It’s thin, it’s breaded, it’s pan-fried, and it also happens to be the national dish of Austria. With restaurants falling over themselves to proclaim their version of the very best, choosing where to get your schnitzel from is no easy task. Thankfully, we’ve tried them all to bring you our verdict on the best places to sample the classic veal cutlet Viennese style…
HAAS BEISL
It may be small, but Haas Beisl has a huge selection of food and wine, and a big warm welcome too. The wines are Austrian and German, and the waiters can recommend ones to go with your food selection. The owners are fluent English speakers too.
Blue Route, Stop: Haus des Meeres/Aqua Terra Zoo
RESTAURANT STӦGER
Schnitzel, salad and beer – the three Viennese staples, and they’re all done to perfection at Restaurant Stöger. Look out for the sommelier who is on hand to offer amazing wine and drink pairings. The restaurant is slightly off the beaten track, but it’s well worth making the trip.
Blue Route, Stop: Haus des Meeres/Aqua Terra Zoo
GLACIS BEISL
Although Glacis Beisl is slightly hidden away you’ll still need to book, as the locals know all about the great tastes and ambience here. If it’s sunny, see if you can bag a space outside as the lush garden is a little oasis in itself.
Red & Blue Route, Stop: Museumsquartier/Mariahilfer Straße
STRANDCAFE
If you’re eating with friends or family the chances are some of you want to order something other than wiener schnitzel. Strandcafe branches out by offering just about anything, as long as it’s meat based. The restaurant is famous for its spare ribs, and you can eat out on a floating barge on the Danube if the weather’s good.
Red Route, Stop: Old Danube/Alte Donau
PÜRSTNER
Like many of the wiener schnitzel houses in Vienna, this restaurant has been in the same family for generations. The building originally housed the Masters of the Saddlers’ Guild, and it keeps a period charm and authenticity. There are five different dining rooms to choose from, as well as an outer terrace.
Red Route, Stop: Stadtpark
SCHNITZELPALAST
Cheap and cheerful and with delivery options, Schnitzelpalast is kind of the fast food version of wiener schnitzel. There are a few locations across the city, so if you’re ever caught short with a craving for a cutlet, you could be sorted in no time.
Blue Route, Stop: Arsenal
FIGLMÜLLER
The restaurant here has spread out since it first began four generations ago, but there’s stiff competition to get a place in the original cellar. Figlmüller claims to make the thinnest and crispiest schnitzel in Vienna, so if that’s the type of cutlet you’re after, we recommend booking in advance.
Red Route, Stop: Stadtpark
CONCORDIA SCHLӦSSL
Why limit yourself to one choice of meat? Although technically speaking a wiener schnitzel has to be made with veal, many restaurants offer other alternatives. At the Concordia you can find goose, pork and even venison on the menu.
ZWӦLF APOSTELKELLER
This restaurant adds a certain historical ambience to the meal, with walls dating back to the 12th century. You may well be serenaded by the in-house band of musicians while you eat, which we think just adds to the charm of this charismatic restaurant.
Red Route, Stop: Schwedenplatz / Danube Canal (River Cruise)
HUTH GASTWIRTSCHAFT
Still looking for the best wiener schnitzel in Vienna? Here’s an interesting take on the classic dish – a schnitzel with cheese and ham included under the breaded coating. It might be a bit indulgent but if you’re looking for a meal in one schnitzel, Huth Gastwirtschaft could be right up your street.
Red Route, Stop: Stadtpark
There’s no such things as too much schnitzel in this city but if you do want to try another cuisine there are loads of other cheap eats on offer too, check out our guide to the Best Things To Eat in Vienna. And if you want to fit in some Vienna sightseeing amongst all the feasting, hop on one of our Big Bus tours for a front row seat to all the iconic landmarks and attractions.
