Gay Vienna Guide

Dining out in Vienna

For those with a refined palate, exploring Viennese cuisine is a journey into a world where tradition meets innovation. Unique among global cuisines, Vienna’s culinary scene is distinguished as the only one named after a city, and for good reason. The city’s chefs blend influences from across countries to create dishes that are both intriguing and satisfying. With so many farms and wineries in the immediate region, there is also a strong emphasis on locally grown food.

Traditional Dishes with a twist

As you embark on this gastronomic adventure, indulge in tafelspitz – a quintessentially Viennese dish of slow-boiled beef, usually accompanied by a piquant horseradish and a smooth chive sauce. 

• Gasthaus Immervoll, in the First District, is an excellent example of a Viennese restaurant with traditional cuisine backed by modern thinking. 
• There’s also tons of creativity at Steirereck Meierei, consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in the world.
• Finsteren Stern in the first district is your go-to for a modern twist on regional favourites. Their tender chicken breast with parsnip-beet hash is a revelation. Be sure to reserve a table in their cobblestoned courtyard for an enchanting dining experience. In Vienna, every meal is not just food; it’s a chapter in the city’s living culinary story.

Visit a Beisl (Viennese pub) or market food stall for a casual, bargain meal.

Don’t overlook the city’s Gasthauses, the charming taverns where you can savour classics like Kalbsbutterschnitzel (veal schnitzel) and Wiener Würstchen (sausages). A notable mention is Gasthaus Pöschl in the first district, where in summer, you can dine al fresco in Franziskanerplatz.

Wiener Schnitzel

And when it comes to the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, prepare to redefine your standards. Eating this breaded and fried delicacy in Vienna is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

• Figlmüller: Often hailed as the home of the legendary Wiener Schnitzel, Figlmüller is a pilgrimage site for Schnitzel enthusiasts. Here, the Schnitzel is not just food; it’s a masterpiece, with the perfectly crispy, golden crust enveloping the tender veal. It’s so large it barely fits on the plate, offering a delightful challenge to your appetite. The original restaurant is on Wollzeile, but they also have another location at Figlmüller Bäckergasse.
• Schnitzelwirt: For a more down-to-earth yet equally delicious experience, Schnitzelwirt is the place to be. This popular eatery serves up a variety of Schnitzels, each with a unique twist. The lively and unpretentious atmosphere makes each bite of their perfectly breaded and fried Schnitzel even more enjoyable.
• Plachutta: Plachutta takes a more refined approach to the Wiener Schnitzel. The Schnitzel is perfectly cooked in an elegant ambience, with a delicate balance of flavours and textures. It’s a place where tradition meets sophistication, and the result is a Schnitzel that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

Something Special

• Zum Schwarzen Kameel: Step into a world where old-world charm meets exquisite Viennese cuisine. With its elegant bar, refined restaurant, and delightful covered area for summer dining, this establishment is a testament to Vienna’s gastronomic excellence. Be sure to book ahead for a dinner that promises to be a memorable affair.
• Kommod: This hidden gem in the heart of Vienna is swiftly gaining acclaim for its outstanding service and sublime cuisine. With just six tables, Kommod offers an intimate dining experience featuring a daily handwritten menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Make a reservation to secure your spot at this culinary haven.
• Silvio Nickol at Palais Coburg: Celebrate special moments in grand style at Silvio Nickol, a restaurant that greets you with elegance right from the entrance. The personalized service and a gastronomic adventure of expertly paired food and wine showcase why this place proudly boasts 2 Michelin stars.
• Thell (formerly Motto): Perhaps the ultimate hotspot in Vienna and features an outstanding menu. Everyone who is anyone meets for a drink in the stylized but very comfortable bar. The clientele is mixed, and the percentage of prominent people high. Designer Helmut Lang was a waiter here before he became a fashion tsar. 

Italian 

• Regina Margherita: Discover the art of pizza in the heart of Vienna. Located in the baroque Esterhazy Palace courtyard, Regina Margherita elevates pizza to an art form, offering a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza that’s simply unparalleled.

Breakfast, brunch or dinner?

• The Bank Brasserie & Bar: A culinary hotspot offering everything from seasonally adapted brasserie classics to contemporary small plates and delectable pastries. Their open-show kitchen and Show Patisserie add an extra layer of allure to the dining experience, perfect for any meal of the day.
• Café Central: A legendary café that takes you back in time with its historic ambience. Indulge in a symphony of Viennese classics and modern delicacies, from flaky strudels to creamy Kaiserschmarrn, all under the grandeur of chandeliers.
• The Guesthouse Vienna: A stone’s throw from the Opera House, this spot blends a contemporary atmosphere with a creative brunch menu—Savour international flavours with a local twist, complemented by some of the city’s finest coffee.
• Das LOFT at Sofitel Vienna: Dining here is an experience that combines exquisite flavours with breathtaking views of Vienna. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast or brunch while the city’s skyline unfolds before you.

Viennese Coffeehouses

Immerse yourself in Vienna’s famed café culture. Each sip is a taste of the city’s history, from the traditional Kleiner Schwarzer to the creamy melange (a specialty coffee drink similar to a cappuccino). Pair it with an apfelstrudel at iconic spots like Café Central, Kleines Café, and Café Diglas for the quintessential Viennese experience.

Vienna’s dining schedule is a delightful mix of tradition and leisure, offering a glimpse into the city’s laid-back lifestyle. Here’s a quick, fun guide to meal times and dining customs:

Meal Times

• Breakfast (Frühstück): Typically enjoyed between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It’s often a leisurely affair, especially on weekends, with cafes full of people savouring coffee and pastries.
• Lunch (Mittagessen): Lunchtime in Vienna is usually from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. It’s the day’s main meal for many, with restaurants offering “Mittagsmenü” (lunch specials).
• Dinner (Abendessen): Viennese tend to dine a bit early, with dinner often served between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. It’s a lighter meal compared to lunch but just as delicious.

Dining Tips

• Café Culture: Don’t rush! Enjoying a coffee and a slice of cake in a traditional Viennese café is an experience to savour.
• Street Food: Don’t miss out on street food like sausages from Würstelstand. Quick, tasty, and quintessentially Viennese!
• Market Visits: For a local experience, visit the Naschmarkt, where food stalls and small restaurants offer a variety of fresh and flavorful options.

Tipping Customs

• Restaurants: Rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% is customary for good service.
• Cafés and Bars: A small tip is appreciated. Simply round up to the nearest Euro or add a small amount.