Vienna Restaurant Tips by gordonilla

Pizzeria Motelli: An Itialian experience in Wien

After a hearty lunch then a 2 and a half hour meeting we freshened up and decided to go out for dinner. It was decided to go in the opposite direction from where we had been earlier. We came across this Ristorante quite by accident.

The staff were attentive and the food was acceptable.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11.00 through to 23.00.

I think they also offer a delivery service.

Favorite Dish: I had another Wiener Schnitzel, it was a little crispy but was still edible and hit the dinner spot!

Address: Meidlinger Haupstraße 3 1120 Vienna

Comparison: about average

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 817 92 47

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.motelli.at/i.php

Cafe Griensteidl: Another traditional dining experience

The first establishment was created in 1847, by a former pharmacist Heinrich Griensteidl. It became a firm favourite with many to the literary circles around at that time. However it was demolished in 1897 as part of a redevelopment of the area around the imperial palace.

In 1990, the Cafe Griensteidl was recreated and has now become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. It is part of the Demel group.

Favorite Dish: After exploring the Christmas Market at Karlsplatz, then a walk through the central area of the city; we decided to have dinner at Cafe Restaurant Griensteidl. I once again had a schnitzel.

Address: 1010 Wien, Michaelerplatz 2

Comparison: about average

Directions: directly outside the Hofburg

Other Contact: griensteidl@demel.at

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 535 26 92

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 3

Theme: German/Austrian

Website: http://www.cafegriensteidl.at/index.htm

Schönbrunner Stöckl: Classic and Wonderful Experience typical Austrian specialities Review

The restaurant was a short walk from our hotel; and it was fairly quiet when we arrived. However, as the afternoon progressed, it became much busier and more lively.

The decor is fairly traditional, but as we were there on the run up to Christmas the music a little more international.

Favorite Dish: The menu is extensive and enjoyable. I stayed very traditional and had a Wiener Schnitzel.

Address: Schönbrunn Meidlinger Tor, 1130 Wien

Comparison: about average

Directions: Located at the entrance to the Schloss Schönbrunn

Phone: 00 43 1 813 42 29

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: German/Austrian

Website: http://www.schoenbrunnerstoeckl.com/index_eng.html

Stiegl-Ambulanz: Altes AKH (old General Hospital)

The former General Hospital is now a student hang out. As a group, we from EuroFM, GlobalFM, IFMA and Informa all had an evening out to celebrate a good EFMC 2011.

It was a pleasant evening and we had almost 30 people in our party. (I do not include the some what large rat which we saw using the hedges as a rat run.) Wildlife aside it was a great experience.

Favorite Dish: As ever, the Wienerschnitzel and salad - try one of the three kinds of Radler (let me know about the Grapefruit Radler).

Address: Alserstraße 4, A-1090 Vienna

Comparison: about average

Directions: within Altes AKH

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 402 11 50

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: German/Austrian

Website: http://www.stiegl.at/de/stiegl-ambulanz/das-lokal/philosophie/

Sacher Eck: The home of Sacher Torte Sacher Review

Every time I visit Vienna, I try and visit Cafe Sacher - so in May 2011, I made two visits.

The first was on my own for lunch of wurst and Sacher torte.

The second was with two Australian ladies, met through VT. (Christine and Di)

Favorite Dish: Sacher Torte and Coffee

Address: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, A-1010 Vienna

Comparison: about average

Directions: Opposite the Opera House, and my goodness next door to a Starbucks!

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 51 456 0

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.sacher.com/en-cafe-vienna.htm

Demel: A historic lunch and coffee spot Demel Review

It seems that the history of Demel started way back in 1786 when one Ludwig Dehne from Wurtemberg settled in Vienna.

He was selling frozen goods aswell as candy, jam-filled doughnuts and a variety of other bakery goods. It was a place to visit with cavaliers held their trysts with beautiful Viennese women at Dehnes.

Ludwig Dehne's son August sold the shop in 1857 to his first assistant Christoph Demel. Thus the name change takes place. His sons Josef and Carl were the ones who in the end consequentially named the confectionery “K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker Ch. Demel’s Söhne” (“Imperial and Royal Court Confectionery Bakery Ch. Demel’s Sons”). The renown of the confectionary Demel had already reached foreign shores and the title “K.u.k.” Court Supplier was already secured.

