Are you wondering what to eat in Vienna? Typical food & restaurants to try

The exquisite Viennese gastronomy is a symphony of flavors that delights even the most demanding palates. However, it is not only a feast for the senses, but it is also a culinary journey that reflects the history and tradition of this charming Austrian city. With a unique blend of influences from Austro-Hungarian cuisine and the elegance of Viennese high society, Vienna's typical dishes are a perfect fusion of flavors, aromas and carefully crafted presentations. Pay attention because, below, we show you what to eat in Vienna.

Traditional food for an exquisite trip

Vienna is one of the most elegant cities in Europe and this is also reflected in its gastronomy. In order to enjoy a complete trip, we recommend you to check our travel guide in Vienna and accompany the itinerary with tasting the traditional food in Vienna that we show you below. 

Wiener Schnitzel 

Wiener Schnitzel is a very popular breaded and fried veal escalope. It represents the pinnacle of Austrian culinary excellence, consolidating itself as its national dish today. Rooted in recipes dating back to the 18th century, this delicacy has gained worldwide recognition thanks to its unique and delicious taste. 

As for the preparation, begin by tenderizing the veal filets until they reach a thickness of 2 to 4 millimeters and seasoning them with salt on both sides. In a deep dish, beat the eggs briefly with a fork, avoiding over-beating to maintain the right consistency. The filets then need to be lightly dredged in flour, dipped in egg and coated with very fine breadcrumbs. 

The key to the perfect Wiener Schnitzel lies in the cooking. A generous amount of butter and oil is heated in a large frying pan, making sure the oil is very hot. The schnitzels are fried to a perfect golden brown on both sides, and the pan is turned regularly to give the batter a "fluffy" texture. They are then removed and drained on kitchen paper, while the parsley is fried in the remaining oil for an extra touch of flavor. 

As a recommendation, fry the schnitzels in a frying pan instead of a deep fryer to preserve their characteristic flavor and use high-quality and fine breadcrumbs. On the other hand, suggested accompaniments to complement this Viennese delicacy are sautéed potatoes with parsley and a refreshing salad of cucumber, tomato, potato or lettuce.

Sachertorte

If you are thinking about what to eat in Vienna, sachertorte is an ideal choice. It is an original Viennese culinary creation from 1832 and stands out as a pastry masterpiece thanks to the ingenuity of Franz Sacher, an apprentice of only 16 years old. This delicious cake has become an icon of Austrian gastronomy. 

The recipe begins with the combination of essential ingredients for the cake, including butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, eggs, chocolate, flour and apricot jam. The mixing and baking process results in a fluffy and delicious cake. After baking, the cake is cut into two layers and put together again after spreading with apricot jam. This step creates a juicy and tasty base for the next stage. 

The frosting, made with sugar, water and chocolate, is poured over the cake and spread with a spatula, providing a touch of grace. Of course, it is important to let the cake rest until the frosting becomes firm. 

The final result is an original sachertorte, ready to be served with whipped cream. This culinary journey transports any cooking enthusiast to the streets of Vienna, offering an authentic experience that fuses tradition, skill and flavor in every bite. Keep in mind that this Viennese recipe has stood the test of time, celebrating the genius of a young apprentice who, with creativity and skill, left a lasting mark on the world of pastry making.

Tafelspitz

Tafelspitz, a hidden culinary treasure of Austrian tradition, features a delicious beef or veal steak gently cooked in broth, offering a unique experience for meat lovers. This dish, appreciated throughout the country and especially during the colder seasons, is typically served with seasonal vegetables, providing a perfect balance of flavors. 

What makes tafelspitz distinctive is its versatility. It can be served with fresh vegetables or enjoyed with the classic combination of applesauce and horseradish, adding layers of flavor to the dining experience. In addition, we recommend that you pair the tafelspitz with an excellent Austrian white wine or a spicy red wine to enhance the experience, further elevating the nuances of this iconic dish.

If you are thinking about where to eat this delicious dish in Vienna, we recommend Plachutta Wollzeile. This restaurant stands out as a culinary reference, located near the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Another option is the Ofenloch restaurant that has won praise from travelers for its exceptional interpretation of this dish. 

If you are far from these restaurants, you should know that there are many traditional restaurants in the city that also incorporate tafelspitz into their standard menus, offering diners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Austrian gastronomy in an authentic and memorable way.

Käsespätzle

If you are thinking about what to eat in Vienna and want to try something different, we recommend the käsespätzle. They are known as the Viennese macaroni and cheese. This dish is composed of spätzle, German egg noodles with a texture similar to meatballs. They have a nice texture and generate a very interesting contrast thanks to a generous layer of melted cheese combined with fried onions. 

You don't have to worry about this dish, as it is on the menus of many restaurants in the city as it is a very typical dish.

Goulash

This Hungarian dish has gained great popularity in Vienna and throughout Austria as well, adapting locally to have a distinctive preparation. The hearty beef stew, seasoned with tomato, onion and paprika, often includes semmelknödel (meatballs) in the Viennese version. Austrian goulash, ideal for cold winter days, pairs well with strong-flavoured beers or a glass of Zweigelt wine, one of Austria's popular red wines. 

