If you’re considering a trip to the Austrian capital, you’re probably looking forward to tasting the best of its rich and unique culinary scene.
But if you’re still wondering “Where to eat in Vienna?” we’ve got you covered! This guide highlights some of Austria’s most outstanding food offerings, focusing on the best restaurants in the city and introducing you to the typical flavors and traditional dishes that make this region’s cuisine so special.
Get ready to explore Vienna and enjoy some of the most exquisite local dishes and traditional drinks the area has to offer!
If you’re interested in a hands-on culinary experience, here are some fantastic food-related activities we recommend (we’ve tried them ourselves and loved them!):
- Chocolate Workshop at the Chocolate Museum with Tasting
- Mozart Kugel Workshop
- Traditional Kaiserschmarrn Cooking Class with Tasting
Best Restaurants to Eat in Vienna
Without a doubt, one of the loveliest areas to dine in Vienna is along the banks of the Danube.
Most restaurants, however, are situated in the St. Stephen’s Cathedral neighborhood, close to Stephansdom.
Vienna is celebrated worldwide for its stunning palaces and vibrant cultural spaces that deeply reflect the city’s character and traditions.
A unique aspect of the city’s charm is its cuisine, featuring an endless variety of places to sample delicious dishes and a wide selection of desserts and drinks that are must-tries during any visit to Vienna.
Viennese cuisine has been significantly influenced by neighboring countries like Hungary, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy. Over time, more and more dishes have joined the traditional lineup.
Let’s dive into some of the best places to eat in Vienna!
TIP: Don’t forget that you also have the option to join a culinary tour with a local guide to discover the city’s most famous spots and taste the finest specialties.
Gasthaus Pöschl
The renowned Gasthaus Pöschl, one of the most popular dining spots in District 1, is located at Weihburggasse 17.
This restaurant not only offers a fantastic sample of Austria’s traditional cuisine, but it also has a cozy atmosphere and serves top-notch kalb butter schnitzel (veal schnitzel) and wiener würstchen (Viennese sausages).
Although these may seem like classic dishes, the menu includes various preparation styles that are sure to delight you.
Gasthaus Pöschl is highly recommended if you’re eager to try something authentically Viennese.
In the summer months, it’s particularly popular, so making a reservation is advised.
Tip: Be sure to enjoy at least one glass of wine after your meal.
Holy Moly Badeschiff
Another unique spot to eat in Vienna is the Holy Moly Badeschiff.
The Badeschiff in Vienna is actually a boat with a main deck, where the restaurant’s kitchen is situated in the indoor area. It also features a solarium (terrace) and a pub deck, creating a unique ambiance on board.
This restaurant includes an outdoor terrace with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It’s one of Vienna’s most charming dining options, offering a cozy yet unpretentious setting.
The menu, while not overly extensive, presents a selection of local traditional dishes alongside a few international options, all with an excellent price-to-quality ratio.
In addition to the dining areas, the Badeschiff boasts a pool for warm summer days, as well as a bar and a beer garden, each with its own self-service option.
Gasthaus Kopp
For a family-friendly restaurant experience, Gasthaus Kopp is an excellent choice.
Located at Engerthstrasse 104, this restaurant offers one of Vienna’s best takes on traditional Austrian food and even has vegetarian options.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. It’s known for offering excellent value for money.
While it’s a bit outside the city center, the trip is well worth it to savor some of Gasthaus Kopp’s delightful dishes and desserts.
Figlmüller Restaurant
If you’re still wondering where to eat in Vienna, the Figlmüller Restaurant is another fantastic Austrian spot for sampling the best of the city’s cuisine.
With a family-friendly setting, Figlmüller is also perfect for special occasions, like a romantic dinner with your partner, where you’ll be attended by dedicated staff and can enjoy an exceptional Schnitzel.
The renowned Figlmüller has been delighting diners with Viennese culinary essentials since 1905. With over a century of experience, it stands as one of the city’s most iconic places to eat in Vienna.
