Is Vienna The Next Culinary Capital Of Europe?

27.02.2024 - 05:35 / forbes.com

Renowned for its spectacular architecture and high concentration of ornate churches, the Austrian city of Vienna draws tourists in droves with each passing year—but there’s far more to this stunning city than simply its gorgeous buildings. All throughout each district, visitors can discover a thriving dining scene that seamlessly blends old and new, with time-honored bistros and cutting-edge wine bars scattered all across the city. Whether you’re hoping to dine on elegant seven-course tasting menus or just dine on classic Wiener schnitzel with a beer in hand, Vienna is certain to provide you with a truly unforgettable dining experience.

While the surrounding region has been home to permanent settlements for millennia, contemporary Vienna is a city at the forefront of change, with no shortage of polished restaurants that are fully embracing 21st-century ideals. Case in point: Meinklang Hofladen, a cozy café that holds sustainability as one of its core values. While the venue itself is located on the edge of Vienna’s 4th and 5th Districts, the vast majority of its ingredients are sourced from the property’s farm in nearby Neusiedl am See. During a visit, guests are welcome to peruse the restaurant’s fresh produce and animal products all on display, while a constantly-rotating menu is available for those who prefer to dine on-property.

Closer to the city center, Hausbar perfectly exemplifies Vienna’s evolving dining scene with its carefully-curated seven-course tasting menu, each dish perfectly designed to highlight the flavor of one particular ingredient. Throughout the meal, guests will dine on plates that center on classic produce like tomato, eggplant, and cucumber, each one infused with an elegant blend of spices and sauces that elevate the dish to new heights of gastronomy—and for a truly memorable experience, be sure to spring for the craft cocktail pairing. And just a block away, the Relais & Châteaux-affiliated Glasswing serves as an added example of the surrounding area’s level of gastronomy, with dishes like wild mushroom raviolo, caviar-infused king crab and green pepper Styrian chicken all appearing on the venue’s masterfully-crafted menu.

In addition to sleek and sophisticated contemporary venues, Vienna is also rife with storied institutions that highlight the rich culinary history of the city, with Café Goldegg serving as one of its most charming venues. Renowned for its elaborate Art Nouveau-style interior, this polished venue has been in business since 1910, with locals gathering in abundance to grab a coffee and dine on fresh Viennese breakfast dishes all throughout the week. For first-time visitors, the Salzstangerl mit Schinken, Kren und Gurkerl—a blend of ham, horseradish and