Where to Eat in Vienna: From Imperial Cakes to Schnitzel and Street Food

Vienna is a city that feeds you well. Think classic coffeehouses, over-the-top pastries, schnitzel as big as your head, and surprisingly good international food tucked between all that baroque beauty. Whether you’re here for a museum marathon or just floating around in a sachertorte haze, here’s where to eat in Vienna—broken down by vibe.

Traditional Viennese Classics

Schnitzel, goulash, and Tafelspitz. These spots serve the best of Austria, from cozy taverns to elegant institutions.

1. Figlmüller Wollzeile

📍Wollzeile 5
This is the place for schnitzel. It’s famously large, golden, and crispy—just know it’s touristy, but still worth the hype. Reserve ahead or prepare to wait.
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2. Gasthaus Pöschl

📍Stiftgasse 1
Old-school charm with real-deal Austrian food. The goulash is excellent, the service is warm, and it has that cozy tavern feel that makes you want to linger.
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3. Plachutta Wollzeile

📍Wollzeile 38
If you want to try Austria’s legendary Tafelspitz (boiled beef, yes, it’s better than it sounds), this is your spot. Fancier than most gasthauses, but still inviting
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Iconic Cafés & Sweet Stops

Coffee, cake and old-world charm. Vienna’s café culture is legendary and delicious.

1. Café Central

📍Herrengasse 14
It’s touristy. It’s also beautiful, historic, and totally worth it at least once. Sit under the vaulted ceilings with a slice of cake and soak up the literary vibes.
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2. Café Sperl

📍Gumpendorfer Str. 11
Less flashy, more local. Grab a melange and apple strudel, and pretend you’re writing a novel while spying on Viennese life.
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3. Demel

📍Kohlmarkt 14
Imperial patisserie with glittering cakes and mirrored walls. Skip the café line and head straight to the shop counter if you’re just grabbing sweets to go.
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Casual Bites & International Eats

Quick, tasty, and easy. Great for lunch breaks or when you’re schnitzeled out.

1. Swing Kitchen

📍Schottenfeldgasse 3 (and more)
Vegan burgers and fries that even meat-lovers devour. Great for a quick, feel-good bite in between sightseeing
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2. Naschmarkt Food Stalls

📍Vienna Naschmarkt
Browse everything from döner to dumplings to fresh juice. You could easily eat your way through this market and call it lunch. Or dinner. Or both.
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3. Miznon

📍Schulerstraße 4
An Israeli street food spot in the heart of the city. Don’t miss the roasted cauliflower or anything wrapped in pita.
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For a Nicer Night Out

Feeling fancy? These restaurants deliver good food, good vibes, and a little sparkle.

1. Steirereck im Stadtpark

📍Am Heumarkt 2A
Michelin-starred and very Viennese. Go for the tasting menu, stay for the cheese cart and riverside setting. It’s a splurge, but a memorable one.
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2. Motto am Fluss

📍Franz-Josefs-Kai 2
Trendy, stylish, and right on the water. Excellent cocktails and a menu that blends Austrian and international flavors. A good choice for a chill but elevated evening.
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3. Meierei im Stadtpark

📍Am Heumarkt 2A
Steirereck’s more casual sibling. Still excellent, still elegant—just slightly more low-key.
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Where to Grab a Drink

Wine bars, rooftop views and stylish cocktails. Vienna knows how to do drinks right.

1. Kleinod

📍Bäckerstraße 4
Slick, stylish, and a little mysterious. Their cocktail game is on point. Come here when you’re ready to dress up a bit.
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2. Das Loft (SO/ Vienna)

📍Praterstraße 1
The view is the star here—panoramic city skyline and a ceiling that glows. Drinks are pricey, but worth it for the vibe.
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Whether you’re in Vienna for art, history, Christmas markets, or schnitzel alone, you’ll eat well. From imperial pastries to late night bites, this city delivers flavor with flair. Come hungry and leave happy.