Der Sizilianer Traditional Italian bistro in Haidhausen

To hold one's own in the fast-moving Munich gastronomic scene for more than a decade is the best indicator of quality. If such a restaurant also offers Italian dishes, it deserves double the respect - after all, there are not exactly few restaurateurs from Bella Italia in Munich.

Roberto Careri can be truly proud of his well-run bistro-café Der Sizilianer Trinacria Feinkost in Haidhausen. His recipe for success: authentic traditional Italian cuisine without frills, using the best ingredients.

Two to three different lunch dishes are available from Monday to Friday, always including the classic par excellence: pasta. In addition, typical Sicilian snacks such as stuffed and deep-fried balls of saffron rice (arancine) are just as much a part of the small menu as home-baked bread and fresh salads.

Since its opening in 2011, the minimalist but cosy interior has made this small restaurant an institution that can easily afford to be open only on weekdays. The self-service principle fits the "less is more" concept, as does the fact that reservations are not possible.

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This nonchalance delights regular customers from the neighbourhood as well as tourists and business people. In short, the clientele at the Sicilian is as colourful as the colourful tiles that adhere to the tables and give the simple but delicious dishes that extra pinch of holiday flair. You won't find any white fabric servers or tablecloths. Instead, the focus is on the food.

Sweet desserts like tiramisu and homemade cakes perfectly round off a visit to what is probably Munich's smallest Italian restaurant - bravissimo!

Nina Zeller

Author Munich