From bustling cities to stunning mountainous landscapes; gourmet dishes to relaxed beers and sausages, Austria presents a rich culinary tapestry that caters to all tastes. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, Austrian cuisine is a deep-rooted tradition, where each region proudly showcases its unique specialties. Food lovers, rejoice! Here’s a curated list of 15 extraordinary dining experiences across Austria.
ice Q
Located atop a mountain, ice Q also serves as a filming spot for the James Bond movie Spectre. The stunning panoramic views beautifully enhance the gourmet menu offered at this toque-rated restaurant. Wine aficionados can savor the exclusive Pino 3000, which can only be found here and at its affiliated hotel, Das Central, while admiring the breathtaking surroundings.
AQUA DOME
If you’re in search of contemporary Tyrolean cuisine, AQUA DOME is the ultimate choice. Set in Langenfeld, the remarkable valley views provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. After indulging in various spas, pools, and saunas, visitors can dine in a beautifully renovated restaurant adorned with alpine decor. Extensive vegan options are on the menu, alongside highlights of local cheeses, meats, breads, and fish.
Berg‘k’Hof
For an interactive dining experience, trekkers can venture to Berg’k’Hof, which is accessible only by foot. Nestled in the picturesque Kaisertal National Nature Reserve Park, this venue offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for ravenous hikers. Yoga sessions are also provided four times weekly, making it a holistic getaway for nature lovers and gastronomy enthusiasts alike.
Hotel Jagdhof
As part of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection, Hotel Jagdhof epitomizes opulence in Stubaital. The culinary experience at this 5-star hotel harmoniously combines traditional Tyrolean recipes with modern flair, creating a truly remarkable dining event. Delight in a meticulously crafted 6-course dinner that showcases top-notch ingredients and artistic culinary presentations.
Café 3440
Located at the intersection of glistening snow and the starry sky, Café 3440, the highest café in Austria, is an unmissable stop. Open year-round and reachable via cable car, at 3,440 meters above sea level, its namesake elevation provides patrons with unmatched views. Be sure to try the recommended buckwheat cake with cranberry jam, along with other local sweets.
Romantikhotel Zell Am See Restaurant Zum Metzgerwirt
This romantic restaurant is a haven for food lovers, serving traditional cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. During the warmer months, guests are welcomed by a flower-adorned entrance that enchants from the outset. Situated along Lake Zell, this charming four-star hotel boasts a stunning setting for savoring authentic regional dishes, making it ideal for couples and ravenous diners alike.
Culinary Delights in the Mountains in Paznaun Ischgl during Summer
Every summer, a one-of-a-kind culinary event unfolds in the mountains, blending alpine traditions with contemporary gourmet fare. Participants can taste regional specialties prepared by chefs at a selection of seven mountain lodges and alpine pastures, all while dining outdoors in breathtaking surroundings. Each chef manages a unique location, crafting high-quality dishes throughout the summer.
Holzalm Kasalm
If cheese is your passion, Holzalm Kasalm is the place to be! Every summer, more than 160 dairy cows graze here, supplying the raw milk for approximately 20 tons of cheese and 6,700 pounds of butter produced each year. With captivating views of Hohe Salve peak and the Kitzbühel Alps, indulging in various specialty cheeses on-site is a delightful treat.
Kitzsteinhorn Summit Restaurant
Located on the border of Hohe Tauern National Park, Salzburg’s highest restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer awe-inspiring alpine scenery. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous Summit Breakfast designed for two, which includes a variety of options. The classic menu also presents favorites like Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn.
Straubinger Saal
Found within the historic Straubinger Grand Hotel in Bad Gastein, this fine dining venue embodies luxury. Focusing on Austrian and French haute cuisine, diners will appreciate the emphasis on local produce and seasonal ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, as well. Enjoy an afternoon tea or a signature cocktail in the adjacent Straubinger Bar.
Landgasthof Marhube
Experience an enchanting meal in a glass dome beneath the night sky above Lake Millstatt in Carinthia, Austria’s southern province. This four-course surprise menu is savored amidst the glimmering stars and features an aperitif, coffee, and a digestif. Conceptualized and run by Christa Wabnig and Oliver Blaikner, the Glaskuppel (glass dome) serves a delightful fondue year-round.
Heilbronner Hütte
Work up an appetite with an e-bike ride to Heilbronner Hütte in Montafon, Vorarlberg. This spot is part of an extensive network of trails that spans over 160 miles, ideal for exhilarating cycling adventures. While taking in impressive vistas, enjoy their famous Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and dive into the rich history of this hut, originally established in 1910, while savoring local meats and cheeses.
Lumberjack Food Hall
This organic alpine restaurant places emphasis on ingredients sourced from its own garden or acquired through local foraging excursions. Primarily catering to plant-based diets, this establishment offers a delightful selection for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians. Designed in a food-hall format, various chefs and independent hosts operate their culinary stations, resulting in a dynamic and diverse menu. Diners can choose from small, medium, or large portions, with a special Lumberjack Kids menu available for younger guests.
Salzkammergut
Savor a meal beside or on the waters of Salzkammergut. The scenic backdrop of Hallstätter See Lake enhances the dining experience, whether you choose to indulge on a boat with a local guide or enjoy the views from the lakeside. Reservations are advisable for a unique floating meal experience.
Ischgl during Winter
In winter, Ischgl transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities alongside large concerts and a snow sculpture competition. The town features a range of culinary options, including ten award-winning fine dining establishments. Along with snow sports such as ice skating, sledding, and winter hikes in the Paznaun Valley, there’s plenty to satisfy every appetite.
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