Culinary highlights in Vienna

Nobody knows Vienna’s secret gourmet addresses better than Severin Corti, the country’s leading – and famously sharp-tongued – restaurant critic. He once himself presided over a restaurant in Vienna’s city centre; today he scours the city in search of ever-new tips for the urbane readers of the newspaper “Der Standard”, with their focus on relaxation and enjoyment. In the process he has discovered that “though the Viennese are essentially very conservative eaters, the restaurant scene here has developed amazingly well”. He has compiled the following ten tips for SWISS Magazine.

Gastronomic scene expert and local restaurant tester Severin Corti.

#1 Café Viola

Connoisseurs consider Viola Bachmayr- Heyda to be the confectioner metropolis’s most talented pâtissière. Now she finally has her own address, a small, modest-appearing café where she serves up fresh and sinfully sweet creations every day. A can’t miss: Viola’s cardamom cream cake. viola.wien

Viola's specialities include the cardamom cream cake.

#2 The BirdYard

In the basement we are enticed by a trendy cocktail bar with surreally beautiful wall paintings, while on the ground and first floors, down-to-earth fine dining is served up for young people with a tight budget but refined palate. The owners, well-travelled second-generation Viennese Chinese, conjure up very sophisticated creations. thebirdyard.at

Colourful birds on the walls give the bar an exotic flair.

#3 Fleischerei Kröppel

The city centre’s last “Fleischhauer” (Viennese for butcher) may not be a luxury store, but just as in bygone times, the enormous portions of freshly cooked ham are sliced up every morning. Packed in a crisp Austrian kaiser roll, this is a perfect snack for a quick and delicious lunch. fleischerei kröppel

You'll want to take a bite out of this crispy ham sandwich.

#4 Joseph Brot

After artisanal bakeries had nearly vanished from the landscape, Joseph Weghaupt brought the tradition to life again – combining a bakery with a trendy restaurant. During the day it offers wonderful bread and pastries, while in the evening locals queue up for cleverly interpreted new Viennese cuisine made of exclusively regional ingredients. With a splendid selection of natural wines! joseph.co.at

This bakery is also a good place to linger.

#5 Gasthaus «Zum Friedensrichter»

The sun shines gently through the windows overlooking the Danube Canal, the rhythmic pounding of schnitzel can be heard from the kitchen, and guests sit comfortably in a simple, old-fashioned inn. The establishment has a reputation for serving the city’s best Wiener schnitzel – and there is some truth to that!
zumfriedensrichter.at

The traditional dish of the metropolis par excellence: Wiener schnitzel.

#6 Bar Tür 7

No sign outside, just a bell on an inconspicuous door. After being let in, prepare yourself for drinks that are unparalleled. Bartender Gery Tsai and his team specially tailor their drinks for each guest – sounds risky, tastes amazing! Do note: As in the old days, guests smoke without inhibition. tuer7.at

Gery Tsai mixes every guest a drink according to their preferences.

#7 Café Eiles

A traditional coffee house with marble tables, plush benches, and a classic cake display has received a makeover. Friendly staff have replaced surly waiters, the menu has been freshened up, and the coffee suddenly tastes good. This is old Viennese charm with a new face. cafeeiles.at

Sweet relaxation after the city stroll.

#8 Zum Schwarzen Kameel

The city’s finest delicatessen has been around for 400 years and has since become legendary as a restaurant, where the highlights of Viennese cuisine are offered in a relaxed atmosphere, yet in perfect style. A must-try: the delicious sandwiches (some vegetarian) at the perennially crowded aperitif bar. kameel.at

Socialising in the "Black Camel" is a priority.

#9 Shiki

Joji Hattori, a celebrated Japanese con duct or in Vienna, wanted to see a top-notch Japanese restaurant in Vienna – so he simply opened one himself. Delightful sushi creations are served in an exquisite interior along with multi-course meals made from exclusive Japanese and selected alpine ingredients. Ideal for dinner before a visit to the opera. shiki.at

Conductor Joji Hattori has made his dream of his own restaurant come true.

#10 Weinhaus «Zu den seligen Affen»

The Weinhaus “Zu den seligen Affen” was closed for decades until it was kissed back to life by a young restaurateur. The wonderful interior is completely ori gin al from the early 1950s. On the menu: cold traditional Viennese delicacies along with great wines from some of the country’s most talented young winemakers.
weinhauspfandler.at