Ruqayyah Snyder
Austrians typically eat dinner between 6 pm and 7 pm, with some sources stating that 7 pm is the standard dinner time. This is considered relatively early compared to other countries in Europe, such as Spain, Italy, and France, where dinner is usually served from 8 pm onwards. In Austria, lunch is traditionally the most important meal of the day, and it is common to sit down for a warm, cooked lunch with colleagues or family. As a result, dinner is usually a lighter meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical dinner time | 6 pm to 7 pm |
| Restaurant closing time | 9 pm to 11 pm |
| Lunch | The main meal of the day |
| Typical lunch dishes | Käsespätzl (macaroni and cheese), Rindergulasch (meat stew), Fleischlaberl (meat patties) |
| Typical dinner | A lighter meal, cold cuts of meat and cheese |
| Greeting | Mahlzeit (literally means mealtime) |
| Toast | Prost |
| After-dinner drink | Schnaps |
| Dessert/snack | Coffee, sandwiches, pastries, cold salad plates |
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What You'll Learn
Austrians eat dinner between 6 pm and 7 pm
Austrians typically eat dinner between 6 pm and 7 pm. This is considered relatively early compared to countries like Spain or Latin America, where people usually eat between 8 pm and 11 pm. In France, dinner is typically eaten between 7 pm and 9 pm, and in Italy, it's between 8 pm and 10 pm.
Austria's early dinner time is influenced by the importance of lunch in their culture. Austrians generally take a break around midday to share a warm, cooked lunch with colleagues or family. Traditional Austrian lunches can include hearty dishes like Käsespätzl (macaroni and cheese), Rindergulasch (meat stew), or Fleischlaberl (meat patties). As a result, dinner tends to be a lighter meal, sometimes consisting of cold cuts of meat and cheese.
While Austrians generally eat dinner earlier in the evening, there are exceptions, especially in bigger cities. Large urban areas like Vienna offer a diverse range of dining options, with cafes and restaurants serving food from various cuisines that may cater to later diners. However, in rural areas, early dinners are more common, even when ordering takeaway.
It's worth noting that some restaurants and takeaway kitchens in Austria may close around 9 pm, or sometimes as late as 11 pm in touristy areas. Therefore, visitors who are accustomed to eating later may need to adjust their dining schedules when visiting Austria to ensure they don't miss out on the culinary delights the country has to offer.
Overall, Austrians enjoy their dinners between 6 pm and 7 pm, contributing to a vibrant social culture that values conversation, conviviality, and delicious food.
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Lunch is the most important meal of the day
In Austria, people typically eat dinner between 6 pm and 7 pm, and this early dinner time is largely due to the fact that lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Austrians usually take a break at midday to share a warm, cooked lunch with colleagues, family, or friends. This lunch break is an integral part of Austrian culture, and it is common to greet others with 'Mahlzeit', which literally means 'mealtime'.
Lunch is indeed the most important meal of the day for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a much-needed energy boost in the middle of the day. Eating a nutritious lunch raises your blood sugar levels and gives you the energy to stay focused and productive for the rest of the afternoon. For children, lunch is especially crucial as it is often the only meal provided at school, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and vitamins for the day.
Secondly, eating a full meal at lunchtime can lead to a smaller dinner. Consuming a large meal late at night can cause digestive issues and weight problems. In contrast, eating a satisfying lunch can help maintain a healthier weight and prevent overeating later in the day. A well-balanced lunch can also boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
Additionally, lunch is often the only meal eaten during work or school hours, so it can significantly impact your productivity and the quality of your work. Taking a lunch break is essential for your physical and mental health, giving your eyes a rest from screens and providing a much-needed stretch for your body. It is also a great opportunity to socialise and connect with colleagues or classmates.
Lastly, lunch is often a more convenient meal to enjoy outside of the home. In many places, restaurants may be closed or closing by dinnertime, and lunch menus tend to be more affordable. This makes lunch an ideal time to explore different cuisines and treat yourself to a meal out without breaking the bank.
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Dinner is usually a lighter meal
Dinner in Austria is usually eaten early, typically between 6 pm and 7 pm. Lunch is considered the most important meal of the day, with Austrians taking a break at midday to sit down with colleagues or family for a warm, cooked meal. As a result, dinner tends to be a lighter meal, sometimes consisting of cold cuts of meat and cheese.
Austria's lunch dishes include Käsespätzl (an Austrian-style macaroni and cheese), Rindergulasch (meat stew), and Fleischlaberl (meat patties). These are quite heavy dishes, so it makes sense that dinner would be a lighter affair.
