Ideally, every visit to Vienna includes a hearty meal in a Beisl (traditional Viennese restaurant), coffee and cake in a Kaffeehaus (coffee house), and wine and cold plates in a Heuriger, or Buschenschank (wine tavern).
In our local guide to where to eat in Vienna, Austria, I’ve summarized our favorite restaurants, taverns, and eateries in the capital city, which we frequent often.
My Vienna restaurant guide features traditional Viennese cuisine, modern Viennese kitchen, and international fare. Reservations are necessary for most establishments.
- Cash payment. Many restaurants in Vienna and across Austria are cash only. Make sure to always carry cash with you, or be ready to find the nearest Bankomat.
- Tip. Round up the bill to the nearest “5” or “0.” If the service is excellent, tip 10%.
- Tap Water. Free tap water is never (or very rarely) served to the table. It’s considered somewhat rude to ask for tap water (“Leitungswasser”), especially if you haven’t ordered another drink. If you order tap water, you may be charged a small fee. Austrians typically order bottled water.
- Mittagsmenu. Many Viennese restaurants offer an affordable lunch menu (“Mittagsmenu”) between 11:30 am and 2 pm on weekdays. The menu usually consists of 2 or 3 courses (soup, main course, dessert).
- Cover Charge. Some upscale Viennese restaurants charge “Gedeck,” which is a cover charge (3-5 EUR per person).
- Opening Times. Always check the opening times of restaurants in Vienna. Most restaurants are closed at least 1 day/week.
- Best Areas to Stay in Vienna: Where to Stay in Vienna
1. Reznicek
Reznicek is a gourmet Viennese tavern, taken over in 2022 by Simon Schubert and Julian Lechner, that does absolutely everything right. I’m convinced that this local spot in the 9th district can turn anyone into a raving fan of Austrian cuisine.
They serve the classics (Cordon Bleu, Zwiebelrostbraten, Backfleisch), better than everyone else, along with nose-to-tail dishes (“Innereien”) and seasonal dishes. I absolutely loved the seasonal chicken with morel mushrooms as well as their vegetarian Frikadellen.
The main dishes are generous and quite filling, so it’s best not to overdo it with the starters.
Service is excellent: if anything, just a touch too American in style.
Address | Reznicekgasse 10, 1090 Wien: Google Maps
2. Das Drittl
DasDrittl is a trendy Viennese restaurant, tucked away on a quiet street in the 9th district. It shares the same space as Ährlich, a bakery and brunch spot. At night, the single airy dining space transforms into a trendy dining spot for lovingly-prepared shared plates and natural wines.
The menu highlights Austrian staples, reimagined with unexpected flavors, alongside dishes inspired by Levantine, Balkan, Japanese, and Belgian culinary traditions.
The menu changes with the seasons During our visit in spring, we ordered the Grüner Spargel, Bio-Pfeffer Tartare, Schlutzkrapferl Dashi, and Miesmuscheln: each dish was delicious.
Service is refreshingly kind and helpful. My only complaint is the uncomfortable seating arrangements, especially the window stools.
Address | Address: Wasagasse 28, 1090 Wien: Google Maps
3. Am Nordpol 3
Am Nordpol 3 serves heartwarming Bohemian-Viennese cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The dining area spans three adjoined rooms, aesthetically tied together by a collection of bizarre paintings.
This traditional Viennese restaurant is a favorite among locals and a place we return to regularly. The food never disappoints. We particularly love their Fleischknödel mit Sauerkraut (meat dumplings with sauerkraut), Linsen mit Knödel und Speck (lentils with dumplings and bacon), and Surschnitzel (sour schnitzel).
The service is always kind and attentive. However, meals can be on the slower-side, especially if the restaurant is busy.
Address | Nordpolgasse 3, 1020 Wien: Google Maps
Insider Tip | Request the printed English menu, which is easier to read than the handwritten German menu.
4. Brösl
Delightful in every way, Brösl is a modern Viennese Beisl in the 2nd district made-up of four small, interconnected rooms. They serve colorful seasonal dishes, all designed to share. Their small but mighty menu is very veggie-focused.
