Café CentralCity/Region: Vienna
Café Central is probably one of the most famous cafes in the world due to its high profile clientele during the history of
Vienna, which included famous artists, writers and intellectuals such as
Lenin and Trotsky. The grand, cathedral-like setting with its marble pillared hall and soaring ceiling is a fine setting for the excellent coffee and Apfelstrudel that they serve up, along with an assortment of other desserts and pastries for tea. Light lunches are served and the menu includes a variety of provincial dishes and Viennese
specialties as well as salads, soups, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes. Piano music plays daily from 5pm. Open daily from 10am.
Address: Herrengasse 14
Website: www.palaisevents.at
AltwienerhofCity/Region: Vienna
The queen of Vienna's formal restaurants is Altwienerhof, fittingly to be found near the
Schönbrunn Palace. The Kellner family have run the establishment since 1928, and offer a seasonally changing menu of French-based cuisine with delicate flavors and highest-quality ingredients. Pride of the Altwienerhof is its award-winning vast wine cellar, containing more than 20,000 bottles. Open daily, except Sundays, for lunch and dinner. Jacket and tie essential.
Address: Herklotzgasse 6
Website: www.altwienerhof.com
Wiener RathauskellerCity/Region: Vienna
The venue may be Gothic, sunk into the cellars beneath the historic town hall, but the style, atmosphere and cuisine are very up to date. This spacious eatery features various rooms furnished in different styles and can handle up to 1,100 people. The food can be described as 'modern Viennese', offering fare such as goulash, Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Rathausplatz 1
Website: www.wiener-rathauskeller.at
Café DemelCity/Region: Vienna
Arguably the best of Vienna's 300-odd traditional coffee shops, offering their legendary confections and pastries, is the Café Demel. The café is best known for its original Sachertorte (chocolate frosted cream cake), but the rest of the range of sweet delights on offer is just as delectable. Demel also serves a large range of sandwiches and, of course, really good coffee. Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Vienna's other renowned coffee shop is Café Central near the Hofburg Palace, where Lenin and Totsky once met regularly.
Address: Kohlmarkt 14
Website: www.demel.at
Grinzinger WeinbottichCity/Region: Vienna
Vienna is known for its famous heuriger restaurants, traditional taverns serving local wine and hearty food, accompanied by live music (especially Strauss waltzes). Many such establishments are in the magical district of Grinzing, and are identified by a pine branch hung above the door. One of the best-known taverns is Grrinzinger Weinbottich, which is situated in a 270-year-old building, with a garden and veranda for summer evenings. There is a nightly buffet and an à la carte menu of traditional specialties like roasted knodel with egg, and of course the tavern's home-made wine to wash it down. Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner.
Address: Cobenzlgasse 28
Website: heuriger-reinprecht.at/eweinbo1.htm
The GriechenbeislCity/Region: Vienna
The building in which this warm, cosy restaurant is housed is reputedly the oldest inn still standing in Vienna, having been first mentioned in the city registers in 1500. It has survived the centuries with a colorful history and today it is as much a tourist attraction as it is a very quaint, dependable restaurant serving up all the traditional Austrian dishes and a smattering of international favorites to cater to the many visitors. Open daily.
Address: Fleischmarkt 11
Website: www.griechenbeisl.at
Barbaro'sCity/Region: Vienna
Chic and informal, this popular central restaurant is where Austrian celebrities and politicians gather to be seen. The restaurant/bar/diner covers three floors on top of the Steffl store, and offers views of Stephansplatz along with an innovative menu of Italian and Austrian inspired cuisine.
Address: Kärntner Straße 19/8
FiglmullerCity/Region: Vienna
When in Vienna do as the Viennese do and indulge in Wiener Schnitzel, the delicacy most associated with the romantic city. Reputed to serve the biggest and best schnitzel is Figlmuller's, next door to St Stephen's Cathedral, a wine tavern where the long tables are always packed with hungry customers sampling the golden-brown schnitzels, that overhang the plate. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Figlmuller is closed during August.
Address: Wollzeile 5 (St Stephansplatz)
Website: www.figlmuller.at
SteirereckCity/Region: Vienna
Meaning 'corner of
Styria' (a state in south east
Austria), Steirereck is one of Austria's top restaurants featuring seasonal Austrian cuisine with a Styrian emphasis. The menu is small and changes regularly according to the freshest ingredients available, but everything is superbly prepared. Meals begin with freshly baked bread, and close with a selection of more than 60 cheeses from the restaurant's own cellar. Seasonal offerings might include gooseliver Steirereck, Styrian roast beef, lobster, lamb with crepes, rabbit with risotto or smoked monkfish. Dress is smart and reservations are recommended. Open Monday to Friday.
Address: Rasumofskygasse 2
Website: steirereck.at
DO & COCity/Region: Vienna
Located on the seventh floor of the
Haas Haus, Do & Co is the flagship restaurant of Do & Co
International Hotel and offers the best views in town, situated opposite St Stephan's Cathedral. The cuisine is international, featuring mainly modern Viennese and Asian fare, but the extensive menu also covers
South America and wider
Europe. The menu covers 'Tastes of the World', 'Beef & Co', 'Kebab, Wok and Curries', 'Catch of the Day', 'Austrian Classics', and different kinds of sushi. Reservations are highly recommended, and dress is smart. Open daily from 12pm.
Address: Stephansplatz 12
Website: www.doco.com
