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Vienna, Austria, is a culinary hotspot, boasting a wide range of dining options, from traditional Austrian fare to international cuisine. Visitors can indulge in everything from cosy Beisl pubs serving classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel to high-end restaurants offering gourmet experiences. One popular choice is Griechenbeisl, known for its historic ambiance, bow-tied waiters, and delicious Austrian meals. For those seeking a more contemporary twist on traditional cuisine, Am Nordpol 3 offers authentic Bohemian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Vienna also caters to vegetarians with options like Tian Bistro am Spittelberg and & Flora, which offer creative plant-based dishes. The city's restaurant scene is diverse, with everything from breweries like Wieden Bräu to fine dining establishments like Mraz und Sohn. Whether you're craving local specialties or global favourites, Vienna's culinary landscape has something for everyone.
Popular Restaurants in Vienna, Austria
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Griechenbeisl, Plachuttas Gasthaus, Figlmüller, Wieden Bräu, Mraz und Sohn, Stuwer, Tian Bistro am Spittelberg, & Flora, Collina am Berg, Ludwig Van |
| Cuisine | Traditional Austrian, Wiener Schnitzel, Bohemian, Viennese, International, Vegetarian, Austrian Classics, Global Imports, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian |
| Price | €18-27 for a main meal, €15 for a meal and a beer, Hefty Price |
| Location | Historic Centre, Near Vienna State Opera, Prater, 2nd District, 7th District, Spittelberg, Schrankgasse 4 1070 Vienna, Laimgrubengasse 22 |
| Other Features | Bow-tied waiters, Historic Building, Beethoven's Residence, Country Tavern Feel, Extensive Wine List, Cosy, Unassuming, Casual, Open Summer Terrace, Tourist Favourite |
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What You'll Learn
Traditional Austrian food
Another famous Austrian dish is Tafelspitz, a favourite of Austrian emperors. Tafelspitz is a tender boiled beef dish, served with a side of horseradish and boiled potatoes. The Plachutta family runs several restaurants in Vienna, serving up their famous boiled beef, and the best Tafelspitz in the city can be found at Plachutta or Zum Alten Fassl.
Other traditional Austrian dishes include Goulash, Käsespätzle (like macaroni cheese), Spinatknödel, Beuschel, and Knödel dumplings. Vienna is also known for its sausages, with the Vienna Sausage being a staple street food found all over the city. These sausages are slow-smoked and slender, often served with white bread, dark sourdough, or a side of mustard and horseradish.
For breakfast, Austrians consider this to be one of the most important meals of the day. 'Semmel' is a traditional breakfast, consisting of apricot jam and a soft-boiled egg. Austrians also enjoy pastries, with Apple Strudel being a must on every serious coffee house menu. Sachertorte is another famous Austrian dessert, a decadent chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle, covered in a smooth chocolate glaze.
If you're looking for a traditional restaurant in Vienna, Griechenbeisl is known for its high-quality traditional Austrian meals. The restaurant has been serving up classic dishes for centuries, and you can expect bow-tied waiters and an unbelievable standard of food. For a more relaxed, unsophisticated dining experience, Mraz und Sohn is a top-level Viennese institution, offering finely coordinated courses that follow a motto, with some surprise courses in between.
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Viennese restaurants
When in Vienna, it is a must to indulge in the local cuisine. Traditional Austrian meals are a must-try, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, apple strudel, and breakfast foods like "Semmel" (apricot jam and soft-boiled egg). The city is filled with cosy Beisl pubs, Kaffeehaus (coffee houses), and Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine taverns). Here are some popular restaurants to visit:
Griechenbeisl
Griechenbeisl is a historic restaurant that serves high-quality traditional Austrian meals. With prices ranging from €18-27 for a main meal, you can enjoy dishes like steak, tafelspitz, Zweibelrostbraten, and Strudel in a beautiful, historic setting.
Stuwer
Stuwer is a tavern with two locations in Vienna, with the 2nd District location situated between the Prater and the Danube. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, delicious soul-warming food, and an extensive wine list featuring only Austrian wines. Try their kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) served in a mushroom sauce.
Mraz und Sohn
Mraz und Sohn is a family-run restaurant and possibly the best place to dine in Vienna at the moment. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the food and experience are well worth it.
Am Nordpol 3 (North Pole)
Am Nordpol 3 is a restaurant located off the beaten path near the Augarten, serving authentic Bohemian cuisine rooted in traditional Viennese cuisine. The restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and down-to-earth dining experience.
Ludwig Van
Ludwig Van is a unique restaurant located in a building where Beethoven once lived and composed. It has the feel of a country tavern, with an extensive wine list and beautifully composed tasting menus that change regularly.
Plachuttas Gasthaus
Plachuttas Gasthaus is a popular and picturesque restaurant near the Vienna State Opera, offering a good sense of old Vienna.
Wieden Bräu
Wieden Bräu is a brewery that serves traditional Austrian dishes alongside different house beers. It is a great place to spend an evening with friends, with reasonable prices and a beautiful setting in the cellar of Vienna's magnificent Rathaus.
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International cuisine
Vienna is a city with a wide variety of international cuisines on offer. From Italian to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indian, there is something to suit every taste.
For those craving Italian, Pizza Mari’ serves up authentic Neapolitan pizza, with the added bonus of outdoor seating in the warmer months. Another Italian option is Disco Volante, which has been described as having "very good fish". For those seeking a French option, Fischerie is a French bistro-style restaurant focusing on local and sustainable freshwater fish.
If you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, Vienna has plenty of options. The city's street food vendors offer a variety of dishes, including "Asian" noodles, kebabs, and falafel. For a more upscale experience, Collina am Berg offers a bold fusion of Austrian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavours, with both vegetarian and meat options available.
For those craving Middle Eastern cuisine, Vienna has several Georgian and Ethiopian restaurants. Café Lalibela, for example, has been recommended as a great Ethiopian restaurant. There are also several Turkish restaurants, such as Umar, which is located in the Naschmarkt market.
In addition to these options, Vienna also offers a range of other international cuisines, including Indian, Nepali, and Korean. No matter what type of cuisine you're craving, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds in Vienna!
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Best restaurants in Vienna
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a foodie's delight, with a wide range of restaurants serving up traditional Austrian fare and international cuisine. Here is a guide to some of the best restaurants in the city:
Mraz und Sohn
Considered by some as the best place to dine in Vienna, Mraz und Sohn offers a fine dining experience with a hefty price tag. The restaurant is a family-run Viennese institution, serving up delicious local cuisine.
Griechenbeisl
Located in the heart of the city, Griechenbeisl is known for its high-quality traditional Austrian meals. With prices ranging from €18-27 for a main meal, the restaurant offers an authentic dining experience with bow-tied waiters and a historic ambiance. The menu features classics such as steak, tafelspitz, Zweibelrostbraten, and Strudel.
Wratschko's
This unassuming restaurant is known for its simple yet well-executed Austrian cuisine. With reasonable prices, Wratschko's is a favourite among locals and has become the baseline for comparing other restaurants in the city. The menu includes classics like schnitzel, beuschel, knudel dumplings, and seasonal dishes.
Stuwer
Stuwer is a tavern with two locations in Vienna, but the 2nd District spot between the Prater and the Danube is a favourite. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, soul-warming food, and an extensive wine list featuring only Austrian wines. Their cheese dumplings (kaspressknödel) in a mushroom sauce are highly recommended.
Tian Bistro am Spittelberg
This is the more affordable sister restaurant of the celebrated vegetarian fine dining establishment, Tian. At Tian Bistro, a set menu of shared plates is served in four rounds, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The beetroot Tatar, turnip salad, and gnocchi are particularly noteworthy.
& Flora
Tucked away in Hotel Gilbert in the 7th district, & Flora offers a wide selection of flavourful vegetarian dishes. The dining space features a plant-fringed open area beneath high glass ceilings, creating a unique ambiance. The Jerusalem artichoke is a must-try.
Ludwig Van
Ludwig Van is a unique restaurant located in a building where Beethoven once lived and composed. The restaurant has the feel of a country tavern, with an extensive wine list that complements the tasting menus. The menus are beautifully composed and balanced in flavour, showcasing the chef's creativity.
Am Nordpol 3 (North Pole)
Located off the beaten path near the Augarten, Am Nordpol 3 offers authentic Bohemian cuisine rooted in traditional Viennese flavours. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and it is recommended to visit the nearby Prater amusement park before indulging in their delicious fare.
In addition to these notable restaurants, Vienna also boasts numerous Beisl (traditional Viennese restaurants), Kaffeehaus (coffee houses), and Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine taverns). Whether you're craving Wiener Schnitzel, Apple Strudel, or just a hearty breakfast of 'Semmel' (apricot jam and soft-boiled egg), Vienna's diverse culinary scene has something for everyone.
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Tips for dining in Vienna
Vienna, Austria's capital, is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of dining options, from traditional Austrian fare to international cuisine. Here are some tips to make the most of your culinary experience in this vibrant city:
Traditional Austrian Cuisine
For a taste of traditional Austrian cuisine, seek out a Beisl (traditional Viennese restaurant). These cosy establishments offer hearty meals and a glimpse into local culture. Sample classic dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and apple strudel. Griechenbeisl, located in the heart of the city, is renowned for its high-quality traditional Austrian meals and historic ambiance. Another local favourite is Wratschko's, known for its simple yet delicious Austrian dishes at affordable prices.
International Options
Vienna boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving up global favourites. Whether you're craving Italian, Japanese, or Middle Eastern flavours, you'll find something to suit your taste. Bruder, a cocktail bar and restaurant, offers an elegant dining experience with a choice of 2-course, 3-course, or 7-course menus. For vegetarian options, Collina am Berg in the charming Spittelberg neighbourhood fuses Austrian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavours to create bold, flavourful dishes.
Coffee and Cake Culture
Indulging in coffee and cake is a must when in Vienna. Spend an afternoon in a traditional Kaffeehaus (coffee house), where you can savour delicious pastries such as strudel and Kipferl (the ancestor of the croissant) alongside a cup of coffee. Café Jelinek, located across the street from Steman, is a popular choice for coffee and pastries.
Dining Etiquette
When dining in Vienna, there are a few things to keep in mind. While dress codes are generally casual, more traditional restaurants and cafés call for a slightly more conservative attire. It is considered rude to ask for tap water ("Leitungswasser"), and you may be charged a small fee if you do. Instead, follow the local custom of ordering bottled water. Tipping is not required, but if you wish to show your appreciation for excellent service, rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is customary.
Planning Your Meals
Many Viennese restaurants offer an affordable lunch menu ("Mittagsmenu") between 11:30 am and 2 pm on weekdays, typically consisting of 2 or 3 courses. Keep in mind that most restaurants are closed at least one day a week, so always check the opening times before planning your visit. With its diverse culinary offerings and rich cultural heritage, dining in Vienna promises to be a delightful and memorable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many popular restaurants in Vienna, Austria, including Plachuttas Gasthaus, Griechenbeisl, Ludwig Van, Mraz und Sohn, and Figlmüller.
Traditional Austrian dishes include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, apple strudel, and Kaiserschmarrn.
It is considered rude to ask for tap water at restaurants in Vienna, and you may be charged a small fee if you do. It is also customary to tip 10% for excellent service, and many restaurants include a cover charge ("Gedeck") of 3-5 EUR per person.