Wiener Deewan
Wiener Deewan, an urban spot located in District 9 on Liechtensteinstr 10, is one of Vienna’s most unique dining establishments due to its innovative payment concept.
At Wiener Deewan, you can eat as much as you like and pay what you think is fair.
The restaurant typically offers five daily dishes (three vegetarian and two with meat), accompanied by salad, rice, or pasta.
Creating a simple menu to satisfy many tastes is challenging, but this distinctive approach makes it an exciting choice for those looking for a memorable place to eat in Vienna.
Typical Viennese Cuisine
In general, traditional Viennese food centers around meat dishes.
One of the most iconic is the Wiener Schnitzel, a signature recipe deeply rooted in local culture and loved by both tourists and locals alike.
Viennese cuisine is wonderfully diverse. While savory dishes are highly recommended in the region, Vienna also boasts incredible desserts and undoubtedly some of the finest coffee in all of Europe.
Main Dishes
Savory dishes are often the most popular choice in the Austrian capital. However, the city also has many homemade sweets and desserts that are highly regarded.
Below is a list of the must-try dishes you can enjoy during your visit to Vienna:
- Goulash: a rich meat stew with noodles and vegetables, spiced with paprika for a warm, hearty flavor.
- Schweinebraten: the Austrian version of roast pork, tender and often served with a flavorful crust.
- Tafelspitz: beef simmered in broth, a comfort food similar to a beef stew.
- Wiener Schnitzel: breaded veal or pork, traditionally served with potato salad or French fries.
- Rindsuppe: a classic beef soup known for its rich, slow-cooked flavor.
- Tiroler Gröstl: a flavorful hash of potatoes, ham, and onions, often topped with a fried egg.
- Käsespätzle: an egg noodle dish baked with cheese and caramelized onions, ideal on its own or as a side to meat dishes.
Beverages
Vienna offers a range of drinks and spirits that are worth trying when visiting the Austrian capital.
Cafés and beers are visitor favorites, but Vienna’s selection of unique local liqueurs is equally enticing.
Schnaps is a traditional fruit-based liqueur, made from berries and other fruits, with an alcohol content of around 40%. Today, there are over 20,000 Schnaps distilleries across Austria producing this beloved drink.
Stroh or Stroh Rum is another popular Viennese beverage, a strong rum flavored with unique spices. It’s often enjoyed mixed into tea or coffee due to its robust character.
Desserts
Vienna is famous for its savory dishes, but its desserts are equally delightful.
After a satisfying meal, there’s nothing like indulging in a delicious sweet treat. Here are some of Vienna’s most popular desserts:
- Apfelstrudel: a traditional apple pastry that’s a true regional classic.
- Buchteln: a sweet, doughy dessert filled with jam.
- Sachertorte: an absolute must-try during your visit to Vienna, this dessert is renowned worldwide.
- Sachertorte: a rich chocolate cake layered with a delicate strawberry jam, perfect as a dessert or as a mid-afternoon treat with dark coffee.
If you’re now wondering where to enjoy the best desserts in Vienna, try the Grand Café Central or the café at the Hotel Sacher, where the iconic Sachertorte was first created.
Prices and Mealtime Hours
Dining in Vienna offers plenty of options, varying in both menu and price.
With around 4,000 dining establishments to choose from, ranging from luxurious restaurants to charming small eateries, the city has something for every taste and budget.
Prices:
- Main dishes range from 12 to 30 euros, depending on the venue.
- Beverages tend to be more affordable, with wines and beers generally starting at around 8 euros.
- Desserts are typically priced between 2.50 and 3 euros per portion.
Mealtime Hours:
- Breakfast is typically served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch hours are generally from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- Dinner service usually starts at 7:00 p.m.
Most restaurants stay open until around 11:00 p.m., making it easy to enjoy Vienna’s culinary delights at nearly any hour.