Let’s be real. When you think of Viennese food, your mind probably goes straight to schnitzel and sachertorte. And hey, those classics are legendary for a reason. But the restaurant scene here? It’s so much more than that.
Vienna’s kitchens are having a moment—a big, beautiful, delicious moment. We’re talking about a culinary landscape where century-old coffeehouse culture bumps up against edgy modern bistros, and where farm-to-table isn’t a trend, it’s a tradition.
Forget everything you thought you knew. We’re about to dive fork-first into the absolute best restaurants to visit in Vienna. This list is your golden ticket to meals you’ll be texting home about.
1. Steirereck im Stadtpark: Where Fine Dining Meets the Farm
Imagine eating a world-class meal in a glass pavilion overlooking a leafy city park. That’s Steirereck. This is the big one, consistently ranked among the top restaurants on the entire planet.
But here’s the thing: it’s not stuffy. Chef Heinz Reitbauer and his team work magic with hyper-local Austrian ingredients. You might find char from a pristine Alpine lake or ancient grains you’ve never heard of, transformed into something mind-blowing.
They have a cheese trolley that’s practically a religious experience, with over 120 choices from their own dairy. The service is impeccable but warm. Dining here isn’t just a meal; it’s a masterclass in modern Austrian cuisine. It’s easily one of the top restaurants in Vienna for a special splurge.
2. Figlmüller (Bäckerstraße): The Schnitzel Sanctuary
Okay, we said it was more than schnitzel, but you still need to have the real deal. And Figlmüller is the undisputed king. This place is an institution, famously serving what they call “the biggest schnitzel in Vienna” since 1905.
We’re talking a plate-sized, paper-thin, golden-brown masterpiece of crispy, breaded perfection.
It’s so big it hangs off the plate. The vibe is old-school, wood-paneled, and always buzzing. You’ll be packed in with locals and travelers alike, all there for the same glorious purpose.
Pro tip? Make a reservation. The line out the door is no joke. Pair it with their classic potato salad. This is more than food; it’s a rite of passage. No list of the best Vienna restaurants is complete without this iconic spot.
3. Tian: A Vegetarian Revelation
Get ready to have everything you thought about vegetarian food turned upside down.
Tian isn’t just a vegetarian restaurant; it’s a Michelin-starred temple to plants. Chef Paul Ivić creates dishes that are stunning to look at and even better to eat.
The flavors are complex, surprising, and deeply satisfying. You won’t miss meat for a second. The setting in a beautiful, historic square feels both grand and intimate. They focus on seasonal, organic produce, often from their own garden.
It’s a transformative dining experience that proves vegetables can be the star of the show. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just a curious foodie, this is a must-visit restaurant in Vienna. It will change your mind.
4. Zum Schwarzen Kameel (The Black Camel): The Historic Bistro
Step into a slice of Viennese history that’s deliciously alive. “Zum Schwarzen Kameel” has been operating since 1618. Let that sink in. The main draw is their legendary stand-up buffet and bar area.
It’s a stylish, noisy, wonderful chaos where you grab a glass and crowd around marble counters piled with open-faced sandwiches, oysters, and tiny perfect pastries. The attached sit-down restaurant is more formal, serving classic Austrian dishes with finesse.
But for the full experience, plant yourself at the bar. Order a “Beinschinken” sandwich and people-watch. You’ll see everyone from business folks to artists. It’s a living, breathing piece of the city. A true Vienna dining institution.
5. Naschmarkt: The Ultimate Foodie Playground
Why choose just one restaurant when you can have a hundred? The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s epic, sprawling open-air market. It’s a kilometer-long sensory overload of scents, sounds, and flavors.
On one side, you have stalls selling every spice, cheese, fruit, and vegetable imaginable.
On the other, a tight line of small, buzzing restaurants with tables spilling onto the walkway. You can sample Viennese, Turkish, Lebanese, Vietnamese, and Italian food all in one stroll.
