The piece of Torta della Nonna looks like it was draped for a food photographer. The pine nuts on the shortcrust pastry lid are coated in powdered sugar and someone has sprinkled colorful, edible flowers on them. The lemon cream inside the piece of cake doesn’t overflow at the edges, but stops at its owner’s command like a good dog.
At Café Mira, the operator puts a lot of effort into it and attaches great importance to the details. This cannot be overlooked when it comes to homemade food – nor when it comes to the furnishings. The small shop on Heimeranstrasse, just a few meters from the Schwanthalerhöhe subway stop, is not only a café, but also a place for creativity.
Chic international glossy magazines are available for purchase on the shelves, and T-shirts printed by artists dangle from the ceiling. On one cupboard there is the record “Porgy and Bess” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, on another there are ten lemons and two packs of Fausto espresso.
Norbert Sütö, who works as a stylist for fashion companies and car brands, created this harmonious place in the Westend just over a year ago.
Coffee and magazines are available for purchase on the shelves.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
The little tables in front of the café get a lot of sun.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Who comes?
But there is one thing that isn’t available at Café Mira: space. There is only a single table with a bench in the interior; two mini tables are set up on the narrow sidewalk in front of the window. Most guests just pop in to grab a takeaway coffee or a bite to eat in the morning or during their lunch break. But many then stay for a moment to chat with Sütö while he jiggles the coffee machine. They come here often and already know each other.
What is there?
Topped bagels, cappuccino and sun: this is what a breakfast in the Westend can look like.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
The selection is small, but there is something for every taste. The “Westend Bagel” (5.50 euros) is topped with sprouts, beetroot, antipasti and cream cheese and is warmed briefly before serving. It drips a little when you eat it, but it’s healthy and tasty at the same time. Likewise the freshly squeezed juices – whether with carrot or spinach (4.50 euros each).
There is also a selection of sweet dishes: mighty croissants, cookies and cakes. In addition to the delicious Torta della Nonna, there are brownies and a mousse au chocolate cake. A piece of cake costs 3.80 euros in Café Mira – a very fair price, as you pay that much in many bakeries these days.
When there are no guests, the restaurant turns into a studio. Sütö then opens the laptop and works on his orders; he is currently planning the release party for a Parisian fashion magazine. But some days he doesn’t get to do much. His little café is now too popular in the neighborhood.
Mira Café and StudioHeimeranstraße 32, 80339 Munich, opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.