LITTLE PINK BOOK FOR VIENNA
Austrian Food
A lot of guides recommend Figlmüller As local, I have only been there with friends who came to visit and insisted to eat the “biggest Schnitzel in town”. However, big does not automatically mean delicious and apart from unfriendly staff, the place was always very crowded and overpriced.
- My go-to for Schnitzel is Weibel’s Wirtshaus (Kumpfgasse 2) has the best Schnitzel in town.
- Plachutta(Wollzeile 38) has various outlets across the city but the main outlet is in Wollzeile 38. They are not only famous for Schnitzel but also for “Tafelspitz”, which is beef cooked in its broth and served with potatoes and vegetables.
- Chalet Moeller – Schottenhof is at the outskirts of Vienna but it is worth the drive. It’s located in the forest and serves delicious local food.
Italian
- Cantinetta Antinori is part of the Tuscan Villa Antinori (which also produces wine) and has by far the best Italian food in town. (Jasomirgottstraße 3/5)
- I Carusi is one of the best places for pizza. (Kirchengasse 21)
Persian
- Pars is an institution with the local Persian crowd. (Lerchenfelder Str. 148)
- Arezu is a modern take on Persian cuisine. (Florianigasse 19)
Indian
- Curry Express is a stylish bistro-concept serving authentic Indian food. (Mariahilfer Str. 91)
Chinese
- Mama Liu & Sons for their delicious Dim Sum. (Gumpendorfer Straße 29)
Japanese
- Teka Sushi serves simple but very tasty sushi. (Billrothstraße 5)
Burgers
- Said the Butcher to the Cow kickstarted the trend of burger joints. (Opernring 11)
- Rinderwahn is an understated place with tasty burgers. (Weihburggasse 3)
Breakfast & Brunch
- The Guesthouse serves local and international breakfasts. (Führichgasse 10)
- Meierei im Stadtpark is run by next-door Steirereck and is located in the beautiful Stadtpark.
Traditional Viennese Cafés
- Haas & Haas is actually a tea house (but I prefer their hot chocolate). (Stephansplatz 4)
- Café Landtmann is a classic and also popular among the nearby office crowd. (Universitätsring 4)
“Modern” Cafés
- Le Bol is a French café with coffee served in their signature “bol” (ie. bowls). (Neuer Markt 14 and Naglergasse 21)
- Kaffeeküche is located in the tram station Schottentor and has some of the best coffee in Vienna. Their brioches are also very nice. (Tram station Schottentor – basement level)
- Kaffeefabrik is a hole in the wall with tasty coffee. (Favoritenstraße 4)
- Coffee Pirates serves the majority of students of the nearby university. (Spitalgasse 17)
Drinks with a View
- In summer, I recommend Lamée Rooftop at Hotel Lamée (Rotenturmstraße 15) and the Rooftop of the Ritz (Schubertring 5-7)
- In winter: Sky Bar at Steffl Department Store (Kärntnerstraße 19), Das LOFT @ SO/ Vienna (Praterstraße 1) (it is quite tough to get a spot on weekends and it is a bit pricey) and Onyx Bar (Stephansplatz 12) (a bit touristy but really nice view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral).
- Techno Café at Volksgarten Pavillon on Tuesdays in summer.
- The Museumsquartier has plenty of bars as well.
Drinks and Dance
- Volksgarten Club – especially in summer because it has a cool outdoor area.
- SASS Music Club is popular among the local crowd.
Salons
Ossig will take perfect care of your hair. Great hairdressers in a beautifully decorated historic building. (Stephansplatz 4)
Hotels
- Hotel Grand Ferdinand is a beautiful mix of 1950s meets modern design. (Schubertring 10-12)
- Hilton Vienna Plaza (Schottenring 11)
- 25 Hours for those who want a hotel stay of a different kind. (Lerchenfelder Straße 1/3)
- Palais Hansen Kempinski (Schottenring 24)
