Exploring Vienna's Culinary Delights: Where To Eat In Austria's Capital

Vienna, Austria, is a foodie's paradise, with a rich culinary history and an array of stunning dishes. The city is known for its coffee houses, pastries, and sausages, as well as its adoption of specialties from around the world. Here is a guide to some of the best places to eat in Vienna.

Viennese coffee and cake

Coffee and cake are integral to the Viennese way of life. The city is known for its coffee culture and cakes, with numerous historic cafes and pastry shops to be found all over the city, especially in its heart. An hour or two spent in one of the more historical coffee houses is perhaps the most iconic and authentic Viennese experience you can have.

Viennese coffee houses are described as a place "where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill". They are characterised by marble tabletops, Thonet chairs, newspaper tables and interior design details in the style of historicism. The coffee houses are a pub, or "living room", where slow living is celebrated. Society is actively providing a public domain and accepting a relaxed lifestyle.

Coffee houses in Vienna serve a variety of different coffees. The Melange is the most popular, which is very similar to a cappuccino. This is followed by "Einspänner" (double espresso) or "Großer Brauner" (espresso). Coffee is traditionally served with a glass of tap water.

Cakes form the bedrock of Viennese coffee breaks, breakfasts and all cultural life. Sachertorte is a legendary chocolate cake invented at the house of Prince Metternich. The Imperial Torte is another chocolate cake with a connection to Franz Joseph, whose visit to the opening of a hotel prompted the torte's creation.

• Cafe Diglas – a traditional Viennese coffee shop with a romantic, vintage vibe. Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Demel – the Imperial and Royal Court Confectionery Bakery. Interiors are very authentic and beautiful. Address: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Cafe Hawelka – a traditional, completely vintage, artsy cafe with the scent of freshly roasted coffee. Try the coffee and Buchteln with plum jam. Address: Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Gerstner – a classy cafe-patisserie with 170 years of experience in making extraordinary cakes and desserts. Address: Kärntner Str. 51, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Cafe Central – located in stunning interiors of Palais Ferstel. Well known for its cakes, pastries, coffee and traditional Viennese specialties. Address: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Cafe Landtmann – the first traditional Viennese cafe. Less crowded by tourists and a place where locals get together. Address: Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Kleines Café – a tiny cafe in the heart of Vienna, off the classic tourist trail, beloved by locals. Address: Franziskanerpl. 3, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Oberlaa – a sweet gem of Neuer Markt, always good for a quick piece of cake and with a great choice of typical Viennese sweets and good coffee. Address: Neuer Markt 16, 1010 Wien, Austria.

Street food

Vienna is a city with a rich culinary history, and its street food scene is no exception. Here are some of the best street food options to try:

• Wurstel stands : These sausage stands are a staple of Vienna's street food scene, and for good reason. You'll find a variety of sausages on offer, including käsekrainer, bosna, bratwurst, frankfurter, and currywurst. Wurstelstand Leo is rumoured to be the longest-running stand with the yummiest sausages in the city!
• Falafelsandwichesand kebabs : The city's prominent Turkish community has resulted in a plethora of food vans selling delicious falafel sandwiches and kebabs. These sandwiches are typically made with pita-style bread, wraps, or chicken kebabs, and are topped with a generous salad of crunchy lettuce, cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a choice of spicy or yogurt sauce.
• Maroni (roasted chestnuts) : These roasted chestnuts are a popular winter snack in Vienna. You'll find Maroni stands, with their open drum fires emitting a comforting Christmassy scent, popping up around the city during the colder months.
• Langos : This deep-fried flatbread coated in a garlic paste is a delicious Hungarian street food that you'll find at any outdoor event or festival in Vienna. It's often served with sour cream and cheese on top.
• Vienna Sausage : This slow-smoked, thin sausage is another popular option at sausage stands throughout the city. It's typically served with white bread, dark sourdough, or mustard and horseradish.

Fine dining

Vienna's fine dining scene reflects the city's grandeur and cultural diversity, with a blend of culinary innovation and timeless heritage. Here are some of the top fine dining spots in the Austrian capital:

Steirereck

Steirereck offers a unique take on Austrian fine dining, led by chef Heinz Reitbauer in the serene setting of Vienna City Park. It is known for its creative menu, exceptional wine list, and focus on sauces. The signature dish is freshwater mountain fish cooked at the table in hot beeswax, showcasing innovative techniques applied to traditional Austrian cuisine.

