
Vienna, Austria, is known for its gastronomic diversity, offering a variety of international dishes with a unique Viennese twist. The city boasts a range of restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to cheap local eateries, where tourists and locals alike can savour traditional Austrian cuisine. Locals in Vienna have their favourite spots to indulge in the city's culinary delights, from cosy pubs serving schnitzel and dumplings to historic restaurants with bow-tied waiters. Here, we will explore the best places to eat like a local in Vienna, offering an authentic taste of Austrian culture and hospitality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best restaurants for traditional Austrian food | Wratschko's, Steman's, Am Nordpol 3, Pizza Mari, Bioweingut Und Heuriger Obermann |
| Traditional Austrian dishes | Wiener schnitzel, strudel, boiled beef, Tafelspitz, Kasierschmarrn, Sachertorte |
| Other popular cuisines | Italian, Asian, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese |
| Best coffee | Ströck |
| Best ribs | Restaurant opened in 1904 that only accepts cash |
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What You'll Learn

Schnitzelwirt for schnitzel
Schnitzel is a dish synonymous with Viennese cuisine. A true Wiener Schnitzel is a wafer-thin slice of meat, covered in breadcrumbs and quickly fried to a crisp, golden-brown perfection. For a delicious schnitzel in Vienna, Schnitzelwirt is a great option.
Schnitzelwirt is a restaurant in Vienna, Austria, that serves up tasty, giant, golden pieces of coated pork schnitzel. The food is served quickly, and the reviews are glowing. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
Schnitzelwirt is not the only place to get a good schnitzel in Vienna. Skopik & Lohn, for example, is well known for its crispy real veal Wiener Schnitzel and its big portions. It is located in the heart of the second district and is a great option for a summer night's dinner in a garden, although it does have a more fancy vibe.
For a laid-back bohemian experience, the Anzengruber is a great option. Its huge, delicious pork schnitzel is legendary, as is its goulash and beer. It is located at Schleifmühlgasse 19, 1040 Vienna, and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am.
Figlmüller is another great option for schnitzel, with wafer-thin cuts of meat that are bigger than the plates they are served on! It is located at Wollzeile 5, 1010 Vienna, and is open daily from 11 am to 10:30 pm.
For a more traditional Austrian experience, Steman's is a lovely locale that is always bustling with families and groups of friends. Schnitzel is a great option to order here, but they also serve other traditional dishes exceptionally well. It is located in the first district and can get busy, so it is recommended to book a table in advance.
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Wratschko's for Austrian cuisine
Wratschko's is a local favourite in Vienna, serving up simple, traditional Austrian cuisine at affordable prices. From the outside, it looks like a regular pub, but step inside and you'll find a bustling, atmospheric restaurant filled with the irresistible scents of Austrian dishes. The menu is straightforward, with classic Austrian options like schnitzel, beuschel, knudel dumplings, and seasonal specials. The portions are generous, and the quality is exceptional, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
When it comes to Austrian cuisine, meat and baked goods are a staple. You'll find a variety of meats on offer, from beef and pork to chicken, turkey, and goose. Sausages are also a favourite, with the Vienna sausage being a must-try. It's made of parboiled pork and beef, smoked at low temperatures, and served in a hot bun or as part of a main dish. If you're looking for a heartier option, try the Saftgulasch, a juicy stew made with lean beef and onions, slow-cooked to perfection.
Dumplings, or "Knödel", are another popular choice and can be found in many Michelin-rated restaurants. They can be sweet or savoury, and the "Marillenknödel" dumplings filled with apricots and warm butter-fried breadcrumbs are a delicious local delicacy from Lower Austria. For a sweet treat, indulge in the famous Kaiserschmarr'n, a rich, fluffy pancake with raisins, served with a fruit compote for dipping.
Wratschko's embodies the essence of Austrian cuisine, offering a range of classic dishes that will satisfy your cravings for traditional fare. The restaurant's cosy atmosphere and excellent value for money make it a go-to choice for locals and a hidden gem worth discovering for visitors seeking an authentic culinary experience in Vienna.
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$14.24 $278.92

Leo Würstelstand for sausages
If you're looking for a taste of traditional Austrian food in Vienna, you'll want to seek out the local favourites. One such spot is Leo Würstelstand, a sausage stand with a long history in the city.
Founded in 1928 by Leopold Mlynek senior, Leo Würstelstand is Vienna's oldest Würstelstand. Over its many years, it has hosted a legendary guest in Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky. Since 1991, the stand has been run by Vera Tondl, Leopold Mlynek senior's granddaughter. In 1997, she built a new stand in the bright colours of white and turquoise, which still stands today.