We especially love their Focaccia, Spitzkohl (pointed cabbage), Rote Rübe (beets), Wildhendl (wild chicken), Miso Schwammerl (mushrooms), and Käse (cheese selection).
The service is very friendly, making the whole experience of dining at Brösl just perfect.
Address | Wohlmutstraße 23, 1020 Wien: Google Maps
5. Heunisch & Erben
Heunisch & Erben is a wine bar and restaurant on Landstraßer Hauptstraße, a short walk from the Landstraße U-bahn station.
Offering an impressive array of domestic and international wines by the glass (both 1/16 and 1/8), Heunisch & Erben is the perfect place to spend the evening, sampling different wines and eating remarkably well.
The dinner menu is undogmatic, featuring creative gourmet dishes as well as Viennese classics. They also offer a selection of cheese and charcuterie boards.
We ordered their mouthwatering shiitake potato-risotto (excellent) and their Wiener Schnitzel with preiselbeeren (easily one of the best Schnitzels in Vienna).
Dine here when you have a few hours to spare and no impending commitment. Their website states, “we may not serve you when you’re in a hurry.”
Address | Landstraßer Hauptstraße 17, 1030 Wien: Google Maps
6. Stuwer – Neues Wiener Beisl
Stuwer is a tavern with two locations in Vienna. We’re partial to the 2nd District location, situated between the Prater and the Danube.
We love Stuwer’s uncomplicated, laid-back atmosphere and soul-warming food.
Their kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) served in a mushroom sauce is medicinal. We recommend skipping the Schnitzel.
What makes this Beisl unique is their extensive wine list, exclusively featuring Austrian wines.
Address | Stuwerstraße 47, 1020 Wien: Google Maps
7. Meinklang Hofladen
Meinklang Hofladen is the combined shop, bakery, and kitchen of the Demeter-certified farm Meinklang, located near Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland. The farm works as a self-contained agricultural ecosystem, producing wine, grains, vegetables, and livestock in a tightly integrated, biodynamic cycle.
The 5th district space brings raw, seasonal, and artisanal products directly from the farm into the city: everything from sourdough bread made with ancient grains to prepared dishes, pastries, and natural wines.
The kitchen serves creative, seasonal food that reflects the farm’s ingredients and philosophy rather than conventional restaurant cooking. Dishes are inventive, impossible to replicate or eat elsewhere.
The result is a distinctive farm-to-table experience that feels both rustic and highly refined at the same time.
Address | Franzensgasse 2, 1050 Wien: Google Maps
8. Bruder – Küche & Bar
Bruder is a cocktail bar and restaurant that single-handedly establishes Vienna as a foodie destination. Open for dinner only, guests can choose between 2-course, 3-course, or 7-course menus.
The cuisine defies easy categorization as each dish is a creative globetrotting concoction that marries international flavors with local ingredients.
Furthermore, Bruder is a standout dining establishment in Vienna, because of its inventive cocktails. Most of the alcohol served in Bruder is in fact homemade.
We loved the subtle “hipster cool” vibe, the very attentive staff, and the rustic, candlelit interior. In the main dining room, the bar is backed by ceiling-high shelves, stacked with colorful preserving jars.
Tip | Don’t miss the white Bruder house wine.
Address | Windmühlgasse 20, 1060 Vienna: Google Maps
9. Café Caché
Housed in a retro café in Vienna’s 15th district, Café Caché is a friendly bistro serving creative, hard-to-classify dishes, many of them vegetarian.
Owners Lisa Machian (Austrian) and Arnaud Champetier (French) opened Café Caché after years of living and working in London and Paris. The French influence is clear and very welcome, with a strong focus on high-quality organic ingredients and homemade preparations: no convenience products here.
We came for dinner and are already looking forward to returning for brunch (Saturdays only).
Address | Meiselstraße 2, 1150 Wien: Google Maps
10. Le Petit Jeudi
The 20th district is home to one of Vienna’s standout brunch & lunch dining spots: le petit jeudi, a French-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (on Thursdays and Fridays only).
We’ve had lunch here three times, and the food has consistently been sensational. The dishes are refined, creative, beautifully plated, and packed with flavor. There hasn’t been a single plate we didn’t love. The minimalist interior keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on the food.