TIAN

TIAN is a Michelin-starred, vegetarian and vegan restaurant that transforms humble produce into inspiring dishes. It focuses on seasonal, organic, and farm-based cooking, with a network of hand-picked farmers and producers supplying the ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list featuring top Austrian producers.

Konstantin Filippou

Konstantin Filippou's cuisine is characterised by his Greek-Austrian roots, with a menu exclusively featuring fish and seafood. The restaurant is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and well-balanced dishes, including the signature brandade with caviar. It holds two stars in the Michelin Guide.

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Led by chef Fabian Günzel, [aend] takes a minimalist approach to top-quality produce, creating masterful combinations. The menu centres on fresh ingredients, ensuring a unique dining experience. The restaurant also offers an excellent wine pairing selection curated by Simon Schubert.

Mraz & Sohn

Mraz & Sohn is a family-run restaurant known for its unique approach to dining. It presents the raw ingredients of its seasonal surprise menu first, then transforms them into meals course by course. The restaurant is helmed by Markus Mraz and his son Lukas Mraz, and it has been awarded two Michelin stars.

Restaurant Herzig

Restaurant Herzig offers a unique blend of casual fine dining, with a menu known for its originality and precision. Chef Sören Herzig breaks traditional culinary rules to create innovative dishes with a personal touch. The restaurant also features a wine selection carefully chosen to complement the food, alongside art objects, creating a symbiosis of fine dining and art.

The Bank Brasserie & Bar

Once a functioning bank, this unique eatery is now part of the Park Hyatt Hotel. It is known for its exceptional beef tartare, hand-cut and served with confit egg yolk, truffle, mustard caviar, and potato bread. Its prime location and history make it an insider's tip.

Buxbaum

Buxbaum is an upscale, elegant restaurant with an inventive tasting menu. While it is a more expensive option, it puts an elegant twist on traditional Austrian fare. You can choose the tasting menu or order à la carte.

Pramerl & the Wolf

Pramerl & the Wolf offers casual fine dining in a dimly lit and cosy setting without a sense of snobbery. There is no à la carte ordering; instead, guests follow a preset, carefully curated daily menu. The price depends on the day and time of your visit.

Silvio Nickol

Silvio Nickol is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a seven- or nine-course tasting menu. The atmosphere is designed to a high standard, and the tasting menus feature dishes like turbot and venison. You can also opt for an elevated wine pairing.

Loca

Loca is a casual fine dining spot with a six-course tasting menu curated by the chef. There is no dress code, allowing guests to enjoy high-quality cuisine in comfort. The menu can be adjusted for dietary restrictions, and an optional wine pairing is available.

Veranda Vienna

Veranda Vienna offers romantic dining with top-notch service and a modern twist on Austrian fare. Most ingredients are organic, seasonal, and sourced from local purveyors and farmers. Guests can order à la carte or choose a three-, four-, or five-course tasting menu.

Heunisch & Erben

Heunisch & Erben is a wine bar and restaurant offering comfort food and an impressive array of domestic and international wines by the glass. The dinner menu features creative gourmet dishes and Viennese classics, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards. Notable dishes include the shiitake potato-risotto and Wiener Schnitzel.

Figlmüller

Figlmüller is the most iconic spot to enjoy Vienna's traditional schnitzel. There are two locations: the original, cosy spot in an idyllic alley, and a more upscale, spacious venue. Ordering the original pork schnitzel with potato salad and a glass of Grüner Veltliner is a must.

Local markets

Vienna is home to many local markets, each with its own unique character and offering. Here is a selection of some of the best local markets to visit:

Naschmarkt

Naschmarkt is Vienna's biggest and most famous market, located centrally in the city. With around 120 stalls and restaurants, it offers a vast array of local and international delicacies, including exotic fruits, gourmet cheeses, spices, and fresh seafood. It is a great place to wander and sample the diverse culinary delights on offer. The market also has a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, with a mix of restaurants, bars, and food stalls. It is a perfect spot to visit on warm days and evenings.

