Lexi Webster
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a multicultural city with a wide range of culinary delights. From fine dining to noisy pubs, the city offers a variety of options for those seeking traditional Austrian cuisine as well as other international fare. The city's food scene is heavily focused on local and organic ingredients, with many vineyards and farms supplying fresh produce to restaurants and bars. For those seeking traditional Austrian food in Vienna, there are several options to choose from, including cosy beisl pubs, contemporary restaurants, and street food stalls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Wiener Schnitzel, Apple Strudel, Tafelspitz, Austrian Potato Salad, Apricot Dumplings, Blue Mussels, Avgolemono, Käsekrainer, Beef Goulash, Ravioli, Cordon Bleu, Scallops with Truffle Ravioli, Veal, Dumplings, Seasonal Dishes, Baba Ghanoush, Beetroot Couscous, Pirozhki, Pork Knuckle, Käsespätzle, Meat and Cheese Sharing Platters, etc. |
| Drinks | Austrian Wine, Craft Beer, Sturm, Melange, Mint Tea, etc. |
| Type of Eatery | Restaurants, Bistros, Wine Bars, Cafes, Bakeries, Street Food, Fine Dining, Pubs, etc. |
| Specific Eateries | Cafe Sperl, Habibi & Hawara, Mayer am Nussberg, Syrischen Imbiss, Figlmüller, Il Sestante, Restaurant Pürstner, Vollpension Cafe, Neni am Prater, Mamamon Thai Eatery, Miznon, Diglas, Paremi, Bitzinger, R&Bar, Mast, Meinklang Hofladen, Joseph Brot, Mani, Am Nordpol 3, Wratschko's, Zwölf Apostkeller, etc. |
| Other | Viennese/Austrian food is focused on local and organic ingredients. |
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What You'll Learn
Traditional Austrian food in Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for its coffeehouses and Sacher tortes. However, the city has much more to offer in terms of traditional Austrian food.
If you're looking for a cosy, traditional Austrian pub, look no further than Beisl. With its oak and wooden bench seating, historic bar from the 1800s, and atmospheric decor, it is a favourite among locals. Here, you can enjoy classic Austrian dishes like schnitzel, beuschel, knudel dumplings, and seasonal specials.
For those who want to experience Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, Am Nordpol 3 offers authentic Bohemian dishes influenced by traditional Viennese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Mani is another great option for those looking for a chilled-out atmosphere and delicious natural wines to complement their meal.
When it comes to street food, Vienna has plenty of options. You can find Würstelstands selling sausages all over the city, and for a late-night snack, nothing beats a Käsekrainer and Ottakringer from Bitzinger. For dessert, apricot dumplings, known as marillienknodel, are a must-try.
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, Restaurant Pürstner is known for its delicious Austrian food and quirky decor. Figlmüller is another popular choice, especially for their schnitzel and potato salad. Lastly, for breakfast, Cafe Sperl and Vollpension Cafe are excellent choices, offering traditional Austrian coffee and pastries like Apfelstrudel.
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Viennese coffee houses
Vienna is known for its coffeehouses and its Sacher tortes. The city's coffeehouse culture is steeped in history, with the first coffee house said to have been opened in 1683 by Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, a Polish-Habsburg officer who was granted several sacks of strange beans that were initially thought to be camel feed. Kulczycki experimented with the beans, adding sugar and milk, and thus the Viennese coffee tradition was born.
Today, the coffee houses of Vienna offer a unique atmosphere and experience. They are known for their excellent coffee, enticing cakes, tarts, and strudels, and the availability of newspapers and journals for guests to peruse. Many classic cafés feature piano music in the evenings and host social events like literary readings. Almost all coffee houses also provide small food dishes, including sausages, desserts, and traditional pastries such as Apfelstrudel, Millirahmstrudel, Punschkrapfen, and Linzer torte.
- Café Jelinek: Located off Mariahilfer Strasse, this café offers a respite from the bustling city. It exudes a special charm with its wrought iron wood burner, excellent coffee, free newspapers, and an array of sweet treats.
- Café Sperl: Synonymous with Viennese coffee house culture since 1880, Café Sperl invites guests to step back in time. The furnishings remain largely unchanged, creating a cozy atmosphere for coffee and a slice of original Sperl Torte or a game of billiards.
- Café Hawelka: Nestled near Stephansplatz, Café Hawelka has become a legendary meeting place for artists and cultural icons. Its distinctive charm and ambience have been carefully crafted over decades by the Hawelkas, solidifying its status as a true Viennese institution.
- Café Central: Housed in the Palais Ferstel since 1876, this coffee house exudes a unique ambience. It boasts a magnificent inner courtyard in the Venetian style, delightful piano music, and a range of coffee specialties and Viennese cuisine delights.
- Café Schwarzenberg: As Vienna's oldest Ringstrasse café, Café Schwarzenberg is a popular meeting place. It offers traditional coffee and tea specialties, along with delectable cakes, and exudes the special flair of the old Ringstrasse café tradition.
- Café Residenz: Located in the Schönbrunn Palace outbuildings, Café Residenz embodies classic coffee house style with an imperial touch. It provides a modern al fresco experience in the palace gardens during the warmer seasons.
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Vienna's street food
Vienna's food scene is known for its focus on local and organic ingredients, with many restaurants prioritising hyperlocal and organic produce. The city also has a thriving coffeehouse culture and is famous for its Sacher torte.
When it comes to street food, Vienna may not have the same extensive options as some other cities, but there are still some unique and tasty offerings to be found. Here are some recommendations for street food and quick bites in Vienna:
Würstelstands
The classic choice for street food in Vienna is a Käsekrainer sausage from one of the many Würstelstands (sausage stands) dotted around the city. These stands are a staple of Viennese street food culture, and while you may be tempted to ask for a Currywurst, a local variety of sausage with a spicy sauce, it is recommended to stick with the Käsekrainer or other local options.
Kebab and Döner Stands
In addition to Würstelstands, you will also find Kebab and Döner stands serving up quick bites like kebabs, pizzas, and other grilled meats. These stands are a convenient option for a quick, filling meal on the go.
Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt is a vibrant market with a mix of takeaway food stalls and sit-down restaurants. It's a great place to wander and explore the different food options, and you can also enjoy the surrounding art deco architecture.
Billa Grocery Stores
For a quick bite, Billa grocery stores offer a wide variety of hot and cold options, including a large selection of pre-made sandwiches, drinks, and other snacks. Some Billa locations, like the one on Neuer Markt, have seating areas, making them a convenient spot to grab a quick meal.
Bros Pizza
For pizza lovers, Bros Pizza offers handmade pizzas in a quirky atmosphere. They also have weekly specials, summer rolls, and vegetarian options.
Cafes
Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture, and cafes like Cafe Sperl and Vollpension Cafe are great spots to enjoy a melange (coffee) and a sweet treat like Apfelstrudel or traditional cakes.
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Fine dining in Vienna
Vienna is a foodie's paradise, with a range of options for fine dining. The city has a booming food scene, with new-wave experimentation and a dedication to local suppliers and seasonal produce. Here are some top picks for fine dining in Vienna:
Mraz und Sohn
Mraz und Sohn is a top-level Viennese institution and possibly the best place to dine in the capital. It offers finely coordinated courses that usually follow a central ingredient or theme, with some surprise courses in between. It is a relaxed and unsophisticated setting, and if you're lucky, you can sit with a view of the open kitchen.
Lugeck
Set in the impressive Regensburger Hof building, Lugeck is run by the same family behind the historic Schnitzel restaurant Figlmüller. This gastro-pub offers a contemporary twist on traditional Austrian dishes, such as Wiener schnitzel and Tafelspitz, Franz Joseph I's favourite boiled beef dish.
The Palmenhaus
The Palmenhaus is an all-day brasserie located in Vienna's world-famous botanical hothouse, overlooking the Burggarten gardens. The menu features Austrian dishes with a Mediterranean influence, an extensive wine list, expertly mixed cocktails, and delectable desserts. It is a particularly inviting spot on a chilly day, with hearty lunch specials like mushroom ragout and veal bolognese, followed by warm almond and chocolate cake.
Zwölf Apostkeller
Located in a centuries-old cellar in the 1st district, Zwölf Apostkeller is an old-style beer hall serving hearty Austrian cuisine. The menu includes classic Viennese dishes like Pork Knuckle, Käsespätzle, Schnitzel, and Tafelspitz. It's a perfect spot for a rowdy evening, as they serve delicious schnapps and have a unique medieval-style feasting hall atmosphere.
Griechenbeisl
Griechenbeisl is Vienna's oldest restaurant, serving traditional Austrian cuisine since 1447. It is a great place to try the city's signature dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz.
Steirereck Meierei
Steirereck Meierei is a fine-dining Austrian and cheese restaurant located in the Stadtpark. It offers three menu options and is one of the 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in Vienna and Salzburg.
Beisl Pubs
For a more unassuming dining experience, seek out the cosy Beisl pubs scattered throughout the city. These bistros serve traditional Austrian fare with a focus on local suppliers, seasonal produce, and the slow-food movement. While some may look unassuming from the outside, they often offer incredible food and a truly local experience.
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Pubs and bars in Vienna
Vienna has a lot to offer when it comes to pubs and bars serving Austrian food. Here are some top picks:
Zwölf Apostelkeller
This ancient pub, hidden in a cellar just off Fleischmarkt, is a must-visit for those seeking a traditional medieval tavern experience. With wooden tables, ancient relics adorning the walls, and traditional music, the pub offers a unique ambience. The menu features classic Viennese dishes, including the specialty Wienerschnitzel. The building itself dates back to at least 1339, making it one of the oldest pubs in the city.
Reinthaler's
Reinthaler's is a classic pub known for its hearty food and generous beer selection. It offers beers from local breweries, with Gösser being the most common on draught and by the bottle. While the main restaurant has moved, you can still enjoy Austrian pub food like their specialty boiled beef broth. It's located on Dorotheergasse, just a short walk from the Stadtpark.
Das Augustin
Das Augustin is a chilled pub and restaurant offering affordable and delicious Austrian cuisine. Conveniently located near the Johnstrasse subway station, it caters to a range of dietary preferences with options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. The menu includes Austrian classics like schnitzels, burgers, and strudels, along with a variety of cocktails and beers.
Lugeck
Set in the impressive Regensburger Hof building, Lugeck is a gastro-pub that puts a contemporary spin on traditional Austrian dishes. It offers classics like Wiener schnitzel and Tafelspitz, along with international options and carefully selected Austrian wines and craft beers. The historic setting and modern twists make it a unique dining experience.
Beisl Pub
This cosy little beisl pub, with its oak and wooden benches, historic bar from the 1800s, and atmospheric decor, is a hidden gem. From the outside, it looks unassuming, but it serves up traditional Austrian dishes, including schnitzel, beuschel, knudel dumplings, and seasonal specials. It's a local favourite, and some even whisper that it might be the best local restaurant in Vienna.
In addition to these pubs and bars, Vienna also offers a variety of beer halls, gardens, and sports bars. Whether you're looking for traditional Austrian food, a cosy atmosphere, or a lively drinking experience, Vienna's pub and bar scene has something for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many restaurants in Vienna that serve traditional Austrian food. Here are some recommendations:
- Wratschko's: Serves simple Austrian cuisine done well and at affordable prices.
- Zwölf Apostkeller: Located in a centuries-old cellar in the 1st district, this restaurant serves hearty Austrian dishes, including Pork Knuckle, Käsespätzle, Schnitzel, and Tafelspitz.
- Am Nordpol 3: A restaurant serving authentic Bohemian cuisine with influences from traditional Viennese cuisine.
Traditional Austrian dishes you can try in Vienna include:
- Wiener Schnitzel
- Apple Strudel
- Käsekrainer
- Apricot dumplings (marillienknodel)
- Tafelspitz: Franz Joseph I’s favourite boiled beef dish
- Beuschel
- Knudel dumplings
Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture, so you can try Austrian pastries and cakes at any coffee shop you stumble upon. You can also try Austrian street food at the Würstelstand.