Address | Traunfelsgasse 1, 1200 Wien: Google Maps
11. Tian Bistro am Spittelberg (Vegetarian and Vegan)
Tian Bistro am Spittelberg is the casual, more affordable sister restaurant of Tian, the celebrated vegetarian fine dining restaurant in Vienna.
At Tian Bistro am Spittelberg, a set menu of shared plates is served in four rounds. All plates are vegetarian, or vegan upon request. We loved everything, especially the beet Tatar, turnip salad, and Gnocchi.
In summer, guests are seated on the terrace along the pedestrian street Spittelberggasse, opposite Theater am Spittelberg.
For those that experience decision fatigue, especially when traveling, this is the most relaxing place you can eat. The only task before you is selecting a drink.
Address | Schrankgasse 4 1070 Vienna: Google Maps
More Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants in Vienna
& Flora | Tucked away in Hotel Gilbert in the 7th district, & Flora’s menu features a wide selection of flavorful vegetarian dishes. The dining space is a plant-fringed open space set below high glass ceilings. We loved the ambience and the service. Order the Jerusalem artichoke.
12. DEVAL
DEVAL is an intimate fine-dining restaurant set along a quiet street behind the Austrian Parliament in Vienna’s first district. Here, Chef Daan de Val composes a creative six-course menu, each dish an intricate assembly of smaller preparations. The result is a layered mosaic of flavors and textures.
The restaurant offers two seatings: one at 6 pm in the upstairs dining room, and another at 7:30 pm on the ground floor, each with just six tables. Before each course, Chef de Val personally introduces the dish, explaining the ingredient origin, dish composition, and cooking method. In a touch of humor, the chef notes that all ingredients are sourced from Austria, except himself.
We had a wonderful evening at DEVAL. The cuisine is inventive and exploratory, and the service is exceptionally welcoming.
Although the meal is well-paced, dinner lasts around 2:45 hours. For that reason, DEVAL is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed gastronomic experience with no time constraints.
When booking, guests can choose between a meat or vegetarian menu, with the option of a thoughtfully curated wine pairing. Chef Daan de Val creates an entirely new menu every four weeks.
Address | Doblhoffgasse 5, 1010 Wien: Google Maps
13. Lugeck
Housed in the Regensburger Hof building in the inner district, Lugeck is the place to go for Viennese classics and international favorites. This stylish, yet classy restaurant is run by the same family behind the historic Schnitzel restaurant Figlmüller.
Lugeck’s Wiener Schnitzel is second to none. But, if you’ve had your fill of Schnitzel, you can also order a variety of salads, sandwiches, bowls, and even burgers.
If you’re exploring Vienna’s first district, definitely come here for lunch, or dinner. Lugeck is only a 4-minute walk away from St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Address | Lugeck 4, 1010 Wien: Google Maps
14. Helmut Krenek
Helmut Krenek is a heurige (wine tavern), located at the end of the Stammersdorfer Kellergasse, the wine cellar lane in Stammersdorf.
Consistent with their “good, clean, fair” motto, this cozy establishment sources high-quality ingredients from regional producers. They feature wines from Hans Peter Göbel, the owner of the tavern.
In November, the Viennese make an annual pilgrimage to Helmut Krenek to eat Martini Gansl. The geese are sourced from the ethical Mostviertel Weidegans producer in Lower Austria.
The lovingly-prepared Martini Gansl, served with a choice of side dishes (red cabbage, potato dumplings, lentils, chestnut and dried plum ragout, fried goose stuffing, etc…) was one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in Vienna.
With public transit, it takes over an hour to reach this hidden gem restaurant from the city center. We recommend taking a taxi.
Address | Stammersdorfer Kellergasse 131, 1210 Vienna: Google Maps
Related: Visiting Heurigen: Vienna Wine Taverns
15. Café Kandl
Café Kandl is a restaurant in the 7th district serving imaginative dishes, delicious cocktails, and biodynamic wines.
In summer, make a table reservation for their Hinterhof. This secret courtyard is the perfect setting for a memorable evening of food and wine in Vienna. They offer a set dinner menu as well as an à la carte menu.
