10 Best Restaurants in Eastern Alps, Austria

Hubertus

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Every last detail, from romantic furnishings to the doting service, is done to perfection here, making this restaurant the best in the area. Chef Johanna Maier's way with trout is exquisite, but don't overlook the game, roast poultry, or veal sweetbreads. Finish with topfenknödel (cream cheese dumpling), a house specialty. Frau Maier offers cooking courses several times each month—call for dates. The restaurant is within the equally plush and inviting hotel of the same name.

Am Dorfplatz 1, Filzmoos, A-5532, Austria
06453-8204
Known For
  • Wonderful, tempting presentation of dishes
  • Use of local produce
  • Elegant surroundings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Apr.–mid-May and mid-Oct.–mid-Dec. No lunch, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

Mondi Bellevue Alm

$$ Fodor's choice

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.

Obauer

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Among Austria's top dining spots, Obauer is presided over by brothers Karl and Rudolf, who share chef-de-cuisine responsibilities. The cuisine creatively mixes local delights and herbs with nouvelle garnishes, many inspired by the brothers' far-flung travels. Trout strudel with Veltliner sauce; honey quail with nettle, pear mustard, and sherry saucel stuffed zucchini blossoms with wild thyme and mushrooms—any of these specialties might top the nightly bill of fare and are highly recommended. For a complete experience you can also book one of Obauer's 11 chic and modern guest rooms and suites and enjoy a memorable breakfast in the morning.

Markt 46, Werfen, A-5450, Austria
06468-5212
Known For
  • Alfresco dining in the summer months in its charming garden
  • Modern alpine cuisine
  • A fabulous collection of wines from the extensive cellar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential

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Bella Bean

$

Opened in 2020, this specialty Third-wave coffee shop and roastery brews excellent cups of java and serves small bites like yogurt, fruit, and pastries in a cool, contemporary setting.

Betty's Bistro

$$

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.

Jägerhäusl

$

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.

Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Str. 9, Bad Gastein, A-5630, Austria
+43-664-4265386
Known For
  • Warm, family atmosphere
  • Traditional Austrian dishes
  • Good pizzas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.

Kraftwerk Restaurant & Winebar

$

Housed in a converted 1934 power station with exposed brick walls and beams, this stylish two-story restaurant serves creative regional Austrian fare along with an excellent wine list. It's modern but rustic, industrial but welcoming, serving authentic regional cuisine creatively presented. Be sure to try the homemade bread, farmer's butter, smoked bacon, and schnapps from their own organic farm.

Restaurant Zum Hirschen

$$$

In the hotel of the same name, the restaurant is in a charming, typically Austrian stube—all wood paneled and cozy—and serves regional specialties and international cuisine. Its popularity extends to locals and visitors alike, which makes for a good atmosphere. It has been awarded 13 Gault Millau points for menu selections such as pork fillet in an herb and bacon crust or braised veal with a cream sauce and small dumplings.

Dreifaltigkeitsstrasse 1, Zell am See, A-5700, Austria
06542-774–0
Known For
  • Traditional wood-paneled ambience
  • Popularity with locals and visitors alike
  • Excellent-value set lunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., and Oct. and Nov.

Steinerwirt1493

$$

As the name suggests, the Steinerwirt dates back almost as far as Columbus's Atlantic voyage. It is family run, and its newest generation of owners and staff have brought modernity to the cuisine while maintaining the original Alpine flair. The authentic atmosphere makes the place a favorite for locals and travelers alike. A particular highlight is the wine cellar—home to great wines for more than 525 years—with some fine Austrian wines; the staff are happy to help you choose the right pairing. The roast pork served with bread dumplings and red cabbage and the Tafelspitz (slow-cooked beef with creamed spinach and a horseradish-and-chive sauce) are excellent.

Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 2, Zell am See, 5700, Austria
06542-725020
Known For
  • Amazing history
  • High-end interpretation of Austrian favorites
  • Combination of tradition and modern flair
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed early Nov.–1st wk in Dec. and last 2 wks of May

The Blonde Beans

$

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.

Bahnhofplatz 4, Bad Gastein, 5640, Austria
0660-1385366
Known For
  • Quality coffee
  • Homemade cinammon buns and chocolate cake
  • Take-out food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. Closed early Oct.–late Nov. and late Apr.–early June