go-to address for unique cupcakes and baked goods. Now a decade old, the shop and café offers a large selection of decorated treats, including cronuts, cake pops and brownies. Nestled between Isartor and Viktualienmarkt, it is comfortably furnished and has a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for curling up with a book or whiling away an afternoon with friends. In addition to coffee, there is a large selection of teas and fresh drinks available, too.

Located on the top floor of Dallmayr’s gourmet food market at Marienhof, Café-Bistro Dallmayr is known for its refined atmosphere and attention to detail. Catering to royal and aristocratic tastes since 1700, Dallmayr is famed for its sweets, chocolates and coffee. Take a peek at the fabulous cake counter before grabbing a seat to enjoy views overlooking the beautiful Marienhof garden. As you might expect from a grand European café, the menu includes all sorts of fine pastries. If you’re really looking to indulge, try the chocolate rum truffle cake with whipped cream.

With a reputation for exquisite French pastries, Patisserie Lehmann specialises in beautiful layered cakes. While the price tag may be a bit steep compared to some more low-key German bakeries, the handmade cakes are well worth the splurge, particularly for a special occasion, The bakery is also next door to the shop, so guests can enjoy a front-row seat to the creative process. Vegan options are available, along with decent coffee, and every Friday the shop serves a delicious apple strudel with vanilla ice cream.