The waiter sets down my plate: A crispy, golden-brown wiener schnitzel accompanied with fries, a lemon slice, and…
Something’s missing. Dare I say, the best part of it all, is missing.
I flag the waiter down and ask for “the cranberry-like sweet jam that goes with this.” I don’t know what it’s called, but he looks at me, smiles, and nods—as if he were thinking “Oh, this one knows.”
And I’ve just won dinner—before even taking a bite.
Austria’s Most Famous Dish: Wiener Schnitzel
If you, like me, thought wiener schnitzel had something to do with hot dogs or sausages, you’re not wrong, you’ve just been Americanized. In the great US of A, Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog chain. But don’t let that dissuade you from trying Austria’s most famous dish—which, thankfully, is nothing like those soggy hot dogs.
Austria’s wiener schnitzel is a thin slice of tender veal, breaded and pan-fried, served with potatoes and a lemon slice. And, of course, the most stunning sauce—lingonberry jam: bright, sweet, and similar-but-not-exactly-like cranberry sauce.
Though it’s traditionally made from veal (baby cow, I know, it’s sad but it’s delicious), wiener schnitzel can also be made with pork or chicken. I loved this dish and every crispy, crunchy bite of it. If you come to Austria, you must try it.
Where to try it: Restaurant Stiegl-Keller, not only do they serve a fantastic wiener schnitzel, they also have perhaps one of the most stunning views of Salzburg!
What it looks like on the menu: Original Wiener Schnitzel vom Milchkalb mit Petersilienkartoffeln & Preiselbeeren
Average price per dish: €20-35
The Sleeper Dish: Beef Goulash
We traveled to Salzburg with my uncle, who lived in Austria for two years and has been back to visit often. He toured us around, showed us all the most popular spots in the city, took us to the best restaurants, and recommended we try beef goulash.
This unassuming dish blew my mind. It was my favorite thing I ate during the entire 8-day hiking trip in the Alps, and I can still taste the flavorful beef stew on my tongue. (Brb, I just drooled on my keyboard.)
Beef goulash is a powerfully flavored beef stew with tender beef chunks, a hearty sauce, and a big old bread dumpling in the middle. The bread dumpling is moist, but not at all soggy, filling, but not overpowering, and striking without taking away from the beef, which is the star of the show. Yet, having said all that, it is still hard to describe. You just have to try it.
Where to try it: Andreas Hofer Weinstube, this candlelit restaurant is homey, cosy, and has all the traditional Austrian favorites on the menu.
What it looks like on the menu: Rindersaftgulasch vom Weiderind mit Serviettenknödel
Average price per dish: €15-25
The Famous Soda: Almdudler
Nothing pairs better with these traditional Austrian dishes than the country’s most famous soda: Almdudler.
You’ll see some people describe it as lemonade, but in my opinion, it’s not lemonade-like at all. Made with Alpine herbs like lemon balm, sage, and elderflowers, this drink is a bit citrusy, tart, and truly unique.
Where to try it: At any of the restaurants mentioned in this guide!
Average price: €4-6
A Delightful Dessert: Kaiserschmarrn
This traditional Austrian dessert is another must-try. It’s chopped-up pancakes topped with raisins, powdered sugar, and a sweet, non-artificial applesauce. It’s warm, fluffy, buttery, and sweet. After a long day hiking in the Alps or exploring the Austrian cities, this dessert hits the spot.
Where to try it: At almost any of the restaurants mentioned in this guide!
What it looks like on the menu: Kaiserschmarrn
Average price: €10-20
The Best Gelato in Salzburg: Gelateria La Romana dal 1947
The line for this place was out the door—but it was well worth the wait. At Gelateria La Romana dal 1947, you’ll find unique flavors, beautifully textured gelato, and other sweet treats like waffles and crepes.
I loved their tangy lemon gelato—it had gummy bits of lemon candy in it and a sweet lemon jelly woven throughout. Paired with classic strawberry gelato, it was super refreshing on a warm summer night.
The Pastries: Experts in Apple Delights
Of course, I had to find an authentic bakery in Salzburg to try a few pastries. Bakery Pföß did not disappoint. A young girl who worked there spoke excellent English and recommended her favorite savory and sweet pastries.
The apple strudel here is dense and divine. Their cinnamon-roll like pastry is airy and flavorful and great for a light breakfast. We also liked the savory cheese bread roll and the half-moon shaped sweet pastries, too.
Where to try it: Bakery Pföß
What to order: Apfelstrudel, and unfortunately I didn’t write down the names of the other pastries we ordered… so you’ll have to just point and smile.
Average price: €10-20
My Overall Review of Austrian Food
Austrian food surprised me in the best way. The beef goulash, with its savory and punchy flavors… The kaiserschmarrn, with its sweet appley flavor… The crispy, fried crunch of wiener schnitzel… Each dish opened my eyes to a new side of Europe, and a new culinary world previously hidden from me.
Of course, having my uncle there to show us what to order and which restaurants were the best was what made all the difference. With an expert local guide to guide you to the best bites, you’re sure to enjoy every meal.
That’s what my goal is with Emily Eats Everywhere—I do the research, taste-test the restaurants, and give you all the information you need to make every meal count on your trips. Because eating on vacation shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be one of the highlights of your trip.
Join the Foodie Travel Club as a paid subscriber and get access to the entire foodie itinerary library—plus, new detailed city foodie itineraries (with restaurant recommendations and what to order for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) every month.
Other Restaurant Recommendations:
My uncle lived in Austria for two years and has been back frequently to visit. He also suggested these restaurants as well. Though we didn’t have time to try them on this trip, I’ll be back soon to eat here:
Zwettler’s Wirtshaus—A great spot in the city center for local favorites like the ones mentioned in this guide.
Die Weisse—Another traditional Austrian restaurant, a little outside of the hustle and bustle of the center, with generous portion sizes.
Restaurant Herzl—Traditional Austrian cuisine inside the Goldener Hirsch Hotel.
Ristorante Pizzeria Beccofino—Because every good vacation includes pizza, especially if you’re in Europe and can get authentic Italian pizza!
7 Breathtaking Hikes to Do in the Alps
We heard the bells before we saw the Alpine cows. Tin tun. Tin tin tun.
Hi Emily, thank you for this article. It is very comprehensive. What a wondeful guide to get the best of Austria all in one bite……haha, my jokes are terrible. Honestly speaking, I love this kind of food, but once I’ve had it and enjoyed it, I need to go back to my normal diet. Hey, but that’s just me. I am sure that others feel differently. Keep the articles coming!