Soulkitchen
Soulkitchen offers soups, bowls, and plates with a focus on fresh sustainable ingredients and Asian flavors (many of them vegan).
Raymond Johnston
73 Best Restaurants in Vienna, Austria
Vienna has tried hard to shed its image of a town locked in the 19th century, and nowhere is that more evident than in the kitchens of the top-notch Austrian chefs who dominate the culinary scene here. They have turned dining from a mittel-europäisch sloshfest of Schweinsbraten, Knödeln, and Kraut (pork, dumplings, and cabbage), into an exquisite feast of international flavors.
No one denies that such courtly delights as Tafelspitz—the blush-pink boiled beef famed as Emperor Franz Josef's favorite dish—is delicious, but these traditional carb-loaded meals tend to leave you stuck to your seat like a suction cup.
The dining scene of today's Vienna has transformed itself, thanks in part to a new generation of chefs, such as Heinz Reitbauer Jr. and celebrity-chef Christian Petz, who've worked hard to establish an international brand of Viennese cooking known as Neue Wiener Küche (New Vienna cuisine). They have stepped onto the stage, front and center, to create signature dishes, such as fish soup with red curry, which have rocketed to fame; they have fan clubs, host television shows, and publish top-selling cookbooks, such as Neue Cuisine: The Elegant Tastes of Vienna; there are star Austrian chefs the way there are in New York and Hollywood, and these chefs want to delight an audience hungry for change.
Schmaltzy schnitzels have been replaced by prized Styrian beef—organic meat from local, farm-raised cattle—while soggy Nockerl (small dumplings) are traded in for seasonal delights like Carinthian asparagus, Styrian wild garlic, or the zingy taste of common garden stinging nettle. Wisely, Vienna has also warmly welcomed into its kitchens chefs from around the world, who give exotic twists to old favorites.
Ströck
Long known as a reliable haunt for breads and strudels, Ströck has multiple locations throughout the city. Open for evening and weekend meals, the eateries serve only organic, locally grown goods. For a light dessert, try the vegan chocolate-dipped cherries with brown sugar.
Ulrich
In the shadow of St. Ulrich’s church, Ulrich is a popular neighborhood place serving small plates, flatbreads, and homemade lemonade, plus evening cocktails. The convivial atmosphere and friendly vibes are always a treat.
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Veganista
Vienna's most popular vegan ice cream maker has 11 locations scattered across Vienna's districts, but the one in the first district is closest to Vienna's major sights (there is a weather-permitting kiosk at the MuseumsQuartier, too). They're known for traditional flavors as well as nods to local and seasonal tastes like poppy seed and damson plums. Try the popular ice cream sandwich cookie (with vegan cookies, of course), cleverly named the "Inbetwiener" (Vienna is spelled "Wien" in German). Their ever-rotating flavors are listed each day on their Instagram and Facebook pages.
Veggiezz
Vienna's favorite vegan restaurant has two locations in the city. The menu is varied, with wraps, burgers (veggie, of course), tofu dishes, and delicious quinoa concoctions.
Vestibül
Attached to the Burgtheater, this was once the carriage vestibule of the emperor's court theater. Today, the dining room is full of splendor and a menu that changes frequently, but diners can expect the best from one of Austria's most celebrated chefs. Dishes often include fish, beef, or lamb meals, and, of course, Wiener schnitzel.
Weibels Wirtshaus
Down an old cobbled lane between Singerstrasse and Schulerstrasse and a stone's throw from the cathedral, Weibels Wirtshaus is one of the coziest places to have a lazy lunch or a quiet dinner. The dinner menu changes with the season; in summer try the Andalusian gazpacho soup, tafelspitz (boiled beef), and apricot pancakes for dessert. Try to reserve a table upstairs in the intimate Galerie where there are only a few tables. On sunny days, opt for outside seating in the delightful garden. In winter, Wiener schnitzel with beer is about as cozy as it gets.
Weinschenke am Karmelitermarkt
One of Vienna's most popular burger joints offers veggie and meat options at this market location.
Wrenkh Restaurant and Cooking Salon
Vienna's vegetarian pioneer extraordinaire Christian Wrenkh prefers teaching cooking classes to standing in the kitchen several times a week, but his two sons run the restaurant show: roughly two-thirds of the menu is vegetarian, with delightful dishes like mushroom schnitzel or hash browns with miso vegetables. The minimalist-style bistro, with mid-century modern decor that looks a tad like a modish hotel, offers affordable lunches and dinners. Their two- and three-course lunch menus for €14.50 and €15.50 on weekdays are fantastic value. Customers who sign up for the culinary classes (which include cuisine from around the world and a dedicated gluten-free cooking session) can learn to cook Wrenkh's cuisine themselves.
Würstelstand am Hohen Markt
The legendary Würstelstand am Hohen Markt serves the best bürenwurst and American-style hot dogs. As with most of the wWürstelstands, or "iImbiss" kiosks, there is a surprising amount of food on offer. Cheese-filled sausages (käsekrainer) served with a slice of bread is a popular local choice, as is currywurst. Pickles, hot peppers, ketchup, horseradish, and onions cost extra. You can also pick up a beer or soft drinks. It's open until the wee hours.
Zanoni & Zanoni
Between Rotenturmstrasse and Bäckerstrasse, this place dishes up 25 or more flavors of smooth, Italian-style gelato, including mango, caramel, and chocolate chip, and has frozen yogurt and vegan ice cream, too. Breakfast and a few sandwiches are also available.
Zattl Biergarten
In a delightful tree-shaded courtyard, this biergarten has quickly become immensely popular. Zattl is the owner and he loves his beer, and the secret to his success is to have huge tanks of Bohemia's best brew, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell, delivered to the cellar to be tapped directly into the glass. You can even tap your own beer at some tables. Good local dishes like veal goulash and grilled chicken are inexpensive and well-prepared. Stick to the garden for a quiet break, unless you prefer the pub-like atmosphere inside.
Zur Alten Kaisermühle
This vast waterside patio alongside the shimmering Danube is where you want to be on a long summer's evening in Vienna, having drinks, enjoying good food, and watching boats bob at the dock. It's also pretty popular in fall and winter, when you can cozy up with a mulled wine in the charming indoor section featuring wood-beams and exposed brick.The menu includes Viennese and traditional Austrian cuisine with seasonal specialties, as well as steak, seafood, and Mediterranean delicacies.