Their grilled Koji Onglet marinated with Shio Koji is sinfully delicious. We also loved their seasonal dishes, including the cheese-stuffed squash blossoms.
Address | Kandlgasse 12/2, 1070 Wien: Google Maps
16. THELL
THELL (formerly known as MOTTO) is a restaurant and bar in the 5th district that transforms into a nightclub in the wee hours of the morning.
Whereas most restaurants in Vienna close around 9 pm, THELL’s kitchen stays open until 12:30 am (Sundays – Thursdays) and 2:30 am (Fridays – Saturdays).
Featuring sensual floor-to-ceiling murals, velvet furnishings, and low-lighting, this atmospheric restaurant may very well be Vienna’s trendiest establishment. Without a doubt, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic night out.
THELL serves modern Austrian cuisine. There are no big surprises on the menu, but unlike most Viennese restaurants, there are more vegetarian and vegan dishes available.
All the servers seem genuinely happy, which contributes to the convivial and relaxed ambience.
Insider Tip | The restaurant entrance is easy to miss. Look for the neon sign above a silver door on Rüdigergasse, around the corner from Schönbrunner Strasse.
Good to Know | THELL has no affiliation with Motto am Fluss or any other Motto establishment. The restaurant was renamed THELL in honor of Franz Thell, the founder of the Motto brand.
Address | Schönbrunner Str. 30, 1050 Wien: Google Maps
17. Gmoa Keller
Gmoakeller is a traditional Viennese restaurant dating back to 1858.
Located near the Akademietheater and Wiener Kozerthaus, it benefits from a consistent influx of concertgoers most evenings. Gmoakeller also has a well-priced Mittagsmenu (2-course lunch menu offered on weekdays), which they publish each week on their website.
This multi-room restaurant is quite large by Viennese standards. So, if you’re looking for an intimate Viennese tavern, this isn’t it.
But, it’s an excellent place to savor Viennese specialities. If you’re visiting Vienna in November, we recommend ordering their seasonal Martinigansl.
Address | Am Heumarkt 25, 1030 Wien: Google Maps
18. Mochi Ramen Bar
Mochi Ramen Bar is a tiny eatery on Vorgartenmarkt, serving lovingly-prepared and mouth-watering Ramen as well as Japanese tapas.
Enter Mochi Ramen Bar and you’ll feel transported to Japan. Though the dining area is narrow and tightly-packed, it’s worth squeezing into this Japanese restaurant for the best homemade ramen you’ll eat in Austria, and possibly all of Central Europe.
The service is shockingly nice and attentive (shocking, because it’s Vienna after all). We’ve eaten here a dozen times and the quality is always outstanding.
The Mushroom Miso Ramen is especially delicious, because of the rich, flavorful broth and delicious ingredients.
Address | Vorgartenmarkt Stand 12-29, 1020 Wien: Google Maps
Reservations | First come, first-served
Good to Know | Mochi Ramen Bar is part of the Mochi restaurant brand, which comprises Mochi (sushi & more), O.M.K. (take-out / deli), and Kikko Ba (Izakaya). Mochi is an outstanding Japanese restaurant, located on Praterstraße 15, close to the luxury hotel SO/ Vienna. Their menu features creative, seasonal dishes as well as sushi. Reservations are almost always necessary.
19. NENI am Wasser
The first NENI restaurant was opened in Vienna’s Naschmarkt in 2009 by the Molchos family. This is the go-to restaurant for delicious, high-quality Levantine cuisine in Vienna.
Today, NENI is an ever-expanding catering company and franchise with 13+ locations in Europe: Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Zurich, Munich, and Mallorca.
Aside from the beloved flagship location, Neni am Naschmarkt, there are several other NENI restaurants in Vienna.
Neni am Wasser is located on the Danube Canal, the popular Viennese hangout area during the warm summer months. This cacti-lined restaurant is an inviting space, furnished with rattan chairs decked in sheepskin, Mallorcan-style pendant lamps, and patterned throw pillows. The food and cocktails are wonderful!
Neni am Prater occupies the top floor of Superbude Hotel Wien Prater, which is located on the edge of Vienna’s historic (also dated) amusement park. Apart from serving breakfast to hotel guests, Neni am Prater functions independently of the hotel.
Address | Consult Neni.at for all NENI locations.
20. Collina am Berg
Like Tian Bistro, Collina am Berg is located in the charming Spittelberg neighborhood in the 7th district. The cuisine marries Austrian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavors, resulting in bold flavorful dishes. We were particularly impressed by the vegetarian cuisine. Both the “Raviolo – Ccio e pepe, Radicchio Tardivo” starter and “Kraut und Rüben” main dish were delicious.
The restaurant extends across three rooms. The dimly-lit main dining room wraps around the open kitchen. If you want to watch the culinary magic unfold, you can reserve seats at the bar, or adjacent.
In addition to the à la carte menu, guests can opt for the chef’s menu, created by three-toque chef Martin Feichtinger.
Collina am Berg is perfect for date nights.
Address | Spittelberggasse 12, 1070 Wien: Google Maps
Where to Stay in Vienna for Foodies
Neubau – 7th District
We recommend staying in the Vienna’s 7th district (Neubau) for easy access to a wide array of fashionable cafés and restaurants like Tian Bistro, Collina am Berg, and Café Kandl. Read our guide to where to stay in Vienna for a comprehensive overview of our favorite areas and neighborhoods.
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Gilbert is a stylish hotel in Neubau, set between Spittleberg and the Museums Quarter. With modern rooms and an atmospheric, vegetarian-friendly restaurant (&Flora), Hotel Gilbert is a great option for a chic getaway in Vienna. Extra Perks: gym, sauna, and bike rental.
Luxury | Small Luxury Hotel Altstadt Vienna is a 4-star boutique hotel with a prime location in Neubau. This contemporary-art-filled hotel features uniquely designed interiors and a rooftop terrace, open from March until October. A wonderful breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in the Red Salon daily. In the afternoon, guests are treated to complimentary tea and homemade cakes.
Luxury | Hotel Sans Souci Wien is located between the Volkstheater (the people’s theater) and the MuseumsQuartier, a short walk to Maria-Theresien-Platz and the Hofburg. This urban retreat stands out with its elegant, tastefully-furnished rooms, complimentary spa and indoor pool, gym, and on-site Veranda brasserie and bar. Breakfast is included. Extra Perk: on-site parking available (extra charge / reservation needed).
More accommodations in Neubau | 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier (midrange)
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Thanks for this fantastic list! Do you think it’s worth venturing out to Helmut Krenek for martinigansl or would Gmoa Keller be satisfying? We are visiting for Christmas markets and only have three nights in Vienna, so we want to make the most of our time!
Hi Jane,
Helmut Krenek is wonderful, but it is quite far away from the city center. I recommend making a Gansl reservation at the intimate and cozy Zur Goldenen Kugel on Lazarettgasse in the 9th district. Otherwise, Gmoa Keller is a perfectly good option. Their gansl is delicious, but the restaurant is very large.
Have fun!
Sabrina
I found your comment, “Many restaurants in Vienna and across Austria are cash only,” interesting. I’ve asked around, including people who live in Vienna and others who have visited, and they’ve said they’ve always been able to use a credit card at restaurants. Could you share more about your experience or what led to that statement? I’d love to understand better!
Hi James,
I live in Vienna, so the statement directly corresponds to years of living and dining in this city. I find that many, though certainly not all, traditional Viennese taverns and wine taverns are cash only. Visitors who concentrate their time in tourist zones like the first district may not encounter this.
All the best,
Sabrina
Hi,
So happy to have found your work! My family will be in Vienna for New Years. We would like to have a leisurely lunch with good food and wine to kick off NYE.
Could you recommend a place?
Thank you!!!!
Hi Sarah,
Heunisch & Erben in the 3rd would be my top choice, b/c it’s a wine bar. I know they serve a set menu on NYE. I’m not sure if they are open for lunch. I’d also take a look at Collina am Berg in the 7th. Tian Bistro am Spittelberg (vegetarian) serves a set menu of small plates – it’s still casual.
Best of luck!
Sabrina