Leasing restaurants in Munich
- H.Genzlinger
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Opportunities, risks and why an experienced catering broker is indispensable
Munich is considered one of Germany's most attractive cities for hospitality businesses. Whether traditional inns, trendy bars, or international restaurants – the Bavarian capital offers enormous customer potential. However, the market is highly competitive, costs are rising, and not every location is equally suitable for sustainable leasing.
In this article, we examine which districts are particularly sought-after, why transfer payments are justified in Munich, where the limits of lease price development lie, and why a professional restaurant broker—like Absolut Gastronomie Immobilien —is crucial for a successful leasing process.
1. Desirable districts and locations for restaurants in Munich
Munich is diverse, but not every district offers the same opportunities for restaurateurs:
Old Town & Lehel : Pedestrian traffic is unbeatable here. Tourists, businesspeople, and locals ensure constant demand—rents and leases are correspondingly high.
Schwabing : A trendy district with a cultural flair. Leopoldstraße and the surrounding streets remain particularly popular for bars and restaurants. However, the concept determines success or failure here.
Glockenbachviertel & Gärtnerplatz : Hotspot for trend-conscious people, international gastronomy and innovative concepts.
Maxvorstadt : Popular with students and creatives, ideal for modern, budget-conscious restaurant concepts.
Bogenhausen & Haidhausen : Affluent residential areas with high purchasing power – restaurants benefit from regular customers, but must offer a high level of quality.
The location is a key factor in determining frequency, target group of guests and thus the success of a restaurant.
2. Compensation payment – more than just inventory
In Munich, it is common practice to pay a purchase price upon acquisition or lease. This price consists not only of the value of the inventory (kitchen equipment, furniture, technology) but also includes the goodwill:
Established location advantages and guest habits
Trademark and name rights , if included
Regular customers and existing online reviews
Sales and profit potential that a new tenant can immediately exploit
Especially in a city like Munich, where locations are scarce, the transfer fee is often the key to being able to take over an attractive business at all.
3. The limits of the lease price spiral
Although the demand for good restaurant space is high, landlords cannot keep increasing prices indefinitely .
Rising personnel costs, energy prices and food costs are putting a strain on restaurateurs’ margins.
Many companies are now operating with very low profit margins.
Excessive rent demands mean that even established houses have to close.
The decline of restaurants in Munich clearly demonstrates this:
The Tresznjewski in Maxvorstadt, an institution for decades, had to close.
The Oscar Bar in Schwabing is also a prominent example of how traditional businesses can no longer be run profitably despite their good location.
These developments make it clear that sustainable lease agreements can only be achieved with realistic rent levels and fair conditions.
4. Why a catering broker is indispensable
Leasing a restaurant is more complex than it seems at first glance. An experienced restaurant broker offers decisive advantages:
Realistic assessment of inventory, goodwill and rent
Discreet marketing if desired
Access to a network of investors, restaurateurs and industry contacts
Negotiations between tenant and landlord to find fair solutions
Legally compliant contracts and processes
5. Absolut Gastronomie Immobilien – Your partner for successful leasing in Munich
With our specialization in restaurant and hotel properties, we are the right partner for property owners in Munich. We know the market, the most desirable neighborhoods, and the challenges of the industry.
Professional market analysis and location assessment
Determination of a fair and sustainable rent
Development of an individual marketing strategy
Discreet and targeted approach to qualified tenants
Support until contract signing
In this way, we ensure that landlords find reputable tenants – and that tenants have a fair chance of economic success .
Conclusion:
Leasing a restaurant in Munich offers opportunities, but also involves risks. Compensation payments are justified if the goodwill is also acquired along with the inventory. At the same time, the decline in restaurants demonstrates that unrealistic rents have no future. With a specialized real estate agent like Absolut Gastronomie Immobilien, you can lay the foundation for a sustainable, successful lease.
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