Leo Würstelstand is known for its delicious sausages, including the legendary Cheese Krainer, or "Big Mama", as well as its currywurst. The stand is a popular venue by day and night, and its food is cheap, delicious, and fast. It is located in North Vienna, and many visitors have found it conveniently close to their hotels. It is also considered worth the walk, even if it takes 90 minutes round trip, as the walk will build an appetite and burn off the calories from the hearty food.
If you're looking for a more sit-down meal, there are other local favourites in Vienna. Steman's is a bustling, wood-panelled restaurant serving traditional Austrian dishes, including schnitzel and Kasierschmarrn. Wratschko's is another local favourite, known for its simple Austrian cuisine done well, and its unbeatable prices. For something a little more off the beaten track, Am Nordpol 3 offers authentic Bohemian cuisine with influences from traditional Viennese cooking.
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Kolonitz Beisl for a local drinking joint
Vienna, Austria, is a city with a plethora of culinary delights, from traditional Austrian cuisine to innovative vegetarian and vegan spots. While there are many options to choose from, Kolonitz Beisl stands out as a beloved local drinking joint.
Kolonitz Beisl is known for its cosy and inviting atmosphere, with wooden bench seating, a historic bar from the 1800s, and charming decor. The restaurant is particularly well-regarded for its juicy and tender schnitzel, which is only served on Tuesdays and Fridays, ensuring freshness. The menu also features other traditional Austrian dishes such as dumplings and seasonal specials.
What sets Kolonitz Beisl apart is its ability to combine simplicity with historical touches. The restaurant exudes a sense of warmth and hospitality, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It is also quite affordable, offering excellent value for money, which is always a plus when exploring new places to eat and drink.
The restaurant is also known for its special lunch offers and its kid-friendliness, making it a great option for families. Kolonitz Beisl has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a beautiful garden to enjoy during pleasant weather. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours, as it tends to be bustling with locals.
Kolonitz Beisl is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a delicious meal and drinks. It captures the essence of Austrian hospitality and will leave you with fond memories of Vienna's culinary delights.
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Steman's for Kasierschmarrn
If you're looking for places to eat Kaiserschmarrn in Vienna, Austria, here are some top spots recommended by locals and visitors alike:
Café Central is a legendary literature café and a popular meeting point for people of all ages. It boasts unique architecture, the best coffee specialties, classic Viennese cuisine, and fine homemade pastries. Their Kaiserschmarrn is highly recommended, and the elegant dining room and welcoming staff make the experience even better. Be prepared to wait in line, as it tends to be busy.
Heindls (or Heindl's Schmarren & Palatschinkenkuchl) is a classic Austrian pancake house located in the 1st district of Vienna. It offers a traditional Austrian ambiance and a wide range of savoury and sweet pancakes, including various Kaiserschmarrn options. The ingredients are locally sourced, and the portions are generous.
The Jausen Station is a 1950s-style pavilion café tucked away behind tall hedges on the imperial grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. It offers a charming outdoor seating area and a delicious Kaiserschmarrn served in the pan with a generous dusting of sugar and a side of two types of compote. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a royal dessert in a picturesque setting.
Maxing Stüberl is a small, local favourite located on a quiet street just behind Schönbrunn Palace. This elegant and traditional wine tavern is reportedly the oldest in Vienna. It offers a cosy Austrian ambiance and an authentic, fluffy Kaiserschmarrn that will melt in your mouth. The simple menu and superb service add to the overall delightful dining experience.
15 süße Minuten is another local favourite, known for its classic, deliciously sweet Kaiserschmarrn. It is served on a giant plate covered with powdered sugar and accompanied by stewed plums, apricot jam, or apple sauce. They also offer a plant-based version, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this Viennese treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Kolonitz Beisl in District 3 is a deeply local drinking and dining joint with rustic wooden furnishings and a weathered bar counter. Leo, the oldest existing sausage shop in Vienna, is also a great option for a cheap, tasty meal.
Griechenbeisl is a great option for traditional Austrian food in a historic setting. Schnitzelwirt has been serving delicious, budget-friendly schnitzels to locals for over 40 years. For a more upscale experience, try Steman's, which serves traditional Austrian dishes in a wood-panelled setting.
Wratschko's is a local favourite that serves simple Austrian cuisine at unbelievable prices. ULRICH is a popular all-day restaurant that serves Austrian, pan-European, and Asian cuisine. Mama Liu & Sons is one of Vienna's top-rated Chinese restaurants, adored by locals for its delicious hot pots, meatballs, and dumplings.
Pizza Mari’ serves up some of the best pizza in Vienna at very reasonable prices. For authentic Neapolitan pizza, sit outside during the warmer months. For modern Italian, try Bros Pizza, which is located in Vienna's pedestrianized Zollergasse.











































