Visitors have long flocked to Salzburg for it’s picturesque Old Town set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and naturally they want to find out where the best restaurants in Salzburg are. Comforting, homestyle meals are mainstays on menus throughout the Austrian Alps but a new wave of chefs are re-imagining alpine cuisine while staying true to Austrian flavors. Whether you’ve spent the day exploring Salzburg’s charming Old Town or are returning from a day trip around Salzburg, you’re going to need to eat. From schnitzel with noodles to crisp apple strudel and beyond, check out where to eat in Salzburg.
Cafe Tomaselli
You’ve got to love a city that encourages you to linger over fancified coffee and delicious pastry for several hours and the most iconic coffeehouse in Salzburg is Café Tomaselli.. A cultural icon in Salzburg Cafe Tomaselli has been operating since 1705 and was a frequent stop for Salzburg’s favorite son, Amadeus Mozart, as well as generations of the royal family. Located in Salzburg’s Altstadt (Old Town) near the Cathedral this cafe is popular with both locals and tourists. Service is very traditional, you’ll first be visited by the coffeehouse waiter, wearing his signature black dinner jacket and bow tie who will help you select your beverage. A traditional Austrian cafe melange, a cup of mocha with milk capped with whipped cream which is brought to the table on a silver tray with a glass of water is the perfect companion for walnuss tort(walnut cake)- layers of nutty cake with a light creamy frosting topped with a fondant of marzipan.
Gasthaus Zwettler’s
Craving something warm on a cool drizzly night our innkeeper recommended the homey Austrian classics at Gasthaus Zwettler’s. Housed in a building originally built in 1516 Zwettler’s is guarded by a heavy wooden door that reveals a cozy space filled with blonde wooden furniture and alpine kitsch covering the walls. Weiner schnitzel at Gasthuas Zwettler’s easily occupied 75% of the plate leaving a little real estate for some parsley potatoes and the all important lemon wedge to season your veal. Forget the delicate gnocchi of Italy, Austria is serious when it comes to dumplings. An order of spinach dumplings with bring two green-flecked softball-sized behemoths to your table and is the perfect fuel for your explorations of Salzburg.
Blau Gans
Located in an upscale boutique hotel of the same name Blau Gans feautures thoughtfully reimagined takes on traditional Austrian fare. Dishes like simply roasted pike with parsnips and horseradish or braise beef with gnocchi highlight the best ingredients the Alps have to offer while vegetarians will delight in the pumpkin risotto with sheep’s cheese and mushrooms.
Die Wiesse
A favorite of both locals and visitors, Die Weisse specializes in Austrian favorites with a modern twist. Classic Wiener Schnitzel and Rind Suppe are menu staples but seasonal specials keep things fresh. Die Wiesse is also Austria’s oldest brewery and any meal is best enjoyed with a house-brewed unfiltered wheat beer. The interior of Die Weisse is heavy on alpine kitsch but in the summer months the outdoor beer garden is where it’s at.
Carpe Diem Finest Fingerfood
Whether you’re coming for gourmet cones and artfully prepared cocktails on the ground floor or Michellin starred dining upstairs you are certainly in for a treat at Carpe Diem Fingerfoods. A fun take on tapas the menu changes frequently and creatively blends Latin, Asian and European influences. One word of warning though-smoking is still allowed in the downstairs bar.
Schatz Konditorei
Steps from Mozart’s Geburthaus (Mozart’s Birthplace) Schatz Konditorei produces a mouthwatering assortment of Austrian confections. Their version of apple strudel is hearty enough to satisfy alpine appetites with perfectly spiced apples complemented by a buttery crust. The menu frequently change based on what’s in season and you’ll find a rotating variety of pastries featuring fresh strawberries, cherries or apricots.
Triangel
A favorite of well heeled Salzburgers as well as people attending a show at the Salzburg Festhaus, Triangel features updated Austrian classics. The decor is modern and homey at the same time, a contemporary twist on alpine kitsch. Start your meal with a glass of Austrian Gruner Veltliner or a local Austrian lager.Go traditional with ghoulash (dumplings in a slightly smokey paprika sauce) or indulge in an expertly roasted chicken served over pumpkin risotto drizzled with Styrian pumpkin seed oil .