Kutschkermarkt

Located in Vienna's 18th district, Kutschkermarkt is one of only two remaining street markets. The stalls showcase high-quality products, with a focus on international delicacies and organic goods. The weekly highlight is the farmer's market on Saturdays, where regional farmers sell their fresh produce directly to customers. The surrounding cafés and restaurants are also popular meeting places, offering a range of high-quality fare.

Meidlinger Markt

Meidlinger Markt, situated in the 12th district, is a traditional market that has retained its old-world charm. Along with the usual selection of fruits, vegetables, and meat, the market has recently welcomed more unusual stalls offering vegan and gluten-free options. The surrounding area has seen a wave of new restaurants with unconventional concepts, creating a vibrant mix of traditional and modern offerings.

Brunnenmarkt

Brunnenmarkt, nestled between Thaliastrasse and Ottakringer Strasse, exudes an international flair. Here, you can find exotic spices, fruits, and delicacies from around the world at reasonable prices. The area surrounding the market has evolved into a trendy district, attracting many artists. Hip and modern restaurants continue to spring up alongside traditional cafés, making it a dynamic and multicultural destination.

Karmelitermarkt

A 10-minute walk from the city centre, Karmelitermarkt offers a glimpse into a burgeoning Viennese neighbourhood. In addition to the typical market activities, the local restaurants showcase innovative dining concepts. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a delightful place to sample the wares, especially during the farmer's market on Saturdays, when local producers join the mix.

These markets not only provide a great opportunity to sample local produce and interact with vendors but also offer a glimpse into Vienna's rich cultural tapestry. They are a must-visit when exploring the city's culinary scene.

Vegetarian options

Although traditional Austrian food is not very vegetarian-friendly, Vienna has slowly transformed into a vegetarian (and vegan) paradise in recent years. The city offers anything from tasty raw food options to Michelin-star vegetarian fare.

Street Food

If you're looking for some good vegetarian street food, check out Swing Kitchen, a vegan street food chain with six locations in Vienna. Their menu includes the best veggie burger in town, wraps, salads, onion rings, vegan nuggets, and desserts at affordable prices.

Special Occasions

For a special occasion, or if you feel like treating yourself, visit Tian, a Michelin-star gourmet vegetarian restaurant in Vienna's first district. Tian offers tasting menus with 6 to 10 courses of tasty, fresh, innovative, and beautifully presented vegetarian and vegan dishes. The restaurant is on the pricier side, and reservations are recommended.

Casual Dining

For a more casual dining experience, try Tian Bistro, which offers high-quality, fresh, and affordable vegetarian food with a focus on seasonal produce. Their menu includes staples like a vegetarian burger, as well as curries, risottos, and homemade lemonade.

Buffet

Yamm is another great vegetarian option, offering an excellent and varied vegetarian lunch buffet. You can pick your own lunch ingredients from a wide selection and pay according to the weight of your plate. They have a wide range of salads, cold and hot dishes, and desserts, with vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options clearly labelled.

Vegan Lunch

Veggiezz is a popular vegan restaurant with two locations in Vienna. Their extensive menu includes bowls, burgers, and desserts.

Al Fresco Dining

Hollerei is a well-established vegetarian/vegan restaurant in the 15th district, known for its al fresco dining in the garden during the summer. Their menu includes a variety of appetisers, main courses, and desserts. It is recommended to make a reservation, as the place is quite small.

Lunch Spots

My Secret Garden is a cute vegetarian restaurant located off Mariehilfer Strase, offering Asian-inspired curries and other vegan options. Superfood Deli, located on the same passageway, is a "healthy lifestyle bowl eatery" with a fully plant-based menu of acai and porridge bowls, smoothies, soups, and juices.

Desserts

Simply Raw Bakery at Am Hof offers a variety of vegan cakes, cookies, breakfast, and brunch options, all prepared according to raw food principles (food is not heated above 42º C). They also serve smoothies, milkshakes, cold-pressed juices, and bio wine and beer.

Ice Cream

Veganista offers vegan ice cream at multiple locations in Vienna, with delicious flavours like basil and lavender.

Frequently asked questions