The culinary high points of Austria condensed into a few pages: well-known Austrian restaurant critic and publicist Florian Holzer depicts his entirely personal epicurean map of Austria.
A presentation of his gastronomic highlights in the nine most important event locations for the Austrian EU Council Presidency.
The categories help you to find your bearings Best in town, In places, Typically local, Music, Touristic, Cafés
Price levels range from
* reasonable through
** good value and
*** upmarket to
**** luxurious
“Best in town”: The most refined, select, and luxurious cuisine in town, awarded maximum valuations by the guides - from classical haute cuisine to creative avant-garde culinary arts.
“In places”: Hot spots of the city, where style and design rule, where people meet, where the atmosphere is at the forefront, where you can eat and drink, but above all see and be seen.
“Typically local”: Austria has several regional dishes, and they are particularly prominent here, where great value is placed on tradition both in terms of atmosphere and preparation.
“Music”: Pubs offering live music, where you can expect regular DJ sessions, and dancing - from jazz-clubs to city discos.
“Touristic”: Pubs, cafés and restaurants with added value for tourists - located in specific resorts or in historical buildings, with an especially nice view or right next to the city’s landmarks.
“Cafés”: For an uncomplicated break to drink an espresso, or café latte, read a paper, eat a slice of cake, or dive into typically Austrian coffeehouse atmosphere for a while.
|
Steirereck ***-**** |
The most famous and easily the best restaurant in the country, it was relocated in January 2005 from the suburbs into the Meierei Pavilion in the City Park. It has some very interesting ideas, including the value-for-money “Steirereck light“ lunch, the “Meierei“ sub-restaurant specialising in cheeses, and the so-called “eating bar“, where creative small dishes are served at one single, large table (no reservations). |
| Palais Coburg ***-**** Coburgbastei 4 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 518 18-800 Tue-Sat 6.30 p.m.-10.30 p.m. Bistro Mon-Sun 8 a.m.-12 a.m. http://www.palais-coburg.com |
With great ambition and substantial financial commitment the Ringstraßen Palais has been converted into a luxury hotel. The restaurant looks simple, but is regarded by the guides as one of the best in the country, by virtue of its cuisine. Interestingly, the bistro right next to the restaurant provides a very similar programme to that of the luxury restaurant, but at very reasonable prices. |
|
Korso ***-**** |
Reinhard Gerer is viewed in Austria as one of the country’s charismatic chefs, and his Korso as a haven for haute cuisine. The most recent alterations have freshened up this temple for gourmets, and a bistro has also been added, where good-value snacks are on offer from the restaurant kitchen. |
| Meinl am Graben **** Graben 19 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 532 33 34-6000 Mon-Sat 8.30 a.m-11 a.m., 12 p.m.-6 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m. http://www.meinlamgraben.at |
Vienna’s famed delicatessen supermarket with a top restaurant on the first floor, a fantastic view and an interesting atmosphere of a bustling department store during the day. Very refined and subtle top cuisine, but unfortunately difficult to get a table without a reservation. |
| Bar Italia ** Mariahilfer Straße 19-21 1060 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 585 28 38 Mon-Fri 12.30 p.m.-2.30 p.m., Mon-Sat 6.30 p.m.-3 a.m. http://www.baritalia.net |
Small designer café on Mariahilfer Straße, ideal for a quick espresso or snack. The cellar has a remarkable labyrinth of lounges, bars, and restaurants, with DJ, live music and one of the city’s liveliest atmospheres. |
| Motto *-** Schönbrunner Straße 30/Eingang Rüdigergasse tel.: +43 (1) 587 06 72 daily 6 p.m.-4 a.m. http://www.motto.at |
Classical trendy pub, and previously one of the first gay bars in Vienna, this has since become a generally recognized meeting place and one of the most atmospheric bars in the city. |
|
Do & Co *** |
This is a venue frequented by prominent personalities in politics, sport, media and business. A successful mix of Asian, Italian and Viennese cuisine has been prepared here for years. If you want to watch ex-Federal Chancellors eating a pork cutlet, this is the place to come. And there is a great view of the city and the Stephansdom. |
| Fabios *** Tuchlauben 6 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 532 22 22 Mon-Sat 12 p.m.-2.30 p.m., 6 p.m.-11.30 p.m. http://www.fabios.at |
Currently the hippest pub in the city: cool stylish restaurant for the rich, beautiful and successful, with a large, atmospheric wine-bar next door from where you can watch the world go by. |
| Zum Schwarzen Kameel *-*** Bognergasse 5 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 533 81 25 Mon-Sat 8.30 a.m. -12 a.m. http://www.kameel.at |
Unique local mixture: old-style buffet, shop and delicatessen with strongly democratic feel - construction workers and bank directors come here, while all hell breaks loose at lunchtimes and in the early evening. Moreover, there is an extravagant art-nouveau restaurant mainly serving Viennese food. |
| Plachutta *** Wollzeile 38 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 512 15 77 Mon-Sun 11.30 a.m.-11.45 p.m. http://www.plachutta.at |
Regarded as the specialist in stewed beef, there are around 15 variations on this Viennese speciality here. For example “Tafelspitz” or “Schulterscherzl”, served in a copper pot with beef soup and marrow slices, and accompanied by fried potato cake, spinach and apple horseradish sauce. |
| Reinthaler ** Gluckgasse 5 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 512 33 66 Mon-Fri 9-11 p.m. |
One of the last remaining really authentic inns with genuine Viennese cuisine in the city centre, with a colourful mixed clientele, very original. |
| Beim Czaak * Postgasse 15/Fleischmarkt 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 513 72 15 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m. |
Traditional inn carefully renovated a few years ago. Specialises in old, almost forgotten Viennese recipes. Very down-to-earth atmosphere, where you can still meet “genuine” Viennese locals. |