Grab a falafel wrap from one stall, some local olives from another, and finish with a pastry. For a sit-down meal, the restaurants at the Freibank end are local favorites. It’s not a single restaurant; it’s the best food hall in Vienna. Come hungry.
6. Silberwirt: The New-Age Gasthaus
Tired of the same old traditional spots? Silberwirt is your answer. This place takes the cozy, comforting vibe of a classic Viennese gasthaus (tavern) and gives it a brilliant, modern twist.
The interior is all clean lines and warm wood. The menu is written daily on a mirror.
They serve incredible, inventive takes on Austrian staples. Think the most tender beef with horseradish, or a crispy schnitzel with a surprising, zesty salad.
It’s creative without being pretentious. The energy is cool, young, and utterly welcoming.
It’s a perfect example of where Vienna’s food scene is headed. This is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Vienna for a modern, memorable meal.
7. Demel: The Imperial Pastry Experience
You can’t talk about food in Vienna without a deep dive into pastries. And Demel is the grand dame. Founded in 1786, it was the official confectioner to the Imperial Court. Walking in feels like stepping into a gilded, sugary museum.
The display cases are works of art. Watch the confectioners work behind glass in the “Konditorei.” You must try their legendary Sachertorte—it’s dense, not too sweet, and utterly perfect with a dollop of cream.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. Skip the downstairs café and head upstairs to the more elegant, quieter salon. Sipping coffee and eating cake here isn’t a snack; it’s a ceremony. It’s a sweet, essential Vienna restaurant experience.
8. Mochi: Plant-Based Ramen & Japanese Comfort
Craving something different? Mochi is a little slice of Tokyo tucked into Vienna’s 6th district. This cozy, minimalist spot is famous for its ramen, and they have an entire separate, dedicated vegan menu that is out-of-this-world good.
Their vegan ramen broth is rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful—a true labor of love. The noodles have the perfect chew. The vibe is relaxed and focused purely on the food. It’s a haven for anyone seeking a phenomenal plant-based meal.
But meat-lovers, don’t fret. Their traditional tonkotsu and shoyu ramen are also top-tier. It’s a small place, so be prepared for a wait. It’s one of those cool, under-the-radar Vienna restaurants that locals absolutely adore.
9. Plachutta: For the Tafelspitz Obsession
Ready for a true Viennese classic? Tafelspitz is boiled beef, and it’s a national dish. Plachutta has built its empire on perfecting it. They have several locations, each with a bustling, traditional feel.
Here’s how it works: You get a beautiful copper pot of simmered beef broth, tender cuts of beef, and a plate of sides. You’ll build your perfect bite with roasted potatoes, chive sauce, apple horseradish, and fried spinach.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and a unique ritual. The broth alone is worth the trip. This is hearty, celebratory food. For a genuine taste of Viennese tradition done to perfection, Plachutta is a restaurant you must visit in Vienna.
10. Ulrich: The All-Day Neighborhood Gem
This is where you go when you want to eat like a local who has great taste. Ulrich, in the hip Josefstadt district, is the ultimate all-day café and bistro. It’s cool without trying too hard.
Come for a lazy breakfast, a working lunch, or a fantastic dinner. The menu is a mix of Austrian and international comfort food—think superb burgers, fresh salads, and seasonal specials. Their baked goods are incredible.
The large windows open to the square, making it perfect for people-watching. The energy is laid-back and friendly. It’s not trying to be the “best” anything; it just consistently delivers great food and vibes. A solid favorite.
11. Gösser Bierklinik: A Time-Capsule Tavern
Want history you can feel? Gösser Bierklinik has been serving hungry and thirsty Viennese since the 1400s. The wood-paneled rooms are crooked, cozy, and full of character. It feels like the set of a perfect movie.
The food is solid, classic Austrian tavern fare—goulash, schnitzel, dumplings. It’s hearty and good. But you’re really here for the atmosphere. It’s a place where time seems to have stood still in the best way.
