Vienna dining suggestions?

R

Rahsaan

Rahsaan
I'm going to Vienna in a couple of weeks and will only have one night free to make my own dining/drinking plans. So was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

Sure, I can always search elsewhere on the internet, and I have. But I thought it was also worth eliciting more personal recommendations?
 
I would go for something traditional, more fun in Vienna.

It is a pretty big operation, but for boiled beef and Gulasch and other Viennese specialties I continue to like Plachutta and also their Gasthaus zur Oper (the last one offering a bit more variety, the former more options for boiled beef). Pretty easy to find in the centre and large enough to get a seat. They have rather decent wine lists, incl Knoll, the Pichlers, Wieninger, Donaubaum etc etc, many options by the glass. If you do boiled beef get Schulterscherzl and as sides take Kochsalat (cooked Boston lettuce with peas) and Semmelkren (old rolls made into a creamy thing with milk and horseradish).

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www.plachutta.at

Something more stylish is Meierei im Stadtpark, the more traditional department in the lower level of the two Michelin star Steirereck (which is also extremely good and pretty Austrian in case you are in a spendy mood). Wine list obviously extensive and not cheap.

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www.steirereck.at

There are quite a few other traditional Restaurants, most will have surprisingly good and reasonable choices on their wine list. The Hotel Altstadt has made its own guide that has many good options: http://www.altstadt.at/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/Restaurantfuehrer_Wien.pdf
Especially Gruenauer must be excellent, though I never made it there, always booked.

The Naschmarkt used to be amazing but is not that exciting anymore. Still worth to go to stock up on the crazy vinegars and oils from Gegenbauer and to walk around a bit.

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www.gegenbauer.at

And wonderful bread (pain au levain) and a few baked goods in the centre at Gragger

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www.gragger-cie.at
 
This is my first post here, so fuck you all in advance...

Steirereck is a great restaurant and, if it was in Paris, would cost twice as much.

Kim Kocht by Sohyi Kim is an interesting Korean/Austrian fusion restaurant that is worth visiting.

Osterreicher im MAK is a gasthaus in the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) by Helmut Osterreicher, former chef of Steirereck. Modern Austrian bistro, very reasonably priced and good.
 
originally posted by kirk wallace:
Might we recall that Rahsaan doesn't eat meat?

MAK is worth a visit, btw.
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Would have been well worth mentioning when going to Vienna...

There is a vegetarian restaurant with a pretty good wine list...

Just no meat or vegetarian?
 
My favorite restaurant in Vienna is Restaurant Schnattl: http://www.schnattl.com/ The cooking is pretty much a one-man operation, with an emphasis on traditional Viennese cuisine using extraordinarily fresh ingredients. The wine list is excellent, with the staff being very familiar with all the wines on it.

Not sure how it'd be as a vegetarian, but I suspect that it would be a pretty wonderful evening.

Not inexpensive, but reasonable given the quality of the experience.

-Eden ("charming" ain't a bad thing to be, if you're a restaurant)
 
originally posted by georg lauer:
originally posted by kirk wallace:
Might we recall that Rahsaan doesn't eat meat?

MAK is worth a visit, btw.
Click to expand...

Would have been well worth mentioning when going to Vienna...

There is a vegetarian restaurant with a pretty good wine list...

Just no meat or vegetarian?
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry about that, I eat fish and seafood and usually find something to eat in all restaurants. Although I realize the Viennese specialties are pretty meat-y.

And thanks for the recommendations so far, I am seeing that the 'old-fashioned' places may be more interesting in Vienna/Austria than elsewhere in Western Europe, but will look into MAK as well.

Thanks.
 
originally posted by Rahsaan:
originally posted by georg lauer:
originally posted by kirk wallace:
Might we recall that Rahsaan doesn't eat meat?

MAK is worth a visit, btw.
Click to expand...

Would have been well worth mentioning when going to Vienna...

There is a vegetarian restaurant with a pretty good wine list...

Just no meat or vegetarian?
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry about that, I eat fish and seafood and usually find something to eat in all restaurants. Although I realize the Viennese specialties are pretty meat-y.

And thanks for the recommendations so far, I am seeing that the 'old-fashioned' places may be more interesting in Vienna/Austria than elsewhere in Western Europe, but will look into MAK as well.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Steirereck is very strong on both fish and vegetables.
 
originally posted by Eden Mylunsch:
My favorite restaurant in Vienna is Restaurant Schnattl: http://www.schnattl.com/ The cooking is pretty much a one-man operation, with an emphasis on traditional Viennese cuisine using extraordinarily fresh ingredients. The wine list is excellent, with the staff being very familiar with all the wines on it.

Not sure how it'd be as a vegetarian, but I suspect that it would be a pretty wonderful evening.

Not inexpensive, but reasonable given the quality of the experience.

-Eden ("charming" ain't a bad thing to be, if you're a restaurant)
Click to expand...

It's been a long while since I've eaten at Schnattl, but another thumbs up for it. Steirereck is also certainly worthy of attention, though it's a pricey splurge. Since Rahsaan is also a pesce-vegetarian (when last I checked), he should be able to get by at either, I suspect.

