What to Eat in Vienna
Vienna’s food culture reflects imperial traditions, regional Austrian cooking, and a deep café heritage. Rather than variety for its own sake, eating well in Vienna means prioritizing classic dishes, traditional settings, and unhurried meals.
This guide highlights the foods most worth seeking out during your visit.
At the top of the page:
Understanding Food in Vienna
Food in Vienna is closely tied to routine and tradition.
In general:
Meals are structured and leisurely
Cafés function as social spaces
Traditional dishes remain widely eaten
Following local customs leads to better experiences.
Essential Dishes in Vienna
Wiener Schnitzel
Breaded veal or pork cutlet served simply.
Where to try it:
Traditional Viennese restaurants
Historic taverns
Classic city-center dining rooms
Neighborhood gasthäuser
Long-standing family-run restaurants
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef served with broth and accompaniments.
Where to try it:
Traditional Austrian restaurants
Historic dining rooms
City-center gasthäuser
Upscale Viennese kitchens
Classic lunch-focused eateries
Sausages (Würstel)
Quick, casual street food staple.
Where to try them:
Street sausage stands
Würstelstände near transport hubs
Late-night kiosks
Neighborhood snack counters
Central market areas
Goulash
Hearty stew reflecting regional influences.
Where to try it:
Traditional Austrian restaurants
Neighborhood taverns
Casual lunch spots
Historic eateries
Seasonal menus
Viennese Pastries
Cakes and desserts tied to café culture.
Where to try them:
Historic cafés
Traditional pastry shops
City-center cafés
Neighborhood bakeries
Dessert-focused cafés
Sachertorte
Vienna’s most famous chocolate cake.
Where to try it:
Historic cafés
Classic hotels
Traditional pastry houses
City-center cake shops
Café dessert menus
Apfelstrudel
Apple-filled pastry served warm.
Where to try it:
Traditional cafés
Austrian restaurants
Pastry shops
Neighborhood bakeries
Historic dining rooms
Café Melange
Vienna’s iconic coffee style.
Where to try it:
Historic coffeehouses
Neighborhood cafés
City-center coffee rooms
Traditional café interiors
Daily café stops
Seasonal Market Food
Simple food tied to local markets.
Where to try it:
Naschmarkt stalls
Seasonal outdoor markets
Neighborhood food markets
Casual daytime stalls
Market cafés
Modern Austrian Cuisine
Contemporary takes on traditional food.
Where to try it:
Chef-driven restaurants
Modern bistros
Wine-focused dining rooms
Neighborhood contemporary eateries
Seasonal tasting menus
Planning Your Meals in Vienna
Food planning works best when paired with your daily sightseeing rhythm.
Use this page alongside: