From historic cafes to Michelin starred restaurants, Vienna has many restaurants to choose from. My top picks include:
Loca better eat better: This newer restaurant, opened for two years, has been featured in several recent articles and reviews. It features local farm-to-table and healthier food. The atmosphere was warm at night with predominately white décor. The owner was so delightful and accommodating as was the server. I loved my perch/pike entrée with bok choy, over sweet potatoes and a few dollops of sweet potato puree to accent the plate. I also enjoyed my homemade mango and plum sorbets. I highly recommend it. Just make sure to book your reservation beforehand. I did mine online through their website. Studenbastei 10.
Julius Meinl: This is a three level gourmet food store that has a popular wine bar, restaurant and café serving its well-known coffee. It is located in the heart of the pedestrian district at Graben 19.
Ulrich Café Restaurant and Bar: Recommended by the NY Times and my hotel, this is a fun neighborhood café in the Seventh District that was a short walk from my hotel. It is open for breakfast and stays open throughout the day. You will find locals enjoying the large outdoor terrace. St. Ulrich’s Platz 1.
Naschmarkt: Don’t miss this fun market filled with food stalls and restaurants. It is a short walk from the MuseumsQuartier and the Hofburg Palace. On a sunny Saturday afternoon it was jammed with locals enjoying the weather and the food. There are many options to choose from. There are also bakeries and shops selling cheese, wine, chocolates, meat and more. I enjoyed a coffee and apple pie at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa.
Café & Restaurant Kunsthistorisches Museum: Maria Theresien Platz. I enjoyed lunch at this famous Art Museum. This is a wonderful café on the 1st floor below the famed dome. It is a beautiful setting for lunch or coffee during your visit to the museum.
Friends in Chicago loved spending time in Nussberg Grinzing at its urban vineyard and winery just outside of town. It has been producing wines since 1683. You can visit the winery and have a meal in a traditional wine tavern, Mayer am Pfarrplatz at Pfarrplatz 2.
The Altstadt also recommends Restaurant Vestibul at Universitatsring 2, Glacis Beisl for modern Viennese food, I Ragazzi for Italian and Gaumenspiel for international cuisine.
Konstantin Filippou, is also highly regarded for haute cuisine at Dominikanerbastei 17. It has a Michelin star.
Steirereck im Stadtpark: Located in the middle of Stadtpark, in an art noveau building, this is considered one of the top restaurants in Vienna and often listed in the top restaurants in the world. It has two Michelin stars. It is hard to get into so book early before you go. They specialize in re-imagined traditional Austrian cuisine in a contemporary way using local and seasonal produce. Am. Heurmarkt 2A. Downstairs, the Meierei dairy bar and bistro, is recommended for lunch.