8 Best Restaurants in Carinthia and Graz, Austria

Located in Mehlplatz, one of the oldest squares of Graz, Die Herzl restaurant opened in 1934 and is known for both its tavernlike atmosphere and its traditional Austrian cuisine. Seasonal entrées are mixed with typical Austrian dishes such as Gemischter Salat (a mix of cucumber, potato, and sauerkraut on lettuce) or the Gebackener Camembert (fried Camembert cheese served with tart berry chutney). Drink local Austrian white and red wines such as Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling (white), or Zweigelt and Blauburger (red).

A good choice to experience authentic Styrian cooking, this old Graz institution is reminiscent of a cozy country cottage. Salads are a must here, prepared with the Styrian specialty, Kürbiskernöl, or pumpkinseed oil. Main courses include Rinderschulterscherzl, boiled beef with pumpkin puree and roasted potatoes, or chicken breast in a creamy herb sauce. A vegetarian menu, with choices like potato strudel with sour-cream dip and spaetzle sprinkled with leeks and cheese, is always offered. Often, every table in the Schmankerlstub'n is taken, so if you're alone, you may be asked if others could share your table.

This rustic brewery is in one of the oldest buildings in Klagenfurt and attracts a mixed and lively clientele. The excellent beer produced here pairs perfectly with the local cuisine. If the weather permits, try to get a place in the lovely courtyard. Its convenient location in the city center makes it a popular meeting place; be prepared for a crowd.

Warm wooden parlors, romantic corners, and authentic Austrian cuisine define this rustic spot. Products are mainly local and seasonal, in keeping with the restaurant's slow-food philosophy. Pumpkin and dark-green pumpkinseed oil are prominent ingredients. Try the schnitzel in a coat of pumpkinseeds with potatoes and field salad or homemade pasta with pumpkinseed pesto. Leave space for dessert such as parfait with plum jam. The daily lunch menus are popular with locals, and the restaurant can get packed quickly.

The magnificent centuries-old Landhaus complex also includes this popular traditional restaurant. Styrian beef is the main event here, but there are lots of other tasty dishes to choose from. The place contains a labyrinth of charming old-world dining rooms set within the ancient arcaded Landhaus itself. Weather permitting, try to get a table in the historic courtyard.

Joining the expanding enterprise of Sacher cafés in Austria's most prominent cities, Graz's Sacher is everything you would expect from a Sacher Café—lots of gilt, crimson upholstery, sparking chandeliers, and Viennese dessert, including the rich chocolate Sachertorte. If you're hungry for a meal, there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner specialties. Try the Styrian Almochsen fillet (Alp steer) with seasonal vegetables, or one of the unrivaled desserts, like the nougat parfait with egg liquor. In the adjoining Sacher Wein-Snackbar, you can choose tasty snacks to blend with a full-bodied Austrian white wine or champagne.