Salzburg's Best Austrian Food: A Local's Guide

where to eat austrian food in salzburg

Salzburg, Austria, is known for its unique delicacies, great cafes, and restaurants. The city is filled with options for traditional Austrian food, including deep-fried chicken, schnitzel, and bretzel. For those with a sweet tooth, the Salzburger Nockerl souffle dessert and the Salzburger Mozartkugel chocolates are must-tries. For a fun dining experience, visitors can attend a Mozart dinner concert at St. Peter, the oldest restaurant in Europe, dating back to 803. Salzburg also offers a range of cafes, such as the historic Cafe Tomaselli, and unique locations like Hangar-7, which combines airplanes, racing cars, art, and food.

Characteristics Values
Restaurants St. Peter, Meissl&Schadn, Goldener Hirsch, The Indian Palace, Superstanza, Zum fidelen Affen, Sternbräu, Gasthaus Kuglhof, Hotel Sacher, Steinterrasse, Ikarus, Mayday, Cafe Tomaselli, Afro Cafe, Gablerbrau, Timeless Restaurant, Barenwirt, Fürst Mozartkugeln, Smart Food, Carpe Diem Lounge-Café, Red Bull Hangar 7 Outdoor Lounge, Cafe Bazar, DIE WEISSE
Cafes Original 1. Salzburger Brez’lstand, Cafe Konditorei Furst, Cafe Bazar, Cafe Tomaselli, Afro Cafe, Carpe Diem Lounge-Café
Specialties Schnitzel, Salzburger Nockerl, Backhendl, Bretzel, Salzburger Mozartkugel, Bratwurst, Goulash, Sacher Torte, Mozartkugeln, Bosna Grills, Roast Pork, Fish Soup, Deep Fried Chicken, Sausages, Venus Breast Cakes
Other Mozart dinner concerts, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, St. Peter Monastery, Baroque Hall, Benedictine Monastery, Linzer Gasse, Hangar 7, Getreidegasse, Old Market Square, Alter Markt

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Mozart dinner concerts

Salzburg is known for its unique delicacies and great cafes and restaurants. Fried chicken, for example, is a key Austrian food, and Bärenwirt claims to serve the best in the country. The restaurant also has a lovely al fresco terrace. For lunch, Meissl&Schadn and Goldener Hirsch are recommended, and the latter is also good for dinner. Zum fidelen Affen is another classic Austrian restaurant close to Linzer Gasse.

If you're looking for something a little different, a fun option for dinner in Salzburg is to attend one of the city’s famous Mozart dinner concerts. The Baroque Hall of the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, part of a famous Benedictine monastery, is a unique setting for one of these concerts. St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is the oldest restaurant in Europe, first mentioned in 803, and was even visited by the Mozart family. The beautiful frescoes on the walls and ceiling, as well as the candle-lit chandeliers, create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.

The Mozart Dinner Concert combines a historical menu with the music of Mozart. The 3-course menu is based on historical recipes adapted to modern tastes and seasonal ingredients, and it is served between each of the musical interludes. The concert features costumed singers and musicians performing Mozart's compositions.

The Mozart Dinner Concert has been included on TripAdvisor's list of the top ten experiences in Austria. It is an immersive experience that whisks you away to the days of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

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Local markets

Salzburg is known for its unique delicacies, and its great cafes and restaurants. The city has a variety of local markets where you can try Austrian food.

One of the best places to buy local produce is the weekly market at Schranne, the daily market at Grünmarkt, and the weekly organic market at Kajetanerplatz. Here, you can find stalls selling typical Salzburg snacks, such as fish soup, deep-fried chicken, and sausages. You can also buy local cheeses, meat, vegetables, bread, flowers, and fish. Be sure to try the Venus breast cakes, a delicatessen stocking fine local produce and Austrian food.

For an authentic Austrian snack, try Marend, a mix of mountain cheeses, cured meats, sausages, and bread. This can be found at restaurants catering to hungry hikers, such as Goasn Wirsthaus, a popular restaurant at the peak of Gaisberg mountain, a 30-minute bus ride from Salzburg's old town.

For Austrian pastries and sweets, head to the old town, where you'll find the Sternbräu restaurant, which serves traditional Austrian dishes across 14 unique dining rooms. The Gasthaus Kuglhof is another traditional inn in a rural setting close to Salzburg airport, with a nice beer garden.

For an unforgettable dining experience, visit the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Europe, located in the oldest part of Salzburg. This beautiful restaurant, adorned with frescoes and candle-lit chandeliers, serves historical appetizers, main courses, and desserts, accompanied by performances of Mozart compositions.

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Old-school Austrian restaurants

Salzburg is known for its delicious food and great cafes and restaurants. The city has a range of old-school Austrian restaurants that offer a traditional dining experience. Here are some top picks for old-school Austrian restaurants in Salzburg:

  • Zum fidelen Affen: Located near Linzer Gasse, "Zum fidelen Affen" is a classic, old-school Austrian restaurant. It is known for its traditional dishes and ambiance.
  • Bärenwirt: Bärenwirt is a long-standing Austrian restaurant, having served Austrian specialties since 1663. It is famous for its deep-fried chicken, or Backhendl, and has a lovely al fresco terrace.
  • St. Peter Stiftskulinarium: St. Peter is located in the oldest part of Salzburg and is the oldest restaurant in Europe, first mentioned in 803. It is part of the famous Benedictine monastery, and even the Mozart family dined here. The restaurant serves historical appetizers, main courses, and desserts, alongside performances of Mozart compositions.
  • Augustiner Bräu: Augustiner Bräu is a traditional beer hall serving authentic German food and excellent beer. It has a beautiful beer garden and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
  • Sternbräu: Sternbräu is a restaurant in the heart of Salzburg's old town. It features multiple rooms and garden courtyards serving traditional Austrian dishes.
  • Gasthaus Kuglhof: Located close to Salzburg airport, Gasthaus Kuglhof is a traditional inn in a rural setting. It offers a unique dining experience just a short distance from the city centre.

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Traditional Austrian dishes

Austrian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, with a focus on meat and dumplings. Here are some traditional Austrian dishes you can try in Salzburg:

Wiener Schnitzel

A staple of Austrian cuisine, Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded slice of meat, traditionally made with veal. It is often served with a simple salad, parsley potatoes, or cranberries on the side.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz is another traditional Austrian dish, featuring tender boiled beef cooked in a flavourful broth with root vegetables and spices. It is typically served with horseradish mixed with minced apples, adding a unique flavour to the dish.

Speckknödel

Speckknödel are dumplings from Tyrol, packed with bacon and boiled to perfection. They are usually served in a warm broth or with tangy sauerkraut and a fresh salad, making them a comforting and filling meal.

Sausages

Austria is known for its variety of sausages, such as the Vienna Sausage, a staple street food found at sausage stands throughout the country. These sausages are slow-smoked, slender in shape, and often served with white bread, dark sourdough, or a side of mustard and horseradish. Other popular sausages include Frankfurter, Käsekrainer, and Burenwurst.

Beuschel

Beuschel is a traditional Austrian stew made primarily from offal, usually calf's heart and lungs, though other meats can also be used. It is often found in old-school local eateries and is known for its rich history and deep flavours.

When in Salzburg, you can enjoy these traditional Austrian dishes at restaurants such as St. Peter, Meissl&Schadn, Goldener Hirsch, and Zum fidelen Affen. The city also offers unique dining experiences like the Mozart dinner concerts, where you can enjoy a historical meal accompanied by performances of Mozart's compositions.

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Street food

Salzburg is known for its delicious delicacies, great cafes, and restaurants. The city offers a variety of street food options for visitors to indulge in. Here is a list of street food items and places to find them:

Marend

Marend is an Austrian snack perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It typically includes a mix of mountain cheeses, cured meats, sausages, and bread. If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying snack, Marend is an excellent choice. You can find Marend at the Goasn Wirsthaus restaurant, located near Gaisberg, a popular hiking destination just a 30-minute bus ride from Salzburg's old town.

Bosna Grills

Bosna Grills are a must-try when in Salzburg. This street food item has been a local favourite since 1950. It consists of a beef sausage served in a long bun, topped with raw onions, chopped parsley, and curry powder. It is often enjoyed with a cold beer. You can find Bosna Grills at the Bärenwirt restaurant, known for its al fresco dining and charming atmosphere.

Fish Soup, Deep Fried Chicken, and Sausages

Salzburg's markets, such as the weekly market at Schranne, daily market at Grünmarkt, and the weekly organic market at Kajetanerplatz, offer a variety of street food options. Here, you can find typical Salzburg snacks like fish soup, deep-fried chicken, and an array of sausages. These markets are a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine.

Mozartkugeln

Mozartkugeln, or chocolate Mozart balls, are a ubiquitous sight on the streets of Salzburg. They are sold in gift shops and on street corners, with the Mirabell brand being the most common. If you're a chocolate connoisseur, opt for the high-quality Fürst brand, made with fine chocolate and marzipan. Mozartkugeln are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring the city.

Schnitzel

While not typically considered street food, Schnitzel is a classic Austrian dish that you can find at various restaurants and eateries in Salzburg. It is made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried cutlet, typically veal, but pork and turkey options are also available. Schnitzel is often served with pommes, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. You can find Schnitzel at restaurants like Panorama Restaurant at Hohensalzburg Fortress and St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.

These street food options will allow you to experience the unique and delicious flavours of Salzburg, offering a blend of traditional Austrian cuisine and local specialties.

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Frequently asked questions

Sternbräu, a restaurant in the old town of Salzburg, serves traditional Austrian dishes. Another option is Bärenwirt, which has been serving Austrian specialties since 1663 and is famous for its deep-fried chicken.

Schranne, Grünmarkt, and Kajetanerplatz are markets in Salzburg where you can buy local produce such as cheese, meat, vegetables, bread, flowers, and fish.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is the oldest restaurant in Europe and was frequented by the Mozart family. It is located in the oldest part of Salzburg and is part of the Benedictine monastery. Another unique dining experience is the Mozart dinner concert, where you can enjoy a historical meal in between performances of Mozart compositions.

Salzburg is known for its hearty roast pork, bratwurst, and goulash. Other popular dishes include schnitzel, Salzburger Nockerl, and Backhendl (fried chicken).

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