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 this guide to where to eat in Vienna, Austria, we’ve summarized our favorite restaurants, taverns, and eateries in the capital city, which we frequent often.
The beginning of this Vienna restaurant guide is focused on Viennese cuisine, whereas the end of the guide is focused on international cuisine (Japanese, Levantine, Italian, etc…).
- 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. 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
Payment | Cash, or card
Reservations | Absolutely Necessary
2. Am Nordpol 3
Am Nordpol 3 serves heartwarming Bohemian-Viennese cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment with indoor and outdoor seating.
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).
Am Nordpol 3 is made up of three adjoined rooms, aesthetically tied together by a collection of bizarre paintings.
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
Payment | Cash Only
Insider Tip | Request the printed English menu, which is easier to read than the handwritten German menu.
Reservations | Only necessary during the weekend, or at peak dining times.
3. Brösl (Vegetarian-Friendly)
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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Online Booking
4. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Required
5. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Recommended
6. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Online Booking
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.
7. 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
Payment | Cash, or card
Reservations | Though you won’t have to brave long lines, a reservation is recommended nonetheless.
8. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Recommended
Related: Visiting Heurigen: Vienna Wine Taverns
9. 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 garden 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservation | Online Booking
10. 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.
Address | Schönbrunner Str. 30, 1050 Wien | Google Maps
Payment | Card, or Cash
Reservations | Recommended. THELL Online Booking.
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.
11. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservations | Recommended
12. 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
Payment | Cash, or Card
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.
Mochi am Markt, which shares the same square as Mochi Ramen Bar, was somewhat disappointing. Many dishes were drenched in sauces and aiolis, which overpowered, rather than complimented, the other ingredients.
13. 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.
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservations | Recommended
14. Pizza Randale
Outside of Naples, Vienna may be the best place in Europe to eat Neapolitan pizza.
Vienna boasts many excellent pizzerias including Via Toledo Enopizzeria, Pizza Mari, Pizzeria Riva, and Pizza Randale.
We frequent all of these pizzerias, but Pizza Randale stands out with their delicious topping combinations and lightning-fast service. We especially love the Zi Fonz pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, gorgonzola, and salame piccante.
Address | Pizza Randale has two locations:
5th District Location: Kettenbrückengasse 1, 1050 Wien | Google Maps
2nd District Location: Heinestraße 15, 1020 Wien | Google Maps
Payment | Cash Only
Reservations | Only necessary during peak times on weekends.
15. Tre Viet
Tre Viet is a tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Vietnamese eatery on Karmelitermarkt, a market square in the second district. There are only 3 tables and a few bar stools inside. In summer and early fall, you can also eat outside.
Their weekly menu consists of three options, each of which can be made with tofu, chicken, or beef. We love their rice noodle salads and curries.
Additionally, Tre Viet has a fixed menu with spring and summer rolls, pho, bahn mi, bahn bao, and nem hoa qua.
We’ve eaten at Tre Viet probably 20+ times, because it’s fast, easy, and always delicious.
Address | Karmelitermarkt Stand 2, 1020 Wien | Google Maps
Payment | Cash, or card
Reservations | first come, first served
16. Thailanna x Mae Aurel
Set in the same building as numa | Wood Rooms & Apartments near the Westbahnhof train station, Thailanna x Mae Aurel is the best place to eat authentic Thai food in Vienna.
The quality and flavors of the dishes are superb.
We especially love their papaya salad, which easily rivals the ones we’ve eaten in Bangkok. Unless you can brave the spice level of authentic Thai cuisine, definitely ask “nur ein bischen Scharf” (only a little spicy), when ordering the papaya salad.
Hidden away and easy to miss, Thailanna x Mae Aurel isn’t an obvious find. It’s unlikely that you’d casually stumble upon this lovely Thai restaurant, which is why it’s quieter than it ought to be.
What Thailanna x Mae Aurel lacks in atmosphere, it more than makes up for in the rich flavors and kind service.
Address | Maria Hilfer Gürtel 33 Hotel Wood, Vienna 1150 Austria | Google Maps
Payment | Cash, or Card
Reservations | None needed in our experience.
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. 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 | K+K Hotel Maria Theresia (midrange) and 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