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• Eating out in Vienna

Eating out in Vienna is a dream come true for budget travellers. This is mainly due to ‘Wurstelstands’, a Viennese institution. Found all over the city, these stands specialise is ‘wurstels’, or sausages. A hot-dog cost around €3 and they are a great filler at any time of the day, if albeit a messy one.

Taking things indoors, there are restaurants all over the Austrian capital, although for the best value try out the Neubau and Spittelberg areas as this is where you will find eateries affording backpackers with the greatest choice.

If you wish to try a local speciality then you need to sink your teeth into a Wiener Schnitzel, traditionally deep-fried breaded veal, but also made from chicken or pork. This is Vienna’s most famous dish and is normally accompanied by Erdapfelsalat, a potato salad in sweet dill dressing. Another favourite among local restaurants is goulash.

Wurstelstands - A Viennese Institution

Dotted all around Vienna are 'Würstelstands'. An institution throughout the Austrian capital, they serve various types of sausage (curry, cheese and more) along with large amounts of mustard and cost a mere €2.50. A great filler at any time of the day, but be warned - they can be messy.

Restaurants in Vienna

• Mariahilferbrau

  Mariahilferstrasse 152, Vienna, Austria

  Food tastes nicer when it is served in airy, bright surroundings, and better again when it is brought to you by friendly staff. This restaurant has all the above plus a varied menu. Meals start at €5 while a traditional Wiener Shnitzel will set you back €7.90.
  
  Open from 12 noon-midnight.

• Frauenhuber

  1 Himmelpfort 6, U-Bahn Stephansplatz, Vienna, Austria

  One of Vienna’s oldest Kaffeehauser, with a vaulted ceiling and an extensive traditional menu. Reputedly Beethoven was a regular.

• Neues Institutsgebaude

  1 Universitatsstrasse 7, U-Bahn Schottentor, Vienna, Austria

  This is the main university mensa and has a wonderful view over to the Votivkirche. Take the lift to floor 6 and walk up the flight of stairs. They serve decent Viennese fare.

• Braunerhauf

  1 Stallburggasse 2, U-Bahn Herrengasse, Vienna, Austria

  This place has a real, authentic Kaffeehaus feel to it, with its regular clientele, waiters in tuxedos and tasty food. There’s live music on weekends from 3 to 6pm.

• Museum

  1, Friedrichstrasse 6, U-Bahn Karlsplatz., Vienna, Austria

  Designed by Adolf Loos in 1899, this cafe was a favourite hang-out of Klimt, Kokoschka and Schiele. A cosy, charming place that is popular with art students and serves good portions of traditional food.

• Drechsler

  6 Linke Wienzeile 15, U-Bahn Kettenbruckengasse, Vienna, Austria

  A bohemian-style, laid back Kaffeehause, frequented by the youger generation of Viennese. Clubbers in particular are attracted, due to the early opening hours.

• Kiang

  1, Rotgasse 8, U-Bahn Schwedenplatz., Vienna, Austria

  Vienna’s best known designer Chinese restaurant decorated with brash, bright colours and huge round windows. There’s an open kitchen so you can watch your food being prepared. Prices are reasonable.

• Lecker

  3, Ungargasse 57, Vienna, Austria

  Taiwanese, vegetarian restaurant with lots of soya imitations of meat and fish dishes. They have a very cheap three-course menu.

• Centimeter II

  7, Siebensterngasse 18, U-Bahn Volkheater., Vienna, Austria

  A lively Spittleberg hang-out with a mixed crowd and very cheap, filling food. Also a great selection of beers on tap.

• Bombay

  7, Neustiftgasse 65, Vienna, Austria

  A friendly, good quality, reasonably-priced, South Indian restaurant with an impressive menu.

• Francesco

  9, Wahringer Strasse 66, Vienna, Austria

  Excellent Italian restaurant serving very cheap pizza and pasta. Meat and fish dishes are pricier but not overly so.