It’s often crowded and loud in the evenings, packed with friends laughing over steins. For an authentic, old-world Viennese tavern experience, this is a spot you can’t miss. It’s a living piece of the city’s soul.
12. Veganista: Ice Cream Dreams
Alright, it’s not a sit-down restaurant, but hear us out. Veganista is a game-changer. This local chain of ice cream parlors serves 100% plant-based, Italian-style gelato that will make you do a double-take.
The flavors are incredible—from classic salted caramel and pistachio to inventive ones like turmeric-lemon or peanut butter cookie. It’s creamy, rich, and utterly delicious. On a sunny day, the line stretches down the block, and for good reason.
It’s the perfect sweet end to a day of exploring. Finding one of their shops is always a happy surprise. It proves that indulgence needs no compromise. A must-stop for a sweet treat in Vienna.
13. Heuer am Karlsplatz: The Modern Glasshouse
This place is a vibe. Located in a sleek, modern glass pavilion right by the Karlsplatz station, Heuer is part restaurant, part cafe, part urban garden. It feels fresh, airy, and connected to the city outside.
The menu is seasonal, creative, and focuses on local, organic ingredients. They have fantastic options for vegans and meat-eaters alike. The weekend brunch is a local legend. But it’s also just a fantastic spot for a coffee or a glass of something.
By night, it transforms into a stylish dinner destination. With its cool design and commitment to quality, it represents the modern, forward-thinking side of Vienna’s dining scene. It’s always a good idea.
14. Schnattl: Creative & Quirky Bistro Fare
Tucked away on a quiet street, Schnattl is a beloved neighborhood secret. The space is tiny, charming, and a little quirky, with mismatched chairs and a warm, welcoming feel.
The menu is short, changes constantly, and is full of creative, bistro-style dishes. The chef has a magical touch with vegetables and sauces. You might find the most perfect roast chicken or a stunning vegetarian tart.
It’s inventive without being intimidating. The vibe is like having dinner at your coolest friend’s apartment—if your friend was a fantastic chef. Reservations are essential. It’s a gem that makes you feel like an insider.
15. Trześniewski: The Open-Faced Sandwich Icon
This is fast food, Viennese style. Since 1902, Trześniewski has been serving tiny, delectable open-faced sandwiches (belegte Brote). The concept is simple: a slice of dark bread topped with incredible spreads.
Choices include egg and cucumber, salmon, mushroom, and a dozen more. You order by the piece, usually getting three or four with a small beer. It’s quick, cheap, and utterly delicious.
The atmosphere in their original Dorotheergasse location is pure old-Vienna hustle. It’s standing room only at marble counters. It’s not a leisurely meal; it’s a perfect, flavorful pit stop. You haven’t fully experienced Vienna until you’ve done this.
16. Café Central: The Living Museum Cafe
We’ll end with a coffeehouse, because this is Vienna. Café Central is the most famous, and yes, it’s full of tourists. But it’s famous for a reason. The arched, columned hall is breathtaking.
This was the literal office for intellectuals like Trotsky and Freud. Sitting under those vaulted ceilings with a newspaper on a wooden rod, you feel the weight of history. Order a Melange (coffee with milk) and a slice of cake.
Let the piano music wash over you. It’s an event. While there are quieter cafes, this is the one you have to see. It’s the ultimate Viennese cafe experience, a restaurant for the mind and soul as much as the palate.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Your passport to Vienna’s stunning, diverse, and deeply delicious food world. From gilded cafes to noodle shops, from historic taverns to plant-powered temples, this city feeds every kind of craving.
These spots are more than just places to eat. They’re where memories are made, where culture is served on a plate, and where you’ll discover the true flavor of Vienna. Don’t just see the city—taste it.
Your table is waiting. Book those reservations, pack your stretchiest pants, and get ready for a culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Vienna is ready to impress you, one incredible bite at a time.