It would have been nearly impossible for me to get to all the best Vienna restaurants in the week that I spent there.

However, I am happy to share a few of my favorite Vienna restaurants. Here, you’ll find options ranging from where to find the best traditional Austrian food to fine dining, vegetarian options and even the best schnitzel in Vienna.

Heuer am Karlsplatz

Treitlstr. 2 // +43 1 8900590

This restaurant came recommended by several locals, and it was actually our first meal in Vienna. We loved this gorgeous garden restaurant bar. We ate roasted veal flatbreads and sampled a couple of local beers.

Next time, I plan to return to try their impressive looking dinner menu, which features craft cocktails and dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Aside from their impressive wine list, Heuer am Karlsplatz also serves several vegetarian options, roasted duck, fish, and Vienna style fried chicken!

Motto am fluss

Franz Josefs Kai 2 // +43 125 255 10

This restaurant bills itself as modern, international cuisine with an Austrian focus. And, after eating here for my birthday dinner, I’d have to say the description is spot on.

Located in the heart of Vienna, on the Danube Canal, Motto am fluss is a great place for a special occasion. The food was excellent, the views are gorgeous and the service was impeccable.

We were particularly impressed with their seafood and meat selections, which this octopus appetizer served over pureed peas.

We also discovered this perfectly roasted sheatfish fillet.

Be sure to save room for dessert, as the restaurant is well known for it. Check out this fresh berry sorbet and cookie crumble accompanying the homemade summer fruit pastry.

Fischer Brau

Billrothstrasse 17 // +43 1 3695949

I found Fischer Brau so nice that I actually visited twice during my stay in Vienna. This is a great place to try high-end versions of local recipes in a casual, fun setting.

They serve the best goulash I’ve ever had, even after trying the Hungarian version!

Weather permitting, grab a seat on the outdoor patio and try a local beer while you wait for your meal to be served.

Gasthaus Rebhuhn

Berggasse 24 // +43 1 319 50 58

If you want to experience an authentic Viennese pub diner with classic dishes, several locals suggested Gasthaus Rebhuhn.

The menu was not extensive, but all the food is well done at reasonable prices and with large portions in an authentic setting.

Be sure to try the roasted meat dishes or even the Viennese classic schnitzel. You can also find vegetarian selections here—not something common in Austria!

I recommend you make a reservation, as getting a table without one during peak hours may not prove possible.

Ulrich

Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz 1 // +43 1 9612782

Brunch doesn’t seem to be as big a deal in Austria as it is back home, but we did manage to find a great place for Sunday brunch during our stay.

Ulrich has chalked their menu full of both sweet and savory options, including croissants, pancakes, and omelets. Be sure to try one of their fresh lemonades, which are made in-house. And there’s always coffee if you need a caffeine fix.

The restaurant is known for its flat Caesar, one of their flatbread options.

You’ll find vegan and vegetarian items on the menu as well.

Rinderwahn

Weihburggasse 3 // +43 1 5120996

With burger options ranging from beef and steak to chicken, pork, and veggie. Rinderwahn is guaranteed to have a burger for everyone! You can even choose a burger with two meat patties if you’re feeling particularly famished.

Side options include the classic fries and onion rings but also macaroni and cheese, Cajun onion rings, salad and sweet potato fries.

IKO Dining

Wipplingerstraße 6 // +43 1 8904200

While not traditional Austrian cuisine, at IKO Dining, we happened upon a great place that bills itself as modern, healthy Asian cuisine. And I wholeheartedly agree with it.

Options include dishes like Massaman curry, braised pork don, fried rice and five-spice crunchy chicken.

Be sure to try the beef bulgogi, which was my favorite dish.

IKO Dining also features an impressive sushi menu with all of your favorite rolls and a few options I hadn’t seen before, including a vegan sushi roll.

1516 Brewing Company

Schwarzenbergstraße 2 // +43 1 9611516

Although it’s open all day, we enjoyed 1516 most for late-night eats and the infamous “one last drink” on the way home.

The menu is full of beer snacks, including their “habanero suicide hot wings” which my friend found to be spicy but not overly so.

You can also find classic sausages, salads, schnitzels, and even crepes.

We visited after a night out of drinking and opted for bacon burgers and fries, along with brews from their craft beer selection.

Cafe Anzengruber

Schleifmühlgasse 19 // +43 1 5878297

Of course, you can’t come to Vienna without trying an authentic Viennese schnitzel.

When asked, multiple locals told us the best place in town was Cafe Anzengruber. I have to admit—it didn’t disappoint.

The portion is large, and even though it’s fried, it wasn’t as heavy as I expected. Be sure to try it with an ice-cold beer, and don’t forget to hit it with a squeeze of the lemon it’s served with.

If you want to be very traditional, make sure to have it with a side of potato salad!