Expert recommendations for the best places to eat in four price ranges: budget ($), moderate ($$), expensive ($$$), and luxury ($$$$).
 THIS ARTICLE IS FROM
|
$
Gasthaus Am Nordpol
“Bohemian cuisine—good dumplings and fantastic homemade sauerkraut, roast pork, and Czech beer.”—Severin Corti, restaurant reviewer, Der Standard newspaper. Traditional Viennese tavern located off the typical tourist path; solid wood tables and bare wood floors; located behind Augarten park. Second district, Nordwestbahnstrasse 17; tel. +43 1 333 58 54.
Kern’s Beisl
Known for its homemade desserts based on old Austrian recipes. Try the Schönbrunn Auflauf (rice-and-apple casserole with vanilla milk sauce), or sweet dumplings with seasonal fruit (apricots, plums, strawberries); also contemporary interpretations of classic desserts such as gingerbread soufflé with pears or apples marinated in wine and quince mousse. First district, Kleeblattgasse 4, corner with Tuchlauben; tel. +43 1 533 91 88. www.kernbeisl.at
$$
Österreicher im MAK
Traditional and contemporary Viennese cuisine from Helmut Österreicher, one of Austria’s top chefs; modern interior design, located inside the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK). Tip: Try the Krautfleckerl (Austrian noodles with kraut) and nuss-schmarren (cut pancake dessert) with pear compote. First district, Stubenring 5; tel. +43 1 714 01 21. www.oesterreicherimmak.at
Fadinger
Intimate restaurant with soft lighting, classic white tablecloths, and fresh flowers on tables; known for its spicy meat with rice and cucumber salad; close to the Vienna Stock Exchange. First district, Wipplingerstrasse 29; tel. +43 1 533 43 41. www.fadinger.at
Gasthaus zu den drei Hacken
Excellent Wiener schnitzel (traditional Viennese breaded pork cutlet); wide variety of beers and extensive wine list; indoor and outdoor seating in simple, inn-like setting. First district, Singerstrasse 28; tel. +43 1 512 58 95. www.vinum-wien.at
Eckel
“Try the roast calf kidneys with curry rice.”—Alexander Bachl restaurant reviewer, ORF. Classic, home-style cuisine with an excellent wine list. Nineteenth district, Sieveringer Strasse 46; tel. +43 1 320 32 18. www.restauranteckel.at
Wrenkh
Known for its Glücksküche (happiness-cuisine philosophy) developed by chef Christian Wrenkh; simple, healthy meals, each with a vegetarian option, such as braised iceberg lettuce in honey-mustard sauce topped with either tofu, mushrooms, fish, or meat. First district, Bauernmarkt 10; tel. +43 1 533 15 26. www.kochsalon.at
$$$
Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer
Fine Viennese cuisine in a traditional inn atmosphere; wood walls, tables, chairs, and benches; some tables offer great views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Try the combined dish featuring locally bred Mangalitza pork. First district, Weihburggasse 4; tel. +43 1 512 34 71. www.weisser-rauchfangkehrer.at
Schnattl
Contemporary spin on classic Viennese fish and game dishes, including fillet of hare with walnut gnocchi; cozy, backyard garden; a favorite gathering spot for Viennese actors and artists; located near Vienna City Hall. Eighth district, Lange Gasse 40; tel. +43 1 405 34 00.
Vestibül
Seasonally fresh dishes ranging from traditional schnitzel to fried monkfish with saffron puree; housed in the former Burgtheater drive-in for the Austrian emperor’s coaches; magnificent interior—tall marble columns, towering ceilings, chandeliers, bar. First district, Dr. Karl Lueger-Ring 2; tel. +43 1 532 49 99. www.vestibuel.at
Zum Schwarzen Kameel
“Witty interpretations of classical Austrian dishes.”—Severin Corti. Try the Zwiebelrostbraten—roast with onions, served with tuna instead of the traditional beef. Expert sommelier is eager to suggest the perfect Austrian wine to complement your meal. First district, Bognergasse 5; tel. +43 1 533 81 25. www.kameel.at
Fabios
“The best designer restaurant in Vienna; excellent Mediterranean cuisine.”—Alexander Bachl. Try the oven-roasted guinea hen with goat cheese. First district, Tuchlauben 6; tel. +43 1 532 22 22. www.fabios.at
$$$$
Steirereck im Stadtpark
Bold food combinations—veal with raw marinated scallops and black salsify—featuring only fresh, local food products; prime, picturesque location in Stadtpark, the city’s central park. Third district, Stadtpark; tel. +43 1 713 31 68. www.steirereck.at
Julius Meinl am Graben
“Subtle dishes in the restaurant of Austria’s best gourmet shop.”—Alexander Bachl. Try the curd cheese soufflé on rose petals and medlar fruit. First district, Graben 19; tel. +43 1 532 33 34 6000. www.meinlamgraben.at
Coburg
Largest selection of wines in Europe; list includes 5,000 different wines and over 60,000 bottles, half from France and the oldest a 1727 Rüdesheimer Apostelwein; chef Christian Petz favors whole roasts such as milk-fed lamb leg. Open evenings only. First district, Coburgbastei 4; tel. +43 1 518 18 800. www.palais-coburg.com
