I’ve been living in Munich since 2021, and I can assure you that the city is expensive — not just for tourists, but even for those of us who work and live here. Finding cheap eats isn’t always easy; usually, you end up going for Vietnamese restaurants or burger chains. But luckily, there’s now a budget-friendly Italian option in town: ITALYLUNCH, the first Italian fast food restaurant.
You can read this article in Italian here
ITALYLUNCH: 2 Locations (So Far) in Munich
The first location opened near Goetheplatz and Theresienwiese (yes, that Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place!). It brought a fairly new concept to Germany: a fast food restaurant focused on regional Italian cuisine. They started with dishes from Veneto, like radicchio risotto and luganega sausage with beans — meals designed to appeal even to the German clientele who vacation at Lake Garda or the Adriatic Coast.
Recently, a second ITALYLUNCH has opened right in the city center, just steps from Marienplatz. This time, the spotlight is on Emilia-Romagna and its regional specialties.
The idea comes from Pier Paolo Ciriello, a former chemical engineer from Bologna with international experience. He left his career to go into food service with a clear mission: to serve good Italian food, quickly, and at accessible prices (the idea came to him when he was an expat himself!). And if the format proves successful, what now seems like just a “first Italian experiment in Germany” could easily grow into something much bigger.
How Much Does ITALYLUNCH Cost?
The concept is clear from the very first bite: simple, well-made dishes, using Italian ingredients, cooked fresh. No gourmet reinterpretations or fake “Italian-sounding” names — the goal is to offer a genuine experience, just in a fast version.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in, order a first course, maybe a second or a side, and five minutes later, you’re already eating. The quality isn’t that of a traditional trattoria, of course, but it’s definitely above the average fast food spot.
The prices? Probably the best surprise:
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A combo with first and second course is €12.90, with unlimited drink refills included.
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If you go for just a first course and a side, it’s only €9.90.
At those prices in Munich? You’re lucky if you can even grab a quick sandwich — sometimes not even that!
The target audience isn’t just students or tourists: ITALYLUNCH is also designed for workers on lunch break and families, with a kids’ area where children can play while parents enjoy their meal. The service is quick — closer to an international chain’s pace than a classic restaurant.
My Experience at ITALYLUNCH near Marienplatz
I was invited to try out the second location, right in the city center between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz — in the little street between Douglas and Five Guys, if you know the area.
I ordered an Amatriciana pasta with a mixed veggie side, and my friend chose the chicken with spinach. Drinks were unlimited refill, and the staff was kind and courteous. We ordered at the counter, but there are also self-service kiosks at the entrance if you’re in even more of a rush.
Overall, the experience reminded me a lot of my university canteen — and I mean that as a huge compliment. During my five years at Università Cattolica in Milan, I often ate at the cafeteria and always loved it: simple, good, balanced meals with a real focus on regional Italian cooking. Just like at ITALYLUNCH. I felt a bit at home. And as an Italian in Munich, I have to say — it’s great to finally have a fast, tasty, Italian option where you don’t have to choose between your wallet and real flavor.
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Another Highlight? Tiramisu To-Go for €3.50! It was seriously delicious and super handy for a sweet break in the city center. I can’t wait to go back — even just for an afternoon snack!
ITALYLUNCH’s Oktoberfest Promo: Full Menu for €5
To celebrate what I like to call the “holy Bavarian weeks,” ITALYLUNCH came up with a fantastic promo: every menu for just €5!! And I promise — there’s nowhere else in Munich where you can eat for that little! Even better? One of the locations is right in the city center, and the first one is at Goetheplatz, just a short walk from the Wiesn (Oktoberfest grounds)!
Lindwurmstraße 12 (U3 U6 Goetheplatz)
Färbergraben 6 (U3 U6 Sbahn Marienplatz, U4 U5 Sbahn Karlsplatz Stachus)
Disclaimer: I was invited by the ITALYLUNCH staff to try the food, but the positive opinions in this article are entirely my own.
Want to read more? Here what do eat in 3 days in Munich, and the Munich food bloggers you should follow.