Esszimmer
Service and creativity are unparalleled at this Michelin starred eatery. The 3 course tasting menu at lunch is one of the best fine dining values in town and with complete fish and vegetarian driven tasting menus every foodie in your party will leave satisfied.
The charming town of Salzburg has some great restaurants featuring local Austrian fare. Where do you like to eat in Salzburg? Please let me know in the comments!
The GypsyNesters says
We went to Gasthaus Zwettler’s last year, it was fantastic.
Brianna says
Zwettler’s was perfect for a cold, rainy night. Were there any other restaurants you enjoyed in Salzburg?
Jenna says
Yum. That last dish sounds especially good. I loved Salzburg (I went there twice but the last time was 13 years ago!) and ate some good food there and, of course, drank lots of tasty beer.
Brianna says
Jenna,the roasted chicken and pumpkin risotto was indeed tasty. It matched perfectly with the slightly sweet, easy to drink white wines Austria is known for.
Sarah says
Oh my goodness, I am drooling. Even as a vegetarian, the chicken looks delicious. I am a HUGE fan of pumpkin, too. I could eat it all the time.
Brianna says
Sarah, the food in Austria was fantastic! If you love pumpkin then you would go crazy for the pumpkin-pear terrine I had at Zipfler’s Beirhaus. The mustard-pumpkinseed vinaigrette that was drizzled over the dish was amazing, had to stop myself from licking the dish.
Megan @ Mapping Megan says
My mouth is watering! I want some of that walnuss torte :D!
Brianna says
Megan, it was delicious. Austria has got to be one of the top countries when it comes to desserts.
Murissa says
Hi Brianna,
The dishes looks so filling and comforting and would be perfect for fall, as you said. I have yet to go but I would love to visit Austria during the winter months for the Christmas markets and mulled wine. The roasted chicken looks delicious as well and I am a big fan of pumpkin in the winter.
Brianna says
Austria was a great country and I’d love to go back during the Christmas season as well
Dave Cole says
Melange, roast chicken, Erdinger…thankfully I am making dinner soon, as I started salivating halfway through this post! I think I could eat every meal hereon in Austria. Fun post!
Brianna says
It was a fun place to eat:) That chicken was seriously the best roast chicken I’ve ever had.
Travelling Buzz says
The walnut cake looks delicious! I’ll definitely visit one of these places if I come to Salzburg!
Brianna says
I still dream about it! Salzburg is such a charming town, definitely worth a stop.
Emily says
Wow. The picture of the goulash alone is enough to make me drop everything and get on the next flight to Austria!
Brianna says
Simple food prepared very well, nothing better!
Karen Warren says
It all looks fabulous – especially the spinach dumplings. But I always find the trouble with central European food is that it’s OK for the first few days, and then you start to feel rather full!
Brianna says
I can never get too much wine and dessert when I’m travelling
City Sea Country says
Great you like our Austrian food. One of my favorite Austrian desserts is Apfelstrudel. I have a recipe on my site if you want to try it. 🙂
Brianna says
I’ll take a look. I like to cook almost as much as I like to eat 🙂
Elena says
Lovely photos of lovely food! I know that Apfelstrudel or whatever it is called, its pretty tasty.
Brianna says
Austrians certainly know their way around desserts.
Jen says
As a vegetarian, the spinach dumplings sound great, but I’m not sure I would like many of the traditional Austrian dishes. I think I would try and survive on the beer instead!
Brianna says
I didn’t feature it but I also had a pumpkin-pear terrine over greens with a mustard oil vinaigrette- perfect veggie fare!
Aditya says
“The chicken was moist and juicy with perfectly crispy skin” – I literally felt that. Tempting foods there.
Brianna says
Great food all around Austria, they do the simple things very well.
Manouk - Bunch of Backpackers says
Would go for the walnut cake any day :)! Thanks for the tips!!
Brianna says
I need to go back just to try more of Austria’s delectable pastries!
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
Oh my goodness, I am so hungry now. I am a lover of Austrian cuisine and the schnitzel you described sