Where to eat and stay in Vienna

Beside sensational classical scores, amazing art galleries and beautiful baroque buildings, culinary life is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Vienna – so we’ve hunted down the best restaurants, cafes and under-the-radar spots for feasting.

Of course, no trip to this capital is complete without a perfect base from which to explore every inch. Make sure you’re resting up in the best Vienna hotels, whatever your style, with our round-up of impressive rooms.

Where to Eat in Vienna

For an Old-School Viennese Breakfast: Café Frauenhuber

There’s no better place to start your tour of Vienna’s best coffee houses than at the oldest and most famous in the city: Café Frauenhuber. Here, you’ll find in-the-know tourists and loyal locals enjoying traditional Austrian fare in the grand surrounds of this historic Vienna landmark. You can’t go wrong ordering a plum strudel, washed down with an expertly brewed coffee – topped with whipped cream in the Viennese style, of course. The city’s greatest coffee houses are renowned for their long history as meeting places for the city’s cultural heavyweights – Mozart himself was a frequent guest at Frauenhuber, and even performed his last public show here in 1791.

For a taste of Austria-Hungarian History Ilona Stüberl

If you want to try the flavors of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, head to Ilona Stüberl: a family-run restaurant that dazzles its diners with lovingly prepared Hungarian classics. Situated just two minutes from Stephansplatz and the city’s main attractions, Ilona Stueberl is perfectly placed for a rest stop. It incorporates Hungarian influences into its surroundings just as well as it does its menu. Soft background music will set the scene as you peruse a selection of veal, pork, fish, beef and vegetarian dishes in eight different languages. One of the most fascinating aspects of the restaurant is the way the waiters at Ilona Stueberl double-up as amateur historians – they can tell you just as much about the cabbage rolls and jokai bean soup as they can the 1867 unification history of Austria and Hungary under Emperor Franz Josef. Sit back and prepare yourself to be entertained as you dine.

For Baked Delights That Don’t Break the Bank: Café Mozart

Café Mozart is never without an enticing buzz, always filled with excitable locals and visitors alike, keen to sample the cafe’s exquisite range of perfectly prepared cakes and famous Viennese patisserie. Graham Greene’s 1947 movie, The Third Man, was filmed in this cosmopolitan coffee house. It’s claim to fame makes it one of the best cafes in Vienna if you’re looking to discover some cinematic hotspots while you’re there too. Staff will move mountains to provide a stunning service here. Ask them for advice on everything from choosing the right cup of world-famous coffee to the surrounding attractions of the city.

For Gluten-Free Schnitzel: Zum Wohl

Breaded dishes are usually off the menu for celiacs, but Vienna is surprisingly accommodating for diners avoiding gluten. Zum Wohl is one of the best places to eat in Vienna for entirely gluten-free – and even lactose-free – Austrian dishes. From the yellow lentil curry soup to the spinach dumplings, many of the dishes are also vegan. But, if you’re not avoiding meat and dairy, you can’t go wrong with ordering the paprika chicken with butter dumplings, pepper sauce, and lemon cream. Or, perhaps, a gluten-free Wiener schnitzel.

For Blow-Out Elegance: Steirereck

If you want to find the best restaurant in Vienna, seeking out those that have been blessed with Michelin stars is a good place to start. Steirereck is the poster child of high-quality dining in the capital, with a strong focus on top-tier local produce to create contemporary Austrian dishes. Beef is sourced directly from the surrounding alpine regions, and the mountain cheese comes in from the west of the country, giving everything an authentic, local feel. The herbs and fruits don’t travel far to reach your plate, either. Expect amaranth and sorrel from the restaurant’s very own garden, as well as oranges sourced from Schönbrunn Palace.

Where to Stay in Vienna

For Boutique Brilliance: Hollmann Beletage

You can’t miss the bold tangerine and sleek granite entrance of Hollmann Beletage. The welcome here couldn’t be warmer - but you’re not just here for the Viennese hospitality. Marvel at the luxurious amenities in the bathrooms, the enormous breakfasts and even a sauna on site. If you’re looking to enjoy a day of relaxation from the comfort of this boutique hotel, there’s also a pretty courtyard in which you can indulge in afternoon tea in complete serenity.

For Kid-Friendly Relaxation: Landhaus Fuhrgassl-Huber

For families debating where to stay in Vienna with kids, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the family-friendly facilities offered by a wide range of hotels in the city. Many will advertise themselves as baby und kinderhotels (baby and child hotels) with play areas, toys, and even child-minding services. Landhaus Fuhrgassl-Huber is one of these – this stunning country house sits just on the outskirts of the capital in the grounds of a vineyard and is a wonderfully relaxing base for exploring Vienna. Expect leafy patios and Pinterest-perfect parlors designed by a former stage designer at the Vienna Opera house in this ideal hotel for families.

For Centuries-Old Luxury: Palais Coburg

The service is impeccable, the facilities are world class, and the neoclassical guest rooms will take your breath away. Palais Coburg ticks all the boxes for being one of the very best hotels in Vienna, right down to the wine cellars and private saunas. Steeped in a rich history that meanders back through more than 600 years, the former-palace-turned-five-star-hotel was designed in 1839 by architect Karl Schleps, and built by Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg. It doesn’t get grander than that.

For Mozart-Style Living: Pension Nossek

Reserve yourself a room in a truly historic wonder: Pension Nossek. This spot is located directly in the heart of the capital in a pedestrian area. On the outside, you’ll find old stucco details, while room interiors are splashed with chintzy floral prints. This charming, family-run pension (the Austrian name for accommodation that’s less formal than hotels) was once home to Mozart for several months in 1781. Now, this art-deco-style retreat is perfect if you’re searching for somewhere central to stay in Vienna.

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