4 Best Restaurants in Bad Gastein, Eastern Alps

Idyllically set on the east side of the Stubnerkogel, directly on the ski slope, this Alpine hut is one of the oldest in Europe, remarkably well preserved, with wooden interiors and a huge open fire. Wooden parlors and a big terrace, with a spectacular view over Bad Gastein, invite visitors in for a substantial meal, followed by a couple of drinks after a hike or long skiing day. Try the homemade Kalbsbeuschel (veal ragout) with bread dumplings, or one of the desserts, such as traditional Austrian Kaiserschmarrn (chopped up pancakes served with fruit compote, often apple or plum) or Almbusserl (fresh strawberries with eggnog and ice cream). You'll need a car or taxi to get here; in winter you can ski in or take the restaurant's own chairlift. Reservations are highly recommended during winter, when it's a popular après-ski spot.

This casual, light-filled bar-café a few steps from the center of town is the perfect spot to pick up coffee and baguettes or to linger over champagne and cocktails. There's a cozy interior, welcoming outdoor tables, and a great wine, beer, and cocktail list. Betty's is known for Flammkuchen (super thin Alsacian flatbreads, similar to pizza). Meat, vegan, and veggie versions are available but you can also find gourmet baguette sandwiches and tapas.

This tiny, Swedish-run Third-wave coffee shop brews beans from a premium Swedish coffee roaster and serves exceptionally good homemade kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns), as well as vanilla and cardamom variations, plus house-crafted bagels and gourmet sandwiches. It's a great place to grab a sandwich to take on your hike.

Beamed ceilings and emerald green paneling lend quirky style to this historic restaurant in the heart of the old town. Traditional Austrian fare is its forte (served in hearty portions), but it prides itself on its pizza, too—it even has a wood-fired oven. For a true traditional dish, try the jägerhauspfandl (grilled pork tenderloin and mushroom cream sauce with roast potatoes) or pumpkin-, game-, or duck-based seasonal specialties. There are cozy wooden parlors, as well as a garden, and the place is popular with locals and tourists alike.