Must-see restaurants in Austria

  • Kim

    Vienna

    Kim Kocht puts her own creative spin on Korean and Japanese cuisine at this understatedly stylish restaurant. Her menus are constantly changing but often…

  • Bräustüberl

    Tyrol

    As traditionally Austrian as they come, this brewpub-restaurant dishes up satisfying Tyrolean and Bavarian grub, from schnitzel as big as a boot to…

  • Olive

    Innsbruck

    Vegetarians and vegans are in their element at this cute retro-flavoured bistro, with wood floors, a mishmash of vintage furniture and the warmest of…

  • Blaue Gans Restaurant

    Salzburg

    In the 650-year-old vaults of Arthotel Blaue Gans, this restaurant is a refined setting for creative takes on regional cuisine with a seasonal slant, such…

  • Gampe Thaya

    Tyrol

    High above Sölden, this dream of a mountain hut has ringside views of the Ötztal Alps from its sun terrace – equally lovely whether snowbound in winter or…

  • Kraftwerk

    Zell am See

    Housed in a converted 1930s power station, this stylish postindustrial, brick-walled newcomer to Zell am See's dining scene puts an imaginative spin on…

  • Muto

    Linz

    Muto is Latin for 'transform', which is what the culinary wizards achieve in the kitchen. Meat- and fish-based menus might include smoked quail with…

  • Pilzstube

    Salzburg & Salzburgerland

    As warm, woody and endearingly rustic as they come, this old-school Austrian restaurant on a hillside is at its most enchanting when the flakes fall in…

  • Mocking

    Tyrol

    At the bottom of the slopes, this rustic-chic restaurant keeps the mood delightfully cosy with its all-wood interior. Here the chef puts his own stamp on…

  • Trześniewski

    Vienna

    Trześniewski has been serving exquisite open-faced finger-style sandwiches since 1902. Choose from 22 delectable toppings incorporating primarily Austrian…

  • Eis Greissler

    Vienna

    The inevitable queue makes Eis Greissler easy to spot. Locals flock here – whatever the weather – for ice cream made from organic milk, yoghurt and cream…

  • Entler

    Vienna

    While the setting beneath a vaulted ceiling is traditional, the cuisine here is cutting edge. Reinventions of Austrian classics include Bergkässe (hard…

  • Il Convento

    Innsbruck

    Neatly tucked into the old city walls, this Italian job is run with passion by Peppino and Angelika. It’s a winner, with its refined look (white…

  • Bärenwirt

    Salzburg

    Sizzling and stirring since 1663, Bärenwirt is Austrian through and through. Go for hearty Bierbraten (beer roast) with dumplings, locally caught trout or…

  • Fiakerwirt

    Salzburg & Salzburgerland

    This rambling, rustically timber-beamed farmhouse and beer garden serves meaty snacks and mains like schnitzel, goulash and pork roast. Kids will love the…

  • Ludwig

    Salzburg

    Gourmet burger joints are all the rage in Austria and this hip restaurant fits the bill nicely, with its burgers made from organic, regional ingredients,…

  • First Lobster

    Tyrol

    Oyster shells mounted on brick walls are a quirky nod to what’s on the menu at this slick, bistro-style restaurant, with banquette seating. The chef takes…

  • Wirt am Graben

    Linz

    This enticingly boho bar-restaurant spills out into a tree-shaded courtyard in summer. Come for the chilled vibes and creative Slow Food made with local…

  • Meet 2 Eat

    Salzburg

    It's a fair trek out of town but it might be worth it for the cuts of meat at this relaxed, friendly, contemporary bistro. The attractively presented food…

  • Magazin

    Salzburg

    In a courtyard below Mönchsberg’s sheer rock wall, Magazin shelters a deli, wine store and restaurant. The menus fizz with seasonal flavours – dishes such…

  • Green Garden

    Salzburg

    The Green Garden is a breath of fresh air for vegetarians and vegans. Locavore is the word at this bright, modern cottage-style restaurant, pairing dishes…

  • Cuisino

    Vienna

    A casino may not seem an obvious choice for dinner, but you won't regret booking here. Meals are served at candlelit, white-linen-draped tables in a red…

  • Die Pizzerei

    Innsbruck

    A genuine shot of Italy in the heart of Innsbruck, Die Pizzerei has a stylish bar to prop up with an aperitivo before moving onto the main act: pizza. And…

  • Pan Café

    Salzburg & Salzburgerland

    If you're seeking freshly roasted Austrian speciality coffees, this wonderfully chilled cafe comes up trumps. The bright, minimalist, vaulted interior has…

  • Lichtblick

    Innsbruck

    On the 7th floor of the Rathaus Galerien, this chic glass-walled restaurant has sweeping views over Innsbruck to the Alps beyond. Backlighting and…

  • Stiege No 1

    Salzburg & Salzburgerland

    Bang in the heart of the village, Stiege No 1 has a stripped-back, wood-ceilinged interior in modern alpine style. In summer, the pretty lantern-lit…

  • Filmbar im Kesselhaus

    Krems an der Donau

    This stylish student restaurant and bar injects a bit of life into the otherwise very quiet university campus and has become the place in the area to meet…

  • Balthazar im Rudolfsturm

    Hallstatt

    Balthazar is situated 855m above Hallstatt and has the most spectacular terrace in the region. The menu is Austrian comfort food and the service is…

  • Deins & Meins

    Zell am See

    Floor-to-ceiling glass, red velvet chairs and rotating exhibitions of modern art define this slinky lounge-restaurant. Local chef and confectioner David…

  • Johanneskeller im Priesterhaus

    Salzburg

    Full of cosy nooks and crannies, this brick-vaulted cellar is reached via a steep flight of stairs. The menu is succinct but well thought out, with mains…

  • Burger Factory

    Zell am See

    This is a burger joint but not as you know it. Slick, contemporary and streamlined, it has fabulous lake views and does a brisk trade in organic burgers…

  • Wispelhof

    Klagenfurt

    This pared-back rustic dining room is beautifully stylish and is the perfect backdrop for a menu of Carinthian favourites – confit venison, fried liver…

  • Heart of Joy

    Salzburg

    This Ayurveda-inspired cafe has an all-vegetarian, part-vegan and mostly organic menu. It does great bagels, salads, homemade cakes and juices, creative…

  • Morgenbrot

    Tyrol

    With an atmosphere that's as warm as a hug, this prettily retro cafe in light pastels brims with vintage furniture. It's a very chilled spot for…

  • Ikarus

    Salzburg

    At the space-age Hangar-7 complex at the airport, this glam two-Michelin-starred restaurant is the epitome of culinary globetrotting. Each month, Eckart…

  • Jell

    Krems an der Donau

    Occupying a gorgeous stone house, Jell is hard to beat for a rustic atmosphere and fine wine from its own vineyard. Its friendly staff also adds to a…

  • Afro Café

    Salzburg

    This Afro-chic cafe has hot-pink walls, butterfly chairs and artworks made from beach junk. Staff keep the good vibes and food coming – from breakfasts to…

  • Restaurant Zur Traube

    The Danube Valley

    This upmarket place retains the charm of its past life as a village inn. Fittingly Austrian classics are served here, but updated with a contemporary eye…

  • Bistro de Márquez

    Salzburg

    Piedad brings a little piece of her native Colombia to the table at this sweet, cosy bistro, where she cooks soul food including arepas (filled maize…

  • Restaurant & Hotel Schloss Grafenegg

    The Danube Valley

    This traditional hotel restaurant, with an atmospherically retro interior, is owned by celebrity chef and winemaker Toni Mörwald and is known for its…

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