Best Food in Vienna: A Culinary Guide to the City

Vienna is renowned for its rich cultural history, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, and this is reflected in its diverse and exciting food scene. Whether you’re a fan of classic Viennese dishes or are looking for something new and exciting to try, Vienna has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best food in Vienna, and share our top tips for experiencing the city’s culinary delights.

Viennese Classics 🍴

Vienna is famous for its traditional cuisine, which is hearty, filling, and perfect for cold winter nights. Here are some classic Viennese dishes you won’t want to miss:

Sachertorte 🍰

The Sachertorte is perhaps Vienna’s most famous dessert, and for good reason. This rich chocolate cake is filled with apricot jam and topped with a layer of chocolate glaze. It’s the perfect indulgence after a long day of sightseeing.

Wiener Schnitzel 🍗

Another Viennese classic, the Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, breaded and fried cutlet of veal. It’s typically served with a slice of lemon and a side of potatoes or salad. You’ll find it on almost every menu in Vienna, but for the best experience, head to a traditional Viennese restaurant like Figlmüller or Plachutta.

Tafelspitz 🥩

Tafelspitz is a boiled beef dish that’s also a staple of Viennese cuisine. It’s typically served with horseradish and apple sauce, and is a great option if you’re looking for something filling and comforting.

Apfelstrudel 🍎

No list of Viennese classics would be complete without Apfelstrudel. This sweet pastry is filled with apple, cinnamon, and raisins, and is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

International Cuisine 🌍

Vienna is a multicultural city, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene. Here are some international dishes you won’t want to miss:

Banh Mi 🥖

For a taste of Vietnam in the heart of Vienna, head to Banh Mi in the Naschmarkt. This popular food stall serves up delicious banh mi sandwiches, as well as pho and other Vietnamese dishes.

Manti 🥟

Manti is a type of dumpling that’s popular in Turkish and Central Asian cuisine. You’ll find it on the menu at several Viennese restaurants, including Mangal and Türkis Kebap. It’s typically filled with lamb, onion, and spices, and served with a yogurt sauce.

Moussaka 🍆

If you’re in the mood for Greek food, head to Taverna Kostas in the 8th district. Here you’ll find delicious moussaka, as well as other classic Greek dishes like souvlaki and tzatziki.

Pad Thai 🍜

For a taste of Thailand, head to Thai Isaan Kitchen in the 6th district. This popular restaurant serves up delicious pad thai, as well as other Thai classics like green curry and tom yum soup.

Best Coffee Shops ☕️

No trip to Vienna would be complete without a visit to a traditional Viennese coffee house. Here are some of our favorites:

Café Central ☕️

Café Central is one of Vienna’s most famous coffee houses, and an absolute must-visit. The elegant interior and impeccable service make it the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

Demicafé ☕️

If you’re looking for a more modern coffee shop, head to Demicafé in the 7th district. Here you’ll find delicious coffee, as well as a range of healthy and vegetarian-friendly dishes.

Café Hawelka ☕️

Café Hawelka is another Viennese institution, and has been serving coffee and pastries since 1939. The interior hasn’t changed much since then, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time.

Alt Wien Kaffee ☕️

Alt Wien Kaffee is a cozy coffee shop in the 4th district, and is the perfect place to warm up on a cold winter day. The coffee is excellent, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Vienna for food?

The best time to visit Vienna for food is in the autumn and winter months, when hearty, warming dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz are at their best.

2. Where can I find the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna?

For the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, head to a traditional Viennese restaurant like Figlmüller or Plachutta.

3. What is Sachertorte?

Sachertorte is a famous Viennese chocolate cake that’s filled with apricot jam and topped with a layer of chocolate glaze.

4. Where can I find international cuisine in Vienna?

Vienna is a multicultural city, and you’ll find international cuisine on almost every street corner. Some popular neighborhoods for international food include the Naschmarkt, the 6th district, and the 8th district.

5. What is a traditional Viennese coffee house?

A traditional Viennese coffee house is a place where Viennese residents gather to drink coffee, read the newspaper, and chat with friends. Coffee houses typically have elegant interiors, impeccable service, and a range of sweet pastries and cakes on offer.

6. What is the best coffee house in Vienna?

There are many great coffee houses in Vienna, but some of the most famous include Café Central, Café Hawelka, and Demicafé.

7. What is the best way to experience Viennese cuisine?

The best way to experience Viennese cuisine is to head to a traditional Viennese restaurant and order a classic dish like Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. You should also make time to visit a traditional Viennese coffee house and sample some of the city’s famous pastries and cakes.

Conclusion

Vienna is a city that’s famous for its rich cultural history, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of classic Viennese dishes or are looking to try something new and exciting, Vienna has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve shared our top tips for experiencing the city’s culinary delights, from classic Viennese dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, to international cuisine from around the world. We hope you’ve found our guide to the best food in Vienna helpful, and that it’s inspired you to explore the city’s food scene for yourself.

So why not book a trip to Vienna today, and discover the city’s culinary delights for yourself?

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Vienna Tourism Board. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication, but may be subject to change. Before traveling to Vienna, please check the latest travel advisories and restrictions from your local authorities.