Dining in Vienna
10 Best restaurants in Vienna
Vienna’s culinary scene is as rich as its cultural calendar: it thrives on the delicacies of Austrian cuisine and borrows from international influences, such as nearby Italy and Germany. The restaurants in the former imperial capital reflect this, offering traditional, stunning food that ranges from the classic wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte to insider threats, such as Frittatensuppe or Tafelspitz. We take a gastronomic tour of Vienna to bring you its 10 best cultural restaurants.
Skopik & Lohn
Originally intended to open in New York, Skopik & Lohn is located many thousands of miles away in Karmelitermarkt, an artsy area of Vienna’s second district. This restaurant is both serious and playful about its food, drink and atmosphere, cleverly combining the elegance of Austrian fine dining with the laid-back feel of a 1920s NYC bistro (think Viennese favourites, such as wiener schnitzel). Designed by Austrian artist Otto Zitko, its interior is dramatic, with chaotic black splashes dashed across the ceiling in stark contrast to the neat, white-clothed tables underneath.
Figlmüller
This place offers a few typical Austrian main dishes, but people visit here for one reason only – the wiener schnitzel. Figlmüller is already an institution in Vienna and popular among both locals and tourists alike. It is furnished in an original Austrian pub-like decor and waiters still wear traditional smoking jackets. All of these elements lend a special antique and elegant charm to the whole experience of this restaurant.
Pfarrwirt
Considered one of the oldest taverns in Vienna, enjoy your wiener schnitzel in a building that dates back to the 12th century. Pfarrwirt’s saying, ‘a wiener schnitzel is a wiener schnitzel’, makes an allusion to its simplicity. Located in Vienna’s 19th district, where the city’s historic vineyards are, it is an ideal place to have dinner after a long walk in the hills.
Zum Schwarzen Kameel
This restaurant, bar and pâtisserie offers Viennese and international cuisine along with more than 800 wines from national and international estates. Here is where you’ll find a variety of typical Austrian dishes, from schnitzel to apfelstrudel. You can also opt for a drink at the bar, which is a great place to meet, day or night. The restaurant also produces its own tasty produce, including marmalade, chocolate, oils and pasta, which are for sale in the neighbouring shop.
Café Dommayer
Enjoy one of Vienna’s most celebrated cakes inside of one of the city’s most traditional cafes. The Sachertorte at Dommayer is quite simple, remaining as true as possible to the original recipe. Dommayer is one of the city’s most prized coffee houses and it is known for upkeeping Viennese tradition. Located around the corner from Schönbrunn Palace, it’s a lovely place to grab a coffee and a slice of Sachertorte, or a larger meal, after a day spent wandering the Imperial grounds.
Motto am Fluss
Boasting picturesque views along the canal, Motto am Fluss is situated inside a glass covered building designed to resemble a naval vessel. The menu is made up of a mix of gourmet Austrian and international dishes, with many classics like beef tartare, salmon fillet and wiener schnitzel. A classier option, as opposed to some of the more casual eateries along the canal, this restaurant is perfect for formal occasions.
Silvio Nickol im Palais Coburg
Located in an old Palais in the centre of Vienna, the interior of this two-star Michelin restaurant boasts classic stone walls combined with modern design, giving Silvio Nickol im Palais Coburg a unique feel. Each meal is made with precision and you can choose between five, seven or nine-course menus (meat, fish and vegetarian options are all on offer), which can be ordered with or without wine.
Erich
A subterranean bar-slash-restaurant in the cool 7th district. Erich is tucked away down the side of Sankt-Ulrichsplatz, and it’s easy to walk past it – but you’ll be glad you didn’t. From breakfast tacos to salmon poke bowls and dairy-free sundaes made in collaboration with Veganista, Vienna’s first all-vegan ice cream parlour, it ticks all the boxes around the clock.
Mama Liu & Sons
Great value dim sum, hot pot and noodles in a loft-style dining room – it’s easy on the wallet, but a night at Mama Liu & Sons still feels like a treat.
The fried and steamed dumplings are a standout, and it’s worth saving space for less obvious dishes like smacked cucumber and homemade tofu balls. The huge, hearty hotpots easily feed two – choose between a vegan version, a seafood one and a meat feast. If you’re travelling solo you can park yourself at the bar with a cocktail and a 10-piece dim sum set for under €20.
The Palmenhaus
Vienna’s world-famous botanical hothouse (think Kew with a fancier roof), overlooking the stately Buggarten gardens, is home to an all-day brasserie. The menu is Austrian-meets-Mediterranean, with a strong selection of wines by the glass, expertly mixed cocktails and desserts to die for. Frond memories guaranteed.
Where else can you tuck into dumplings surrounded by loads of lush tropical foliage? It’s especially inviting on a chilly day: follow up one of the hearty lunch specials (mushroom ragout, strozzapreti with veal bolognese) with a slice of warm almond-and-chocolate.