Over countless visits to Austria's capital, we've navigated everything from intimate Beisl taverns tucked into cobblestone corners to Michelin-starred kitchens where innovation meets imperial heritage. This guide compiles the restaurants that have earned their place in our personal Vienna dining map—the ones we return to, recommend confidently, and genuinely believe capture what makes eating in Vienna such a distinctive experience.
Whether you're seeking traditional Viennese classics or contemporary interpretations that push boundaries, you'll find them here. But more importantly, you'll stay for a while and discover why Viennese dining remains one of Europe's most underrated culinary destinations, where comfort food carries centuries of history and fine dining respects its roots.
Steirereck
What is it? Austria's only 3-Michelin-starred restaurant set in a stunning glass pavilion in Stadtpark, serving modern Austrian cuisine with creative flair under chef Heinz Reitbauer
Why we love it: The legendary bread and cheese trolleys, impeccable white-glove service, and innovative dishes that reinterpret Austrian classics using locally sourced ingredients. Ranked #22 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants
Pro tip: Book lunch instead of dinner to save money—the 4-course lunch menu is €155 (vs. €225-245 for dinner), and you'll get better natural lighting for photos. Allocate 3-4 hours for the full experience
Address: Am Heumarkt 2A, 1030 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €155-175 (lunch), €225-245 (dinner tasting menu), wine pairing €105-120
Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm - midnight; Sun: 12 am - 5 pm
Silvio Nickol Gourmet Restaurant
What is it? A 2-Michelin-starred restaurant inside the opulent Palais Coburg, featuring dramatic amethyst interiors and chef Silvio Nickol's imaginative seasonal cuisine
Why we love it: The theatrical presentations (especially the signature "forest" dish with mushroom mousse and edible moss), access to one of the world's best wine cellars, and sophisticated flavor combinations that balance tradition with modernity
Pro tip: The 7-course menu offers better value than the 9-course, and don't miss the duck liver forest dish—it's Nickol's signature masterpiece
Address: Coburgbastei 4, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €180-220 for tasting menu (7 or 9 courses)
Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 6:30pm-midnight; Closed Sun-Mon
TIAN
What is it? Austria's first and only vegetarian Michelin-starred restaurant (with a Green Star), led by celebrated chef Paul Ivić, serving creative plant-based tasting menus in an elegant setting
Why we love it: Proof that vegetarian fine dining can be absolutely extraordinary—innovative dishes that celebrate seasonal vegetables with three Gault Millau toques and zero compromise on flavor or sophistication
Pro tip: Reserve well in advance (it's very popular), and ask about the 6-course menu if you want a shorter experience. The Tian Bistro nearby offers more casual vegetarian dining at lower prices
Address: Himmelpfortgasse 23, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €120-160 for 6-10 course tasting menu
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 6:00pm-11:00pm; Closed Sun
ef16 Restaurant Weinbar
What is it? A modern European restaurant and wine bar with a beautiful courtyard garden, offering daily changing market-driven menus and an extensive wine selection
Why we love it: The intimate atmosphere, creative "Chef's Choice" menu that changes daily, and the perfect balance of sophistication and warmth. Exceptional value for the quality delivered
Pro tip: Opt for the 3 or 4-course "Chef's Choice" menu (€55-63) rather than à la carte—you'll experience the kitchen's creativity at its best, and wine pairing (€28-39) is highly recommended
Address: Fleischmarkt 16, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €55-73 for chef's menu, à la carte mains €25-41
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 5:30pm-11:30pm; Closed Sun
Figlmüller
What is it? Vienna's most iconic schnitzel institution since 1905, famous as the "Home of the Schnitzel" with massive 30cm pork schnitzels that overhang the plate
Why we love it: The historic wood-paneled dining rooms, generous portions (one schnitzel can feed two!), and perfectly crispy, tender schnitzels that set the gold standard. A true Viennese tradition
Pro tip: The original location at Bäckerstraße has more atmosphere than Wollzeile. Order the potato salad (€6.90) and cranberry sauce (€2.90) as sides. Arrive early or expect to wait—reservations essential
Address: Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €20-30 per person (pork schnitzel €21.90, veal €27.90)
Opening hours: Daily: 11:30am-11:30pm
Plachutta Wollzeile
What is it? The world-famous tafelspitz (Viennese boiled beef) specialist, offering 14 traditional cuts of beef simmered to perfection in copper pots, carrying on traditions from the legendary Meissl & Schadn
Why we love it: The theatrical presentation with beef served in copper kettles, the melt-in-your-mouth tender meat with apple horseradish and crispy rösti, and the preservation of authentic Viennese beef culture. Emperor Franz Joseph's favorite dish
Pro tip: Order the traditional tafelspitz (prime boiled beef) for your first visit to experience the classic. The dish arrives with broth, root vegetables, and marrow bone—it's a complete experience
Address: Wollzeile 38, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €25-35 for tafelspitz with sides
Opening hours: Daily: 11:30am-11:30pm
Z'Som Restaurant
What is it? An intimate fine dining gem with an outstanding 4.9 rating, offering creative modern cuisine with Austrian influences in a cozy, romantic atmosphere