| Ubl * Pressgasse 26 1040 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 587 64 37 daily 12 p.m.-2 p.m., 6 p.m.-12 a.m. |
One of the finest taverns in Vienna, the interior remains almost intact from the pre-war era, and there are hardly any concessions to the present in the choice of dishes. A very genuine experience. |
| Glacisbeisl ** Museumsquartier Zugang Breite Gasse 4 1070 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 526 56 60 Mon-Sun 12 p.m.-11 p.m. http://www.glacisbeisl.at |
The only pub in the Museum District that specialises in Viennese food. Renovated and re-opened in autumn 2004, as a designer inn, very lively atmosphere, colourful and mixed clientele. |
| Schwarzer Adler *-** Schönbrunner Straße 40 1050 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 544 11 09 Tue-Sat 11.30 a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-11 p.m. http://www.schwarzeradler.net |
A lovingly preserved inn, which has moved with the times however in terms of recipe design, providing Mediterranean meals alongside traditional Viennese food. Charming outdoor dining area, good range of wines, sensational selection of liquor. |
| Porgy & Bess ** Riemergasse 11 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 512 88 11 Mon-Sun from 7 p.m. http://www.porgy.at |
One of the most renowned city centre stages, with a packed programme of mainly international performers, pleasant bar, very relaxed. |
| Roter Engel ** Rabensteig 5 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 535 41 05 Sun-Wed 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Thu-Sat 4 p.m.-4 a.m. http://www.roterengel.at |
Has been around for 25 years, one of the pioneer pubs of the famous-infamous mile of “Bermuda Triangle” pubs. Still a “wine and songs bar“, live performances on a small stage, fantastic mood depending on the programme. |
| Volksgarten ** Burgring/Volksgarten 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 533 05 18 Mon-Sun from 8 p.m. http://www.volksgarten.at |
The best club in the city, in a fantastic location at the edge of Heldenplatz. Redesigned 1950’s building with large dance floor, lounge area and garden, and the city’s best DJ acts. |
| Flex * Donaukanal leaving Augartenbrücke U-Bahnstation Schottenring 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 533 75 25 daily 6 p.m.-4 a.m. http://www.flex.at |
Something of an alternative event venue right next to the Danube canal, though it has very often served as the stage for some very interesting gigs. The disco is also legendary, and could be described as far removed from the mainstream. |
| Palmenhaus ** Burggarten 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 533 10 33 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-2 a.m. (January, February: closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) http://www.palmenhaus.at |
Unique location in the palm tree house of Hofburg Palace. Visited by tourists and people out for a walk during the day, in the evenings the pub is transformed into a really lively, trendy restaurant with music, video shows, etc. |
| Café Gloriette ** Schlosspark Schönbrunn, Gloriette 1130 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 879 13 11 Mon-Sun 9 a.m. until the park closes http://www.gloriette-cafe.at |
A coffeehouse in the magnificent Gloriette Pavilion over Schönbrunn Palace. The walk up the slope is somewhat exhausting, but there is a fantastic view and unique atmosphere. |
| Vestibül *** Burgtheater, Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring 2 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 532 49 99 Mon-Fri 12 p.m.-2.30 p.m., Mon-Sat 6 p.m.-11 p.m. http://www.vestibuel.at |
Extravagant restaurant in the Burgtheater, in a modern and prosaic style, serving contemporary and international food. Prominent theatre-goers and actors from the Burgtheater can often be encountered here. |
| Ruben’s Brasserie ** Palais Liechtenstein, Fürstengasse 1 1090 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 319 23 96 Wed-Mon 9 a.m.-12 a.m. http://www.rubens.at |
Restaurant in the area of the recently renovated Palais Liechtenstein (Baroque collection), with typical Viennese and Salzburg cuisine. |
| Museumsquartier *-** Museumsplatz 1 1070 Vienna http://www.mqw.at |
A total of eight restaurants, bars and pubs in this area, one of the liveliest culinary landscapes in the city. |
| Naschmarkt *-*** 1040 Vienna Linke & Rechte Wienzeile 1-40 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.-4 p.m. |
The finest and best arranged market in Vienna, besides an immense quantity of tiny, small and large pubs of all kinds on the market and in the surrounds. Definitely worth seeing. |
| Café Central ** Herrengasse 14 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 533 37 64-26 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m. http://www.palaisevents.at |
Describes itself as the most famous café in the world. Perfectly restored, professional service, primarily for tourists. |
| Café Bräunerhof * Stallburggasse 2 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 512 38 93 Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m. |
Former favourite café of Thomas Bernhard, seen as one of the most genuine and typical coffee houses in Vienna. Very intimate atmosphere, plenty of signs of aging, but a superb atmosphere. |
| Café Prückel * Stubenring 24 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 512 61 15 Mon-Sun 8.30 a.m.-10 p.m. http://www.prueckel.at |
Traditional café, but discovered by the young, trendy Viennese. Remarkably well-preserved 50’s design by Oswald Haerdtl, popular Bohemian café. |
|
Demel ** |
World famous cake shop with countless gateau and cake specialities, which do justice to its reputation going back over a hundred years. Exhibition bakery, shop, café and incredibly extensively designed internal space. |
| Café Museum ** Friedrichstraße 6 1010 Vienna tel.: +43 (1) 586 52 02 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun 10 a.m.-12 a.m. http://www.cafe-museum.at |
Coffeehouse recently reconstructed based on the original plans of Adolf Loos. Regarded as legendary and a signpost for modernity, but comes across a bit like a museum today. |
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