From vibrant urban centers to breathtaking mountain scenery; haute cuisine to casual beers and sausages, Austria offers a diverse culinary landscape sure to satisfy every palate. Renowned for its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, Austrian cuisine is a serious affair, with each region boasting its own culinary specialties. Food enthusiasts, rejoice! Here’s a selection of 15 remarkable dining experiences in Austria.
ice Q
Perched atop a mountain, ice Q doubles as a location featured in the James Bond film Spectre. The breathtaking panoramic views perfectly complement the gourmet offerings of this toque-rated restaurant. Wine lover’s can enjoy the exclusive Pino 3000, available only here and at its affiliated hotel, Das Central, while soaking in the stunning landscape.
AQUA DOME
For those seeking modern Tyrolean cuisine, AQUA DOME is the ideal destination. Nestled in Langenfeld, the striking valley views provide a stunning setting for an exceptional meal. After indulging in the various spas, pools, and saunas, patrons can enjoy a beautifully renovated restaurant featuring alpine decorations and motifs. Extensive vegan options are available throughout the venue, with local cheese, meats, bread, and fish highlighted on the menu.
Berg‘k’Hof
For an engaging dining adventure, trekkers can visit Berg’k’Hof, accessible only on foot. Situated in the picturesque Kaisertal National Nature Reservation Park, this location provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for hungry hikers. There are also yoga sessions available four times a week, making it a holistic retreat for nature enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Hotel Jagdhof
Part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection, Hotel Jagdhof exemplifies luxury in Stubaital. The culinary offerings at this 5-star hotel blend traditional Tyrolean recipes with modern presentation for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Savor a beautifully crafted 6-course dinner, showcasing the finest ingredients and artistic culinary skills.
Café 3440
Set where the glistening snow meets the stars above, Café 3440, the highest café in Austria, is a can’t-miss destination. Open year-round, it is accessible via cable car. At 3,440 meters above sea level, as indicated in its name, guests are treated to unparalleled views. Don’t miss the recommended buckwheat cake with cranberry jam, among other regional sweets.
Romantikhotel Zell Am See Restaurant Zum Metzgerwirt
This romantic eatery is a paradise for food lovers, serving traditional dishes in a homely manner. In the warmer months, guests are greeted by a flower-covered entrance that enchants right from the start. Nestled along Lake Zell, this charming four-star hotel offers a stunning locale for indulging in authentic regional cuisine, perfect for couples and hungry diners alike.
Culinary Delights in the Mountains in Paznaun Ischgl during Summer
Every summer, a unique culinary event takes place in the mountains, merging alpine traditions with modern gourmet cuisine. Participants can sample regional specialties prepared by chefs in a selection of seven mountain lodges and alpine pastures, offering al fresco dining amid stunning landscapes. Each chef takes charge of a specific location, crafting high-quality dishes throughout the summer months.
Holzalm Kasalm
If you love cheese, Holzalm Kasalm is the place for you! Every summer, over 160 dairy cows graze here, providing the raw milk for around 20 tons of cheese and 6,700 pounds of butter produced annually. With beautiful views of the Hohe Salve peak and Kitzbühel Alps, enjoying various specialty cheeses on-site is a delightful experience.
Kitzsteinhorn Summit Restaurant
Situated on the border of Hohe Tauern National Park, Salzburg’s highest restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking alpine vistas. Guests can indulge in a delicious Summit Breakfast meant for two, featuring an assortment of options. The classic menu also includes favorites such as Wiener Schnitzel and Kaiserschmarrn.
Straubinger Saal
Housed in the historic Straubinger Grand Hotel in Bad Gastein, this fine dining establishment showcases opulence. Devoted to Austrian and French haute cuisine, diners will appreciate the use of local produce and seasonal ingredients. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available. Enjoy afternoon tea or a crafted cocktail in the adjacent Straubinger Bar.
Landgasthof Marhube
Dine in a glass dome under the night sky above Lake Millstatt in Carinthia, Austria’s southern province, for an enchanting experience. This four-course surprise menu is enjoyed amidst the sparkling stars and includes an aperitif, coffee, and a digestif. Conceptualized and operated by Christa Wabnig and Oliver Blaikner, the Glaskuppel (glass dome) serves a delightful fondue throughout the year.
Heilbronner Hütte
Earn your meal with an e-bike ride to Heilbronner Hütte in Montafon, Vorarlberg. This location is part of an extensive network of trails that spans over 160 miles, perfect for thrilling cycling adventures. While enjoying impressive views, indulge in their famous Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) and explore the rich history of this hut, originally built in 1910, as you savor local meats and cheeses.
Lumberjack Food Hall
This organic alpine restaurant emphasizes ingredients sourced from its own garden or obtained through local foraging excursions. Catering primarily to plant-based diets, this establishment offers a delightful array for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike. Designed in a food-hall style, various chefs and independent hosts run their own culinary stations, providing a dynamic and diverse menu. Diners can select from small, medium, or large portions, with a dedicated Lumberjack Kids menu for younger guests.
Salzkammergut
Enjoy a meal beside or on the waters of Salzkammergut. The scenic backdrop of Hallstätter See Lake enhances the dining experience, whether indulging on a boat with a local guide or relishing the views from the lakeside. It’s advisable to make reservations if you wish to experience a floating meal.
Ischgl during Winter
Ischgl transforms into a snowy wonderland in the winter, offering skiing and snowboarding opportunities alongside large concerts and a snow sculpture competition. The town is home to diverse culinary options, including ten award-winning fine dining establishments. In addition to winter sports such as ice skating, sledding, and winter hikes in the Paznaun Valley, there is plenty to satisfy every appetite.
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