Mark Lipton
 
It's fall so look for sturm to drink. If the season is still on, you can get it at street fairs or the Naschmarkt. Better yet, as Vienna is one of the few capital cities of Europe that has vineyards within its borders, take the train north of town to Nussdorf and eat at a heuriger. There's a slew of them in walking distance from the train station.

Another seasonal specialty is kurbiskernol -- pumpkin seed oil -- made from Styrian pumpkins. It is a finishing oil; thick, dark, nutty, and very fragrant. Look for it drizzled over salad or as a last minute addition to soups.

Finally, I enjoyed sitting in the famous cafes (Sperl, Central, Diglas, etc.) for the relaxed atmosphere.
 
originally posted by Rahsaan:
Vienna dining suggestions?I'm going to Vienna in a couple of weeks and will only have one night free to make my own dining/drinking plans. So was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?
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Eating and drinking are important, it is true. But with one night free in Vienna, first you must have your fill at the Musikverein, or the Wiener Staatsoper. Then you can eat and drink to your hearts content.
 
originally posted by Jeff Connell:

with one night free in Vienna, first you must have your fill at the Musikverein, or the Wiener Staatsoper. Then you can eat and drink to your hearts content.
Click to expand...

That is a fine idea and I have considered it. Although will see how it all works out.

originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Another seasonal specialty is kurbiskernol -- pumpkin seed oil -- made from Styrian pumpkins.
Click to expand...

Nice call. Despite the many pleasures of my new Carolina environs, there is a painful lack of diversity among the high-quality condiments.
 
originally posted by Rahsaan:

originally posted by Jeff Grossman:

Another seasonal specialty is kurbiskernol -- pumpkin seed oil -- made from Styrian pumpkins.
Click to expand...

Nice call. Despite the many pleasures of my new Carolina environs, there is a painful lack of diversity among the high-quality condiments.
Click to expand...

Then you should really check out Gegenbauer. Their Kuerbiskernoel is great and they also have oil made of apricot seeds, apple seeds, raspberry seeds etc. Vinegars are made from fruits, vegetables and wines, including Beerenauslese. You can try everything at their market stand. Lots of the best European chefs buy there.
 
Robert from Vienna,

Your email bounces back, and you are already registered at that email address. The registration webpage can resend your password, but you may need to check a filter to be sure you've received it.

The P.
 
originally posted by kirk wallace:
Might we recall that Rahsaan doesn't eat meat?
Click to expand...

Not an issue. In Vienna, I'd have dessert for first, second, and last course. Cafe Sacher should suffice.
 
An aesthetially dependable lurker writes to say "A restaurant that we love didn't come up, called Mraz & Sohn. It's completely off the beaten path, in the middle of nowhere, but it's creative, brilliant, from the homemade bread to the desserts. Excellent wine list. According to the step mother, with whom we chatted, the son of the owner (hence the Sohn) trained at l'Arnsbourg in Alsace. It shows in the details."
 
originally posted by Oswaldo Costa:
An aesthetially dependable lurker writes to say "A restaurant that we love didn't come up, called Mraz & Sohn. It's completely off the beaten path, in the middle of nowhere, but it's creative, brilliant, from the homemade bread to the desserts. Excellent wine list. According to the step mother, with whom we chatted, the son of the owner (hence the Sohn) trained at l'Arnsbourg in Alsace. It shows in the details."
Click to expand...

They are right, I had a fantastic meal there this spring. The food is very playful (and uses all the modern options like sponges etc) and I was a bit hesitant when I saw the sometimes ridiculous names and descriptions of the food. But it all worked very well, they use excellent and often local ingredients and are clearly passionate about what they do.

I did not mention it because it is a bit out of the way (though still just an easy cab ride) and because I was not sure whether Rahsaan would be interested in something like it. You can get an impression of the food and style from photos here: http://www.sternefresser.de/restaurantkritik/2013/mraz-und-sohn-wien/
 
Thanks. Certainly interesting in the general sense, although I obviously have way too many good choices for my only one day of free will. But I appreciate all the input.
 
I know everyone has been eagerly awaiting news about how this all turned out, so I figured I would give an update.

I arrived in Vienna this afternoon and had a lovely time walking around the city with an Austrian friend, purchasing from Gegenbauer and taking coffee and cake at Demel. For some unknown reason I came into it thinking I could eat two slices of cake, but it was so rich that I could barely breathe after the first. Yet it was light on the tongue. I was happy.

For dinner I ate alone at Schnattl and had a wonderful time. A simple but refreshing glass of 2012 Alzinger GV Federspiel Frauenweingarten was perfect with a chanterelle 'dumpling' and salad starter. A glass of 2011 Nigl Senftenberger Riesling Piri was more compelling in general, even if it didn't quite fit the main course of pike in a potentially-wine-killing beet horseradish cream sauce. That was a very tricky dish but well executed.

For dessert I had quince schnapps along with a nougat dumpling with quince and pears. It all worked well and once again the dumpling was so light and airy and friendly to the tongue. Nothing at all like the rustic wheat germ dumpling I ate on an Alps Afternoon during my (only) previous visit to Austria, which ended up putting my stomach out of commission for the evening and forcing me to enviously watch the others eat and drink to their heart's content.

The next two days will be focused on pleasures of the brain and expectations are very low for whatever gustatory experiences come out of the academic conference. But, I've already done so well for the tongue, what more could I want.

Thanks again for all the suggestions!
 
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