In 1888 the shop was moved into the Palais at the Kohlmarkt as Emperor Franz Joseph ordered sanding works to be done on the city fortifications. Demel now stands in one line with the Hofburg. The most prestigious decorators of the time, Portois and Fix, designed the interior in a Rococo style.

After the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy collapsed in 1918; in Demel's however time seemed to have stood still. Anna Demel watched with an eagle’s eye that the old traditions and order were kept to. Even though it was forbidden and penalized, Anna Demel made sure that the emblem "K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker" (“Imperial and Royal Court Confectionary Bakery”) remained on both the portal as well as on the chocolate boxes and candies.

Anna Demel was awarded the title of ‘Kommerzialrat’ (Councillor of Commerce) in 1952, and was the first woman to receive this title. In 1956 her adopted daughter Klara Demel took over the reigns of the Court Confectionary Bakery. After Klara’s death her husband Baron Federico v. Berzeviczy-Pallavicini managed Demel's. The highly-gifted artist and pupil of the “Wiener Werkstaetten” set up the ornately designed displays as well as creating the fine packaging art that both still exist today.

In 1972 Federico von Berzeviczy-Pallavicini sold the family firm and worked in Italy and New York as architect and artist. Sadly there followed rough times and over the next 30 years the owners changed several times. Since 2002 Demel has been owned by the Austrian DO & CO Group, an internationally operating restaurant and catering company.

(The above is an adaption from the Demel web site)

When i was in the restaurant, I saw it was full of tourists and locals, it does seem as if The Demel is still a huge attraction for many people and the old traditions are still observed1.

Great service and good food.

Favorite Dish: I had a wonderful Wiener Schnitzel and coffee.

Address: Kohlmarkt 14 A-1010 Vienna

Comparison: about average

Directions: close to the Hofburg

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 535 17 17-0

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: German/Austrian

Website: http://www.demel.at/en/frames/index_demel.htm

Unglaublich: An unexpected dinner spot!

I came across this as i was walking back to the hotel. It was a good choice, and I think I must have just placed my order just prior to the chef leaving for the night.

The staff were friendly and besides myself there was only one other customer, he sat at the bar and seemed to be writing his journal. He was a regular it seemed from the conversation that I overheard.

Favorite Dish: Wienerschnitzel of course! It was a warm evening, so I even had a Radler with my food.

Address: Schleifmühlgasse 7 1040 Wien

Comparison: about average

Phone: 00 43 (0) 680 238 55 35

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 3

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Website: http://www.unglaublich.cc

Weingut am Reisenberg: A venue of the Chairman's View Toast

I have included this in restaurants as it provided us with some food and drink. It was a sponsored cocktail party event - and we all had an enjoyable time.

It was sunny and pleasant and by the close of the event we had a great view of Vienna's city lights.

Address: Top 15 Travel Bergweg A-1190 Vienna

Other Contact: kontakt@weingutamreisenberg.at

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1 320 93 93

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.weingutamreisenberg.at/indexjs.htm

Glacis Beisl: Sunday night with EuroFM, GlobalFM and IFMA

The restaurant was suggested by one of the EuroFM Board members - it was a reasonable choice, sadly it is very difficult to find. However, once you are in the confines of the Museum Quartier there is ample signage for you to find the restaurant.

The restaurant has both an outdoors and indoors restaurant facility. As we were their in what was a fabulously warm summer Sunday evening, we ate outside.

It was pleasant, and finally our dinner party was some 29 strong.

The food and surrounding were excellent

Favorite Dish: outdoor eating area - traditional food and drink available

Address: Zugang Breitegasse 4, Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Wien

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: located in the Museum Quartier

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1-526 56 60

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.glacisbeisl.at/

Cafe Frey: A Sunday lunch in Wien

After an early start from home, and then poor airline catering - I decided to eat near to the hotel. A walk of about 2 minutes brought me to Cafe Frey.

It was fairly quiet, and oddly had an inside smoking area. I spoke to some ladies from Helsinki who were also lunching and had been staying in the same hotel.

Favorite Dish: Wiener Schnitzel and the local side dishes.

Address: 1040 Wien, Favoriten Strasse 44

Comparison: about average

Directions: a short walk from the Belvedere and Austria Trend beim Theresianium

Phone: 00 43 (0) 1-504 65 61

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.cafe-frey.at/