Why we love it: Consistently rated as one of Vienna's best-kept secrets with first-rate food, service, and wine selections. The quality rivals Michelin-starred establishments at more accessible prices
Pro tip: This smaller restaurant fills up quickly, so book well in advance. Perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners
Address: Gußhausstraße 12, 1040 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €40-60 per person
Opening hours: Wed-Sun: 6:00pm-11:00pm; Closed Mon-Tue
Restaurant Vienne/OnurChefs
What is it? A highly-rated casual restaurant in the historic center with exceptional value, serving creative international and Austrian dishes in a cozy, quiet setting
Why we love it: The 4.8 rating from over 8,000 reviews speaks volumes—consistently delicious food, warm hospitality, and reasonable prices in the heart of Vienna. One of the best quality-to-price ratios in the city
Pro tip: This is a local favorite that tourists often overlook. Reservations are required despite the casual atmosphere
Address: Fleischmarkt 20/22, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €15-30 per person
Opening hours: Daily: 10:30am-11:00pm
Zum Alten Fassl
What is it? A traditional down-to-earth Austrian restaurant serving hearty schnitzel, meat dishes, and desserts with garden seating, beloved by locals for fair prices and authentic flavors
Why we love it: Fast, friendly service, generous portions of classic Viennese comfort food, and great beer—all at prices that won't break the bank. The garden seating is perfect in summer
Pro tip: This is where locals go for authentic Austrian fare without tourist prices. Reservations recommended for dinner, especially for garden seating
Address: Ziegelofengasse 37, 1050 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €15-25 per person
Opening hours: Thu-Wed: 5:00pm-midnight; Sun also 12:00pm-3:00pm; Closed Wed
SIXTA
What is it? A contemporary Austrian restaurant, bar, and café with a stellar 4.9 rating, offering creative seasonal dishes and an excellent cocktail program in a trendy, romantic atmosphere
Why we love it: Undeniably one of Vienna's top-rated spots with impeccable execution, innovative Austrian cuisine, and a vibrant yet intimate ambiance. The cocktails are as impressive as the food
Pro tip: The outdoor seating is lovely in good weather. This place gets packed, so book ahead, especially for weekends
Address: Schönbrunner Str. 21, 1050 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €25-40 per person
Opening hours: Wed-Sun: 6:00pm-midnight; Closed Mon-Tue
Gasthaus Reinthaler
What is it? An easygoing, old-school Austrian gasthaus specializing in traditional Viennese cuisine with generous portions in a historic, cozy atmosphere
Why we love it: Authentic local vibe, hearty classics like goulash and schnitzel, and extremely reasonable prices for the city center. This is where locals have been eating for generations
Address: Gluckgasse 5, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €12-20 per person
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11:00am-11:00pm; Closed Sat-Sun
Griechenbeisl
What is it? Vienna's oldest restaurant (established 1447!) with a storied history—past diners include Schubert, Strauss, and Mark Twain. Serves upscale traditional Austrian dishes in rustic, historic rooms
Why we love it: Dining in a piece of living history with authentic Austrian cuisine, exposed beams, and walls adorned with signatures from centuries of famous guests. The atmosphere is unmatched
Pro tip: Ask to see the historical rooms and the guest book with famous signatures. The restaurant has private dining rooms perfect for special occasions
Address: Fleischmarkt 11, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €25-40 per person
Opening hours: Daily: 12:00pm-11:00pm
Pürstner
What is it? A rustic, cozy traditional restaurant serving hearty portions of classic Viennese meals like schnitzel and spätzle in a historic setting with a fireplace
Why we love it: Excellent food, attentive service, traditional Viennese atmosphere, and good prices for the quality and location. The fireplace creates wonderful ambiance in winter
Pro tip: Reservations required—this place is packed with both tourists and locals. Great for experiencing authentic Viennese gemütlichkeit (coziness)
Address: Riemergasse 10, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €18-28 per person
Opening hours: Daily: 11:30am-11:30pm
Bauernbräu
What is it? A beloved Austrian restaurant with a 4.8 rating, serving traditional dishes, excellent beer selection, and generous portions in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere
Why we love it: Consistently praised as a first-night-in-Vienna highlight, offering authentic cuisine at fair prices with warm, welcoming service. The beer selection is outstanding
Pro tip: Popular with locals and tourists alike—arrive early or book ahead. The Sunday lunch (12pm-10:30pm) is a great time to visit
Address: Gumpendorfer Str. 134/136, 1060 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €15-25 per person
Opening hours: Thu-Wed: 5:00pm-11:00pm (Fri-Sat until 11:30pm); Sun: 12:00pm-10:30pm
Gulasch & Söhne
What is it? A modern Austrian restaurant, bar, and bistro near the Ringstrasse specializing in excellent goulash and contemporary Viennese cuisine from breakfast to late night
Why we love it: Amazing goulash at reasonable prices, versatile all-day dining (breakfast through dinner), excellent service, and a trendy yet comfortable atmosphere in a prime location
Pro tip: Perfect for any meal of the day—the breakfast and brunch are as good as dinner. The goulash varieties are must-tries
Address: Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Wien, Austria
Expect to pay: €15-30 per person
Opening hours: Daily: 8:00am-midnight
