Munich, February 15 – Casele, a new Italian restaurant located in the former Schlagbauer butcher shop in the Glockenbachviertel, has quickly become a culinary hotspot in Munich. The establishment, opened by Raffaele Colonna, is already fully booked until the beginning of March, just weeks after its quiet opening.
A Dream Realized in the Glockenbachviertel
Raffaele Colonna, son of an Italian father and German mother, has fulfilled his long-held dream of owning a restaurant that reflects his personal preferences. The name ‘Casele’ is a blend of the Italian ‘casa’ (house) and Raffaele, symbolizing a welcoming home for exquisite southern Italian cuisine.
Colonna, in collaboration with Tobias Petri from Holzrausch, meticulously designed the interior to create an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The restaurant cleverly integrates elements of the former butcher shop, such as the old copper hood and stone floor, with modern Italian furnishings. Vintage oil paintings from a Florentine villa adorn the walls, adding a touch of classic charm.
From Butcher Shop to Italian Oasis
The transformation of the former butcher shop is remarkable. The hot counter, once serving traditional German meats, now functions as an antipasti bar where fresh fish is deboned and oysters are shucked. The large butcher display on the right side of the entrance has been replaced by a stylish bar, serving classic and signature cocktails. Even the old cold storage room has been converted into a walk-in wine cellar.
Colonna emphasized the importance of ample space between tables, stating, “Dining out has become expensive. If people sit like chickens on a perch and have to listen to conversations from the next table, it’s no fun.” Casele offers guests privacy, with a dedicated private dining room for ten people available at no extra cost, allowing for complete seclusion.
Neapolitan Chefs and Authentic Southern Italian Flavors
To ensure authenticity, Raffaele Colonna traveled to Naples last year to recruit chefs for Casele. The restaurant’s concept, “cucina e bar del sud,” focuses on southern Italian dishes and beverages. Guests are encouraged to create their own multi-course meals.
The menu features four pasta dishes, priced between 19 and 24 Euros, each with a unique twist. Colonna sources his scampi directly from the Matteucci brothers in Italy, rather than from wholesale freezers. Meats are locally sourced, for example, from the Gaßner butcher shop. Main courses include meat, fish, and vegetarian options, complemented by two desserts and a selection of cheeses. Guests can also opt for family-style dining, where all dishes are served in the middle of the table for sharing.
A Curated Wine List and Unique House Beer
The wine list at Casele offers a diverse selection from various regions, not exclusively Italian, catering to all budgets. Prices range from 39 Euros for the most affordable bottle to 900 Euros for premium selections. Even for an Italian restaurant in the heart of Munich, good beer is essential. Colonna collaborated with Menz Bräu to develop the “Menzbier,” a unique blend of Helles and Pils, available exclusively at Casele for 4.40 Euros.
Casele operates from Tuesday to Thursday, 6 PM to midnight, and Friday to Saturday, 6 PM to 1 AM. The restaurant’s address is Müllerstraße 25.
The rapid success of Casele, primarily driven by word-of-mouth, highlights Munich’s vibrant culinary scene and the strong demand for high-quality, authentic dining experiences.
