Food to try in Vienna Austria during your trip in 2026

🇦🇹 This guide is part of our comprehensive Austria Travel Guide.

After a day exploring Vienna's stunning attractions, you're bound to work up an appetite. Vienna's culinary scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, offering a unique taste of Austria.

From the iconic Wiener Schnitzel to decadent Sachertorte and hearty stews, Viennese cuisine is a true feast for the senses.

This guide will take you on a culinary journey through Vienna, showcasing the best traditional Austrian foods you absolutely must try during your visit.

Planning your sightseeing? Check out our Vienna Pass Review for helpful tips.

1. Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel, arguably Austria's national dish, is a must-try for any visitor to Vienna. This iconic dish consists of a thin, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet. The traditional preparation involves pounding a veal cutlet until it's very thin, then coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying it in butter or oil until golden brown and crispy.

Where to Find It

• Figlmüller: Famous for its enormous schnitzels that often hang over the edge of the plate. (Wollzeile 5, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Restaurant Ofenloch: Offers a traditional Viennese atmosphere and serves excellent schnitzel. (Kurrentgasse 5, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Schnitzelwirt: A more casual option known for its good value and tasty schnitzels. (Neubaugasse 52, 1070 Wien, Austria)

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History and Origin

Wiener Schnitzel has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to Italy and making its way to Austria. While traditionally made with veal, pork schnitzel ("Schnitzel Wiener Art") is a common and more affordable alternative. Chicken schnitzel is also available in some places.

2. The Sachertorte

The Sachertorte is an iconic Viennese dessert, a rich and decadent chocolate cake that has become a symbol of the city. This dense, yet surprisingly moist, cake is characterized by its thin layer of apricot jam and a glossy chocolate glaze. It's a true classic and a must-try for any visitor with a sweet tooth.

Where to Find It

• Hotel Sacher: This is the home of the "Original Sachertorte." Enjoy a slice in their elegant café for the full experience. (Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Demel: Another famous Viennese confectionery that claims to have the "original" recipe (though slightly different). (Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Café Central: While not specifically known for Sachertorte, this historic café offers a delicious version in a stunning setting. (Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria)

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History and Variations

The Sachertorte's history dates back to 1832 when Franz Sacher, a young pastry chef, created the cake for Prince Metternich in Vienna. However, it was his son, Eduard Sacher, who perfected the recipe and made it famous during his time at the Demel confectionery. This led to a long-standing "chocolate cake war" between Hotel Sacher and Demel over the right to call their cake the "Original Sachertorte."

The key differences between the two versions are:

• Hotel Sacher: Their "Original Sachertorte" has two layers of apricot jam: one under the chocolate glaze and one in the middle of the cake.

• Demel: Their "Eduard Sacher Torte" has only one layer of apricot jam directly under the chocolate glaze.

Both versions are delicious, and trying both can be a fun way to experience a piece of Viennese history.

3. Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel)

Apfelstrudel, a beloved Viennese pastry, is a delightful combination of flaky, buttery pastry and a sweet, spiced apple filling. This classic dessert is enjoyed throughout Austria and beyond, but Vienna holds a special place in its history. The strudel dough is stretched incredibly thin, almost translucent, before being filled with a mixture of apples, raisins, breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. It's then rolled up and baked until golden brown and crispy.

Where to Find It:

• Café Landtmann: A traditional Viennese café known for its elegant atmosphere and excellent pastries, including Apfelstrudel. (Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Café Central: Another historic café where you can enjoy a delicious slice of Apfelstrudel in a grand setting. (Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria)

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• Strudelshow at Schönbrunn Palace: For a unique experience, attend the Strudelshow at Schönbrunn Palace, where you can watch a demonstration of how Apfelstrudel is made and then enjoy a freshly baked piece. (Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria)

History and Variations:

Apfelstrudel's roots can be traced back to the Middle East, with similar pastries appearing in various cultures. It arrived in Austria through the Ottoman Empire and became a staple of Viennese cuisine. The key to a good Apfelstrudel is the incredibly thin dough, which requires skill and practice to prepare. Variations may include the addition of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or different spices like cloves or lemon zest. It's often served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and sometimes with a side of vanilla sauce or whipped cream.

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If you would like to taste strudel for free and learn about How to make the Austrian apple strudel then you can watch the Vienna Strudel Show With Tasting At Schoenbrunn Palace T57029.

4. Tafelspitz ( Beef boiled in Vegetables)

H2: Tafelspitz (Boiled Beef)

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Tafelspitz is a classic Viennese dish of boiled beef, considered one of Austria's national dishes. It's a testament to simple, high-quality ingredients and patient cooking. A lean cut of beef (typically from the hip or shoulder) is slowly simmered in a flavorful broth with root vegetables like carrots, celery root, parsnips, and leeks, along with spices like peppercorns and bay leaves. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful beef and a rich, aromatic broth.

Where to Find It:

• Plachutta Wollzeile: This restaurant is renowned for its Tafelspitz and is considered by many to be the best place to try it in Vienna. (Wollzeile 38, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Gasthaus Pöschl: A traditional Viennese "Beisl" (pub) that serves excellent Tafelspitz in a more casual setting. (Weihburggasse 17, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Restaurant Rote Bar (at Hotel Sacher): For a more upscale experience, try the Tafelspitz at the elegant Rote Bar. (Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria)

History and Variations:

Tafelspitz gained popularity during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who was said to be a great admirer of the dish. It became a staple of Viennese cuisine and a symbol of the city's culinary heritage. The traditional serving of Tafelspitz includes the beef served in the broth, along with the cooked vegetables. It's typically accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as:

5. You can also try delicious- Goulash

While Goulash is often associated with What To Eat In Budapest Hungary, it has become a beloved dish in Vienna as well, with its own unique Viennese twist. This hearty stew is made with tender chunks of beef, onions, and plenty of paprika, giving it its characteristic deep red color and rich flavor. The long, slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Where to Find It:

• Glacis Beisl: Located in the MuseumsQuartier, this restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Viennese cuisine, including a delicious Goulash. (Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien, Austria)

• Gasthaus Wild: A traditional Viennese "Beisl" known for its authentic atmosphere and hearty portions of Goulash. (Radetzkypl. 1, 1030 Wien, Austria)

• Reinthaler's Beisl: Another classic "Beisl" that serves a rich and flavorful Goulash. (Dorotheergasse 2-4, 1010 Wien, Austria)

History and Variations:

Goulash originated in Hungary as a dish cooked by shepherds. It made its way to Vienna during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and became a popular dish in the city. Viennese Goulash, often called "Wiener Saftgulasch," differs slightly from its Hungarian counterpart. While both use beef, onions, and paprika, Viennese Goulash tends to have a thicker, richer sauce and may include fewer vegetables. It's often served with bread dumplings ("Semmelknödel") or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

6. Zwiebelrostbraten

Zwiebelrostbraten is a classic Austrian dish featuring a tender roasted beef steak topped with a generous pile of crispy, golden-brown fried onions. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's a staple in many traditional Viennese restaurants. The "Zwiebel" in the name refers to onions, and "Rostbraten" refers to roasted beef, clearly indicating the dish's key components.

Where to Find It:

• Figlmüller: While famous for their Schnitzel, Figlmüller also offers a delicious Zwiebelrostbraten. (Wollzeile 5, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Gasthaus Pöschl: This traditional "Beisl" is a great place to experience authentic Viennese cuisine, including Zwiebelrostbraten. (Weihburggasse 17, 1010 Wien, Austria)

• Restaurant Pruckel: A classic Viennese cafe that also serves traditional dishes like Zwiebelrostbraten. (Stubenring 24, 1010 Wien, Austria)

Preparation and Variations:

The preparation of Zwiebelrostbraten involves pan-frying or roasting a beef steak (usually sirloin or rib-eye) until it reaches the desired level of doneness. The onions are sliced into rings, dredged in flour, and then fried in oil or butter until crispy and golden. The steak is often served with a rich gravy made from the pan drippings, red wine, or beef broth. Common side dishes include roasted or mashed potatoes, or sometimes even Spätzle (soft egg noodles). The key to a good Zwiebelrostbraten is the contrast between the tender beef and the crispy onions, combined with the flavorful gravy.