To try it, we recommend you go to Ilona Stuberl and Puerstner. Both restaurants make an incredibly tasty goulash. If you want to try another delicious version of this dish, you can go to Café Mozart, near the Albertina Museum.

Topfenstrudel

Topfenstrudel is an exquisite Viennese dessert that stands out for its delicate hand-stretched dough, which harmoniously wraps thin layers around quark cheese. This soft and creamy cheese is derived from fermented buttermilk and combines perfectly with sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract and raisins. 

The dough is coated with melted butter, thus creating a kind of cheesecake in strudel format. We recommend that, in case you are not a dessert lover, you give a chance to this Topfenstrudel that stands out for its taste and texture. To try it, we recommend you visit Café Sacher Wien.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn, nicknamed as the "emperor's mess", is an exquisite Viennese dessert that deserves the attention of food lovers. It is named after the Austrian Emperor (Kaiser) Franz Joseph I, who was fond of this fluffy scrambled pancake. 

This delicious treat is best described as a sweet, scrambled pancake, featuring a fluffy mixture of crumbled pancakes. It is usually served with rum-soaked raisins, fruit compote and sprinkled powdered sugar, offering a unique taste experience. 

It is served as a dessert or as a light lunch with applesauce and is accompanied by raisins or dried cranberries. For this delicacy, Café Landtmann on Ringstraße stands out as an outstanding choice, not only for its exceptional kaiserschmarrn, but also for its elegant décor.

Manner Schnitten

Manner is a company rooted in Austrian tradition and internationally renowned for its delicious confectionery and snacks. It was founded by Josef Manner in 1890 in Vienna and since then, the company has forged a success story over generations. Its iconic Neapolitan wafers, always vegan, debuted in 1898 and have become a classic of Austrian culture. 

With five thin slices and a creamy hazelnut filling, Manner wafers offer a crispy and tasty experience. Their distinctive pink packaging is considered a symbol of Austrian confectionery, being associated with alpine moments, and recognized internationally as an official gift, even selected by the Austrian federal president on his travels. These products encapsulate Manner's excellence and tradition in every bite.

Wurstel

If you are on the street and think about what to eat in Vienna, these famous sausages, known for their simplicity and taste, are the best option. They are traditionally made with a mixture of beef and pork, wrapped in sheep intestines. Accompanied by strong mustard, they are perfectly complemented by an Austrian potato salad, radishes, spring asparagus and other fresh vegetables. 

Many enjoy their affordability and simplicity by buying them from street vendors, putting mustard on them and eating them on the street, either in summer or winter, as a snack or fast food. The best recommendation we can give you to try them is to go to the city centre. Vienna's main avenue known as the ringstrasse has many popular street stalls. The naschmarkt, a semi-permanent market, and the Prater, an extensive amusement park that also has food stalls, are fun options for exploring these local delicacies.

Apfelstrudel

If you have a sweet tooth, apple strudel is a delicious Austrian specialty that has gained worldwide renown thanks to its exquisite taste. Originating under the influence of the Habsburg Empire, this dessert is commonly found in bakeries, cafes and restaurants in Vienna. 

Unlike the American apple pie, strudel features a light and crispy dough, stretched to the maximum, filled with apples, sugar, raisins, lemon, rum, cinnamon and cloves. This dessert, decorated with breadcrumbs, nuts and powdered sugar, offers a delicious experience. It can be enjoyed with Viennese coffee or black tea. There are also popular fruity variations such as berries and apricots. As a recommendation, we recommend Cafe Aida and Kaffe Alt Wien to try it with great quality.

Beuschel

Beuschel is a hearty Austrian stew made with offal and a dark brown sauce, typically available only in local restaurants with a strong tradition. It is most commonly prepared with veal heart and lungs, although other animals can also be used. 

This stew, popularized in the 19th century with the inclusion of offal on high-end restaurant menus, is served with bread dumplings. It is found in traditional Viennese restaurants and is especially appreciated in places that highlight their culinary heritage.

Belegte Brote

The Belegte Brote is a delicious open-faced sandwich option in Vienna that offers a wide variety of flavors with meat options including pork, beef, turkey and chicken. In addition, the diversity of Austrian cheeses and some Swiss options add a unique touch of flavors. 

This delicacy is easily accessible in restaurants, taverns and street stalls throughout the city, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy this delicious culinary experience while exploring Vienna. The versatility of ingredients and their availability in different locations make this dish a convenient and tasty option for those wishing to sample the local gastronomic offerings.

In conclusion, if you are wondering about what to eat in Vienna, now you know that you have at your disposal an endless number of typical dishes. All of them make up an authentic feast for the senses, eclectically fusing influences from all over Europe and representing every corner and land that was once part of its monarchy. 

From the strong Italian influence in the 17th century to the arrival of French cuisine in the 18th century, each era has added layers of flavors to this rich culinary tradition. Vienna’s gastronomic history is a fascinating journey through unique flavors and a cultural heritage that continues to delight and surprise even the most demanding palates.