Are you looking for a fine dining escape in Obergiesing? Restaurant Gabelspiel is a dream hiding in plain sight. Located on the ever
Owned and operated by a smart, youthful couple—Florian and Sabrina Berger—Gabelspiel blends a calm and easy mood with a high-end tasting experience. In the kitchen, Florian uses established French techniques to distill the essence of each ingredient, blending tastes, colors, and aromas in innovative forms. In the front of the house, Sabrina serves and welcomes each guest with a vibrant smile and contagious cheer. Whether dining within the warmth of the modern interior or on the spacious—surprisingly quiet—terrace, the atmosphere at Gabelspiel is almost homey in nature. The food, of course, is far beyond any at-home quality—unless you happen to live inside of a fine dining kitchen—but there’s a characteristic of casual ease that overwhelms you from the moment you sink down into your seat.
On the culinary front, the ingredients at Gabelspiel are set as the star of the show. Guests build a menu ranging from 4-6 courses around a preset entrée (and a wine pairing is optional for anyone seeking the full experience). Keeping true to a modern philosophy and aesthetic, Gabelpiel pays particular attention to sustainability and seasonality when crafting a menu. Whenever possible, the ingredients are regional as well. On the plate, simple flavors are imaginatively combined into a complex arrangement. The chef’s love and respect for each component is immediately identifiable as the flavors bloom on a guest’s palette. While each ingredient on its own is immediately identifiable, the play between each aspect produces a delightfully refreshing sensory experience.
In my opinion, eating at Gabelspiel is like sitting in the grass, eyes closed, sun on your skin somehow able to hold the earth in your hands and take a bite. Ingredients like magnolia foam and spruce are new and exciting to most guests, but it’s the elevation of everyday elements, which truly highlights the chef’s artistry. While dining there, I found myself absolutely surprised by how something as simple as a tomato essence can jumpstart a memory in one’s gastronomic heart.
As the first spoonful touched my tongue, I couldn’t help but be transported back to a childhood of stealing fresh tomatoes from my mother’s garden. I’m always amazed by the emotionality that can be trapped within a single dish. In the right combination, and with the right preparation, food can move beyond the taste buds or the stomach and somehow land in the heart.
I can’t guarantee that Gabelspiel will speak to your soul the way it spoke to mine. What I can guarantee is that you’ll have a high-quality, fresh and unexpectedly sincere dining experience. So, when you have a chance, give it a try and let me know what you think—or if you’ve already been there, tell me what you thought.
Restaurant Gabelspiel
Zehentbauernstraße 20
81539 München
