Donisl is what we expected in a large German beerhall and restaurant. Munich’s oldest, dating from the early 18th Century, seats over 500 on three floors plus extensive outdoor dining just removed from the Marienplatz. Ambience is a tourist’s delight - rustic and wooded decor, servers in traditional garb carrying large pitchers of beer, typical music heard in snatches over the general din, large menu filled with German and Bavarian treats - we liked this place. We enjoyed large entrees - crispy turkey breast and roast pork, sided with great dumplings and roast potatoes respectively along with properly cooked mixed vegetables. The gravy on the pork was spicy yet not overly thickened, a nice change. The menu is extensive. Hacker-Pschorr is the beer of the house. Another restaurant where the entrees were so large that desserts were out of the question.
Donisl seemed a surprisingly friendly restaurant even for two obvious Americans. During our stay, our older waitress found an interloper at a reserved table. When he refused to leave peacefully, she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the table. She did not look like a woman used to being disobeyed and she wasn’t. Immediate eye contact with smiles to and from every table in our little section of the main dining room.