7. Schweinsbraten

Schweinsbraten is a hearty dish from Austrian and Bavarian cuisine that is also very popular in Vienna. It's a roast pork dish characterized by its crispy crackling and tender, juicy meat. Traditionally, Schweinsbraten is seasoned with caraway seeds, garlic, and salt, and then roasted in the oven.

Where to Find It:

Because Schweinsbraten is a very traditional dish, you can find it in many traditional Viennese "Gasthäuser" (inns) and restaurants. Here are a few examples:

• Gasthaus Pöschl: A traditional Viennese "Beisl" (pub) known for its authentic cuisine, often offering Schweinsbraten. (Weihburggasse 17, 1010 Vienna, Austria)

• Figlmüller (sometimes): Although Figlmüller is mainly known for its Schnitzel, they occasionally offer Schweinsbraten. It's worth checking beforehand. (Wollzeile 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria)

• Many traditional "Beisln" in the outer districts: In the traditional inns located a little further from the city center, you can often find very good and reasonably priced Schweinsbraten.

8. Käsekrainer

Are you planning to leave Vienna without trying these sausages? This is a popular dish you can find on sausage street stands basically every corner in the city center. You can get "Bratwurst", hot dogs and the famous Käsekrainer – sausages with cheese filling. Traditionally, they are eaten with mustard, horse radish and ketchup - a must-try dish when in Vienna!

9. Kaiserschmarrn

Another option, from the sweet tooth of Austrian people, is this dessert. Kaiserschmarrn is a type of shredded pancake that was made for Emperor Franz Joseph I. As, the Emporer was very fond Kaiserschmarrn, this makes this food delicacy still so popular option in Vienna.

It is usually served with a light dusting of sugar and typically a very special plum jam (with big plum junks in it), this dessert can be had at any time of the day and goes along perfectly with coffee. Make sure to try this must-eat food of Vienna!

10. Try aromatic - Melange (Viennese Coffee)

Feel free to combine Kaiserschmarrn with Melange to make it an ideal choice for your evening coffee. Who doesn't love Coffee?, And it goes without saying that you need coffee in order to keep your engine running to cover all the places you visit throughout the Austrian Captial.

Vienna is a European coffee capital. Cafes sprung up all around the city in the 18th through 20th centuries and have become fixtures of cultural and culinary life in the Austrian capital.

The famed Viennese melange, similar to a cappuccino but usually without cocoa powder, is topped with half hot milk and half foamed milk. Cappuccinos in Austria are generally topped with whipped cream, rather than milk. If you're looking for an Americano, ask for a Verlängerter (literally, "longer"); plain coffee with cream is a Brauner, and an espresso or double espresso is referred to as a Schwartzer.

11. Wiener Wurstel

Another Sasuage to try in Vienna is Wiener Wurstel. These sausages are made from both beef and pork, encased in sheep's intestine. Served with mustard and accompanied with Austrian Potatoe salad, radishes, spring asparagus, and other fresh vegetables.

12. Spargel (Spring Asparagus)

This is one of the local delights, which you can try when you are visiting Vienna. Things To Do In Vienna Austria offer some of the world's most delicious green and white asparagus.

You will see this seasonal dish in most of the menus in Vienna starting late April or early May. Vienna is among the Best Spring Break Destinations In Europe. At times, Spargel includes butter and lemon doused in breadcrumbs. On the other hand, it's taken as deliciously fresh soups or wrapped in prosciutto and slathered with hollandaise sauce.

13. Erdäpfelsalat (Austrian-style Potato Salad)

Well, this is a supporting dish with a lot of options mentioned above, however, let us just talk about here. Erdapfelsalat is an Austrian style potato salad served without Mayonnaise. Yes, it's very different from the American counterpart. Instead, this dish includes white wine vinegar, a bit of mustard, red onions, chives, and a dash of salt and pepper.

As I said, This salad pairs beautifully with almost anything: schnitzel, sausages, fresh asparagus, or other seasonal vegetables. It is best to enjoy cold Erdapfelsalat, although in winters many restaurants serve it warm.

14. Powidltascherl (Plum Jam Turnovers)

Now, moving on to the next food culinary in the list. Plum Jam Turnovers, it is difficult to find this dish outside Austria, Germany and the eastern part of Europe. Although, this dish hails from the neighbourhood Czech Republic. Amazingly, it has found its place in the Austrian kitchen.

The delicate pastries utilises distinctive potato dough, filled with a combination of plum jam, rum or plum schnapps. Finally, topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and walnuts. Moreover, a bit of cinnamon and vanilla adds aroma and a hint of spice. Some top restaurants in Vienna serve Powidltascherl with chocolate sauce or sugar.

15. Frittatensuppe

Lastly, one option for the people who wish to try Traditional Austrian Food - Soup should try Frittatensuppe.

Fritattensuppe is a savoury pancake soup that you must not miss in Vienna. Traditionally, it originated to reuse leftover pancakes from the previous day instead of dumping them in waste. Top restaurants in Vienna that serve Traditional Austrian food, slice up thin strips of pancakes and serve them in hot clear beef broth garnished with chives.

Getyourguide

Best Street Foods of Vienna

https://youtu.be/xlDyG8c-Ht0?si=tVcPtk0q2Wg3ZE0s

1. Crazy Butcher

• Location: Third District, Vienna

• Specialty: Famous for Liver Cheese (Leberkäse), which is neither liver nor cheese but a giant hot dog-shaped loaf.

• Highlight: Homemade and served piping hot. The spicy paprika and cheese version is a must-try!

2. Chzn Skki

• Specialty: Open-faced sandwiches on thin rye bread.

• Experience: Order a variety of toppings, and they come beautifully presented in cute boxes—perfect for a snack or light meal.

3. Wiener Würstelstand (The Versatile Bar)

• Specialty: Traditional Wiener Sausages served with various toppings.

• Highlight: Enjoy the classic curry sausage with ketchup, curry powder, and fried onions.

4. Cow Soy

• Cuisine: Thai

• Highlight: Known for its boiled chicken breast with broth rice and spicy stir-fried dishes. This casual eatery focuses on quality over quantity.

5. Berliner Doner Kebab

• Specialty: One of the best doner kebabs in Vienna.

• Recommendation: Opt for the home-baked bread over the wrap for an authentic experience. The chicken is highly recommended!

6. Veganista

• Specialty: Vegan ice cream made from soy, oat, coconut, and almond milk.

• Highlight: Daily specials like the Arabian kns ice cream with cardamom and pistachio nuts.

7. Pizzeria Bioto

• Location: Third District

• Specialty: Organic Neapolitan-style pizzas with a crunchy crust.

• Highlight: Seasonal ingredients used creatively in the menu, including unique pizzas like pumpkin in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Viennese Food

Q: What is the most traditional food in Vienna?

• A: Wiener Schnitzel is widely considered the most traditional Viennese dish.

Q: Where can I find the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna?

• A: Figlmüller and Restaurant Ofenloch are two popular choices known for their excellent schnitzels.

Q: What are some affordable places to eat in Vienna?

• A: Look for "Beisls" (traditional Viennese pubs) or smaller, family-run restaurants outside the city center for more affordable options. Schnitzelwirt is also a good budget-friendly choice for Schnitzel.

Q: What is Melange?

• A: Melange is a Viennese coffee similar to a cappuccino, made with half hot milk and half foamed milk, but typically without cocoa powder.

Conclusion

Viennese cuisine is a delightful experience that should be savored by every visitor. From the crispy Wiener Schnitzel to the sweet Kaiserschmarrn and the aromatic Melange, there's something to please every palate.

We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the rich culinary heritage of Vienna. What Viennese dish are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

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