From Schnitzel to Taco: Uncovering Vienna's Food Gems
Last updated February 14, 2024
Wiener Schnitzel is simple yet satisfying - a must-eat when in Austria.
Besides admiring beautiful architecture and arts, Vienna has a vibrant food scene with famous local dishes and diverse cuisines from around the world from Asian to Italian. And this makes a city perfect spot for foodies like me and my friend! Before our trip, we planned to try the local dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte. But since Vienna has it all, we decided to try as many food as possible and so should you!
And here are reasons why you should make a foodie plan for your Vienna trip.
1. Rich Culinary Heritage: Their classic dishes aren't just aimed at tourists; they are perfected recipes that showcase centuries of culinary tradition.
2. Coffee Culture: Vienna's famous coffee houses are not just cafes; they are cultural spots that offers unique experience.
3. International Influences: Vienna has a diverse food scene with restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, bringing variety and excitement.
4. Variety of Options: Whether you want fancy restaurants, cute cafes, or lively street food spots, Vienna has something for everyone, no matter your taste or budget.
The city did not let me and my friend down at all. So to help you plan your foodie journey, I want to share with you our favorite food spots in Vienna from local to international that I think are worthwhile for you to consider.
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Naschmarkt
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Bauernbräu
Leberkas-Pepi
Stöckl im Park
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CHEZ BERNARD Restaurant et Bar
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Santos Wieden I Mexican Grill & Bar
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Ristorante La Sosta
La Stella Italienische Apericafè - Gastroshop
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Ströck - Feierabend-Bäckerei Burggasse
Local market
1. Naschmarkt
Naschmarkt has been around since the 16th Century and is well-known market among both local and tourists. It's a perfect spot for food lovers, with a variety of sections for fresh produce and dining area. There are over 120 stalls, so it is a great place to see all the local ingredients and shop if you wish. For me, this was a great place to sit down for lunch and just take it easy. The market is vibrant and lively so you definitely won’t get bored here.
Tip: Don’t forget to check out the beautiful buildings, Majolikahaus of Otto Wagner which are located right next to the market. These buildings were built in 1898-99 by architecture named Otto Wagner. The facade of the building is completely covered in colorful floral designed tiles called majolica, which were commonly used during the early Vienna Secession. It’s so pretty so look up and enjoy bits of art during your food tour.
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Austrian cuisine
1. Bauernbräu
This is a lovely family-run restaurant specializing in organic farm products. This spot surely satisfied my meat craving! The Schnitzel and the grilled platter were delicious.
My friend and I had this as our first meal when we reached Vienna. The service was great and we enjoyed the atmosphere. When come to Vienna, Schnitzel is a must-eat so if you don’t know where to get this dish, consider Bauernbräu.
2. Leberkas-Pepi
As a Thai person, I really enjoy spicy food. And this Austrian meatloaf is absolutely delicious! Leberkas-Pepi is a restaurant chain in Vienna with 7 locations. But my go-to spot is the one on Vienna Operngasse.
My favorites flavors are chili & cheese and truffle & porcini mushroom. You can also decide whether you want it with or without a bun. This is a perfect meat sandwich to have with beer or fizzy drinks. A great place for budget friendly quick bite so don’t forget to try one!
3. Stöckl im Park
Drinking beer in a park? Not a bad idea. I suggest this place as a wonderful outdoor location to relax with tasty food and beer. The menu offers a wide range of options, including Viennese veal schnitzel and Stuffed beer pretzels. However, the highlight is their in-house, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beer. I recommend trying the Stöckl Beer Sampler to experience all the flavors.
Keep in mind that during summer, it is a popular spot so you may have to wait in line a bit. I suggest coming here for a nice lunch. Afterwards, burn off some of the delicious food with a relaxing visit to the famous Belvedere Palace, just 5 minutes away.
International + bar
1. CHEZ BERNARD Restaurant et Bar
I feel like this is the coolest place to be. It is chic and it has that fun vibe. The decor is beautiful and I can see why it is crowded with many affluent locals. This spot is located on the 7th and 8th floor of a boutique hotel called Hotel Motto. Don’t forget to dress up a bit as this is an upscale restaurant with a stylish ambiance and a seasonal rooftop terrace offering stunning views of Vienna. I went there for dinner with friend and we enjoyed the cocktail and the atmosphere so much.
Their menu features French, Austrian, and Central European cuisine with a modern twist. So, there are many options from pasta to beef tartar! My friend wanted to try beef tartar for the first time and he said it was delicious! It is an overall a fun and vibrant spot to be so why not check it out.
Do you agree?
Mexican
1. Santos Wieden I Mexican Grill & Bar
Some nights, you just need strong drinks and crunchy nachos. That’s what exactly what my friend and I were craving!
Santos Wieden I Mexican Grill & Bar offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, from tacos and burritos to fajitas and enchiladas. We ordered a lot of food that night and everything was tasty and flavorful. I suggest this place a for fun night out on a weekend so make sure to make reservation in advance to guarantee a table.
Italian
1. Ristorante La Sosta
I was having “Eat, Pray, Love” moment while having my lunch here. I felt grateful for a nice sunny day then and the food really enriched my experience. The Seafood in my pasta was fresh and the dish was just flavorful. And it paired well with a glass of white wine.
Despite close proximity to the tourist hub, I felt like the food was made with care and the waiter was really attentive. He also shared with me that their restaurant sources the ingredients from Italy and I think it reflected that. I think this would be a great spot for lunch - a perfect break after sightseeing in the area.
2. La Stella Italienische Apericafè - Gastroshop
I stumbled upon this place by surprise. The shop looked so good and inviting that I had to stop by. Too bad that I was already too full! But there is always room for a dessert, right? So I tried the canoli which did not disappoint me at all!
Besides pastry, they also have many Italian goodies from foccacia to cold cut. A fantastic quick bite spot for Italian food lover.
Bakery
1. Ströck - Feierabend-Bäckerei Burggasse
There are many great bakery shops in Vienna so don't forget to include one on your foodie journey. I am glad that Ströck - Feierabend-Bäckerei Burggasse was my last breakfast in Vienna before saying bye bye.
The bakery is open from morning to night, so it’s a good spot for a quick breakfast or a relaxed lunch. My friend and I ordered a few things to share and we got ourselves lovely tea and coffee to kick start our morning. The freshness and the varieties here are just fantastic. The service was great and the atmosphere was cozy. So I highly recommend this spot.
Besides these recommendations, don’t forget to read my other blog about Cafe in Vienna.Vienna is a fantastic city to visit but make sure to enrich your Vienna journey with great food along the way. I hope you enjoy reading about my favorite food spots in Vienna.
Until next time, take care.
