Lyla Lindsey
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a culinary delight. The city is surrounded by lush countryside, where farmers have been producing vegetables, meat, and cheese for centuries. The food in Graz is both local and regional, fresh, and tasty. The city has a vibrant cafe culture, with people often spilling out onto the streets with their drinks. For a true taste of Graz, visitors can try local specialties like Vulkanland cured ham, scarlet runner beans, and freshly-baked bread. The city also boasts several restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine, such as Der Steirer, Genießerei am Markt, and Restaurant Florian. For those seeking a unique dining experience, the Long Table of Graz is a culinary event where 700 diners share a five-course tasting menu prepared by the area's top chefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Restaurants | Der Steirer, Genießerei am Markt, Dreizehn by Gauster, Landhauskeller, Restaurant Florian, El Gaucho, GenussLaden - Gut Schlossberg |
| Cuisine | Styrian, Austrian, Argentine, Mediterranean |
| Notable Events | Long Table, where 700-750 people share a meal at a long table in the old town, with a 5-course tasting menu and local musical talent |
| Specialties | Pumpkin seed oil, Tafelspitz, Wiener Schnitzel, Backhendl, Goulash, Apfelstrudel, Sissi-Busserl, cured meats, cheese, Vulkanland cured ham, scarlet runner beans, local breads |
| Notable Traits | Historic, cultural, fresh, tasty, local, regional, traditional, modern, trendy, relaxed, romantic, good value, good service |
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What You'll Learn
Traditional Austrian food
Austrian cuisine is also known for its pastries, such as the Kaiserschmarrn and the apple strudel. Breakfast is usually "continental", consisting of bread rolls with jam, cold meats, and cheese, accompanied by coffee, tea, or juice. A mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, called a Jause, consists of a slice of bread topped with cheese or ham. A more substantial version, called a Brettljause, is similar to a British "ploughman's lunch" and is served on a wooden board.
Some other traditional Austrian dishes include Tafelspitz (prime boiled beef with bouillon and sliced pancakes or meat strudel served with fried potatoes, creamy spinach, chives cream, and apple-horseradish sauce), Wiener Schnitzel, Saftgulasch (an Austrian twist on the traditional Hungarian goulash made with lean beef and a large quantity of onions), and Kasspatzln (a comforting cheese noodle dish made with local cheeses like Bergkäse or Graukäse).
When in Graz, Austria's 'City of Culinary Delights', there are many options for traditional Austrian food. Der Steirer, located near the Tegetthoff Brücke (bridge), serves Styrian tapas and traditional Austrian dishes. Landhauskeller, a historic restaurant, serves traditional Austrian food in a lovely courtyard located next to the 16th-century Landhaus. Genießerei am Markt, located in a stall at the Kaiser-Josef-Platz market, offers a dining experience focused on cooking regional, seasonal cuisine. For vegan options, there is the Ginko Vegan Cafe, which has more veggie choices than anywhere else in Austria.
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Graz's best restaurants
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is known for its culinary delights. The city has a rich food culture, with influences from the Mediterranean countries to its south. The cafe culture in Graz is vibrant, with people often enjoying their drinks and meals outdoors. The city also boasts several restaurants serving traditional Austrian cuisine and local specialties. Here are some of the best restaurants in Graz:
Der Steirer
Der Steirer is a popular restaurant that serves a fun mix of modern twists on classic Austrian dishes. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with Styrian tapas and traditional Austrian meals. The warm and trendy décor, featuring wooden wine crates, vaulted ceilings, and suspended wine bottles, adds to the charm. The 'Emperor's recommendation' is Tafelspitz, prime boiled beef with bouillon and sliced pancakes or meat strudel. The strudel with pears and marzipan is another must-try dish from their tapas menu.
Genießerei am Markt
Genießerei am Markt is a unique dining spot located inside the Kaiser-Josef-Platz market. Chef Christopher Leitinger uses the freshest ingredients from the market to create regional and seasonal dishes. While the restaurant may not be fancy or have an extensive menu, it offers a delightful dining experience.
Landhauskeller
Landhauskeller is a historic restaurant located in the courtyard of the 16th-century Landhaus building. It serves traditional Austrian cuisine, including dishes like Tafelspitz and Wiener Schnitzel. Dining in the beautiful courtyard, surrounded by the arches of this Renaissance palace, makes for a memorable experience.
El Gaucho
El Gaucho is a renowned restaurant located inside the evocative Renaissance Landhaus building. It offers a unique dining experience with a diverse menu of Argentine cuisine and local steaks. The restaurant is known for its combination of El Gaucho beef from Argentina and dry-aged beef from Austria, which undergoes a 32-day aging process for a distinctive flavour. The menu also features delicacies like goose liver and soft-shell crab, along with a selection of great beers.
Restaurant Florian
Restaurant Florian, situated inside the five-star Parkhotel Graz, offers an idyllic setting for romantic dinners or business meals. The restaurant features a rose garden, a traditional-style dining room, and a winter garden conservatory. The menu includes gourmet Austrian cuisine and a wide range of fine wines.
In addition to these restaurants, Graz also hosts special culinary events like the Long Table, where 700–750 diners share a five-course tasting menu prepared by the area's best chefs, paired with local wines and musical performances. The city also has vibrant farmers' markets, charming cafes like the Kunsthaus Café, and vegetarian options like the Ginko Vegan Cafe.
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Dessert spots
Graz, Austria's culinary capital, is a city for food lovers. The city has a plethora of dessert spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some places to consider:
Der Steirer
Der Steirer is a popular restaurant in Graz that serves up Styrian tapas and local specialties. It is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic introduction to Austrian cuisine. Their menu includes the 'Emperor's recommendation', which is prime boiled beef with sliced pancakes or meat strudel. In the tapas section, you can indulge in their strudel with pears and marzipan. For dessert, they offer a shareable slice of Apfelstrudel served with vanilla ice cream. Der Steirer is located at Belgiergasse 1, 8020 Graz, Austria.
Landhauskeller
Landhauskeller is a historic restaurant in Graz that serves traditional Austrian food. It is owned by the same group that operates Aiola Upstairs, another well-known restaurant in the city. Landhauskeller offers a variety of tempting desserts, including apple pie and a 'sorbet of the day'. The restaurant is located at Schmiedgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria, just around the corner from the historic arched renaissance Landhaus building.
Aiola Upstairs
Aiola Upstairs is a must-visit restaurant in Graz, known for its stunning views. It is located at the top of the Schloßberg, offering a meal with a view. The open-air restaurant sits next to the iconic clock tower. Aiola Upstairs serves modern Austrian cuisine with a fresh and innovative approach. While the focus may be on their main courses, they also offer desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Aiola Upstairs' address is Schlossberg 2, 8010 Graz.
Kunsthaus Café
For a hipster vibe and a sweet treat, head to the Kunsthaus Café, located within the art museum. This café doubles as the oldest functioning bakery in Graz, dating back to 1569. Their signature treat is the Sissi-Busserl, a chocolate-drizzled macaroon named after a former Empress of Austria. You can also find standard loaves and vanilla croissants here. The Kunsthaus Café is situated near the river, providing a unique setting for your dessert experience.
Linzbichler
If you're looking for a sweet souvenir or a mid-sightseeing treat, Linzbichler is your spot. This small but charming shop is tucked away in the shadow of the Franciscan monastery. Here, you'll find a variety of artisanal chocolate bars, gift boxes, and seasonal treats. The signature chocolate of Graz is the Schlossbergkugel, a chocolate ball with a truffle filling and packaging reminiscent of the clocktower on the Schlossberg. Linzbichler's address is Franziskanerplatz 16, 8010 Graz.
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Local specialties
Graz, Austria's culinary capital, is renowned for its food and its food events. The city is surrounded by lush countryside where farmers have been growing vegetables, curing meat, and producing cheese for centuries.
When it comes to local specialties, here are some dishes to try when you're in Graz:
Pumpkin Seed Oil
This green, full-flavoured oil is a signature of the city. You'll find it used in various dishes, from salads to risotto, and even in coffee. It's so beloved that you can buy it in small bottles to take home with you.
Tafelspitz
Recommended as the "Emperor's choice", Tafelspitz is a traditional Austrian dish of prime boiled beef served with bouillon and sliced pancakes or meat strudel. It is often accompanied by pan-fried potatoes, creamy spinach, chives cream, and apple-horseradish.
Backhendl
A specialty of Viennese cuisine, Backhendl is breaded fried chicken. It is a popular dish in Graz and can be found in many restaurants.
Brettljause
Brettljause is a shared cold platter that showcases the region's bounty. It typically includes cheese, sliced meats, cooked fish, and other local specialities. It is best enjoyed in a Buschenschank, a traditional wine tavern, high in the Styrian mountains.
Strudel with Pears and Marzipan
For a sweet treat, this strudel is a must-try. It is often found in the tapas section of menus and pairs well with a glass of local Styrian wine.
Sissi-Busserl
These sweet treats are named after a former Empress of Austria. They are chocolate-drizzled macaroons or light, biscuity treats with a chocolate swirl. You can find them at the oldest functioning bakery in Graz, Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax, dating back to 1569.
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Outdoor dining
Graz, Austria's culinary capital, offers a plethora of outdoor dining options. From cute restaurants overlooking lively squares to rooftop cafes with impressive views, here are some top spots for outdoor dining in Graz:
Freiblick Tagescafé
Freiblick Tagescafé is a rooftop cafe located at Südtiroler Pl. 2, 8020 Graz. It offers impressive views of the city, a vibrant atmosphere, and a wide variety of dishes sourced seasonally and locally. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon drinks, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors while savouring delicious food.
Gut Schlossberg
Gut Schlossberg is a restaurant and shop located in a tiny baroque castle built in 1627. Tucked away behind the fortress wall at the foot of Schlossberg hill, it offers a charming outdoor terrace with views of the city. The restaurant serves regional delicacies from local producers, while the shop stocks over 1000 products from small-scale Styrian and Austrian artisans.
Hummel
Hummel is a relatively new restaurant in Graz, having opened in 2022. It serves mezze platters from the Levant and has a leafy outdoor terrace near the Friendly Alien art museum. Hummel is known for its commitment to sustainability and offers a casual dining experience with tasty mezze meant for sharing.
Der Steirer
Der Steirer is a popular choice for both locals and visitors, serving local Styrian food with a twist of Slovenian and German influences. Located near the Tegetthoff Brücke (bridge), it offers a trendy and lively atmosphere. The menu features Styrian tapas, traditional Backhendl fried chicken, and unique meat and potato dishes from the Steiermark region. Der Steirer also has an extensive wine list, showcasing the best of the nearby wine-producing region.
Landhauskeller
Landhauskeller is a historic restaurant located in the courtyard of the 16th-century Landhaus building. It offers traditional Austrian cuisine, including dishes such as Tafelspitz and Wiener Schnitzel. The courtyard provides a charming outdoor dining experience, with tables spilling into the arcade-lined courtyard during the summer months.
Eckstein by Albert
Located in the centre of Graz, Eckstein by Albert offers a comfortable and upscale dining experience. The low-lit atmosphere, reminiscent of a wine cellar, creates a unique ambiance. Outdoor seating is available for when the weather permits, allowing diners to enjoy their meals under the open sky. The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Restaurant Florian, situated inside the five-star Parkhotel Graz, is a perfect setting for a romantic meal. The restaurant contains an idyllic rose garden, an appealing traditional-style dining room, and a winter garden conservatory.
El Gaucho at Landhaus is a renowned restaurant located in the historic Renaissance Landhaus building in Graz. It offers a diverse menu of Argentine cuisine and local steaks. The restaurant is known for its unique combination of El Gaucho beef from Argentina and dry-aged beef from Austria, which undergoes a 32-day aging process.
Ginko Vegan Cafe offers vegan food and is part of the reason Graz has more veggie options than anywhere else in Austria.