Austria's culinary scene is far from boring, it just starts a bit earlier than in some other countries. For example, in Spain or Latin America, dinner is typically served between 8 pm and 11 pm, and in Italy, it's usually between 8 pm and 10 pm. Even in neighbouring France, dinner is often eaten between 7 pm and 9 pm.
If you're looking for a late-night bite, you might be out of luck in some parts of Austria, as some restaurants and takeaways close around 9 pm, or 11 pm in tourist areas. However, in bigger cities, you can find late-night cafes and restaurants serving food from all over the world.
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Austrians are punctual for dinner
Austrians are known for their punctuality when it comes to dinner. While the timing of dinner can vary slightly, depending on individual preferences and regional customs, most Austrians tend to sit down for dinner at around 6 pm to 7 pm. This early dinner time is partly due to the fact that lunch is traditionally considered the most important meal of the day in Austria. A typical Austrian lunch consists of hearty dishes such as Käsespätzl (macaroni and cheese), Rindergulasch (meat stew), or Fleischlaberl (meat patties). As a result, dinner tends to be a lighter meal, often consisting of cold cuts of meat and cheese.
When it comes to dining etiquette, Austrians value punctuality and consider it rude to be late for a dinner invitation. Dinner guests are expected to arrive on time and often bring a bouquet of flowers for the hostess. Greeting others with a cheerful "Mahlzeit" is also customary, whether at home or when dining out in a traditional restaurant, especially in rural areas. Austrians highly value sociability and conversation, making mealtimes an integral part of their culture.
The Austrian dinner typically consists of at least three courses, and lingering at the table after the meal is common. Austrians savour their meals and often enjoy a drink and pleasant conversation before vacating the table. This leisurely dining culture adds to the charm of sharing a meal with Austrians. It is also customary to clink glasses and make eye contact while saying "Prost" to each person, which is similar to "cheers" in other cultures. Some Austrians may also say "Zum Wohl" or "Prosit", which convey similar well-wishes for good health.
While Austria may not be known for its late-night dining scene, bigger cities like Vienna offer a wider range of options for those seeking a late-night bite. These cities boast cafes and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, accommodating those who prefer a later dinner hour. However, in more rural areas, the early dinner culture prevails, and even takeaway options may close as early as 9 pm, reinforcing the Austrian tendency towards earlier dining.
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After-dinner activities include the theatre, opera, or visiting friends
Dinner in Austria is usually served between 6 pm and 7 pm, and the meal can be a long, leisurely affair with at least three courses. So, by the time Austrians are finished eating, it might already be quite late. Nevertheless, there are plenty of after-dinner activities to enjoy, including the theatre, opera, or visiting friends.
Austria has a thriving performing arts scene, with opera houses and theatres in many cities. For example, the Landestheater in Salzburg is a beautiful baroque theatre that dates back to the 18th century. It hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, from classical operas to modern plays. Many theatres also offer dinner and a show, with traditional Austrian food served before the performance. These can be fun, tourist-oriented affairs with wait staff dressed in period costumes and music ranging from country folk songs to operetta arias.
If you're looking for a more high-brow opera experience, Vienna, the birthplace of opera, is the place to go. The Vienna State Opera House is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, and it offers a range of performances throughout the year. Alternatively, the Salzburg Festival, held annually in the summer, is one of the most prestigious opera and classical music festivals in the world, attracting opera lovers from all over the globe.
Of course, after-dinner activities don't have to be so formal. Visiting friends is a popular way to spend an evening in Austria, and it's common to linger at the table after a meal to enjoy a drink and conversation. Austrians also enjoy a variety of leisure activities, especially those that take advantage of the country's natural beauty. Hiking, cycling, and skiing are all popular pastimes, and there are countless trails and slopes to explore. For a more relaxed evening, a stroll through one of Austria's many charming old towns or a visit to a local pub or cafe can be a delightful way to spend an evening.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians typically eat dinner between 6 pm and 7 pm.
Lunch is traditionally the most important meal of the day in Austria, so dinner is usually a lighter meal eaten earlier in the evening.
While this is typical, there are always exceptions. In bigger cities, you can find late-night cafes and restaurants serving food from all over the world.
Some restaurants and takeaways close around 9 pm, or 11 pm in tourist areas.
Dinner is usually a lighter meal than lunch, often consisting of cold cuts of meat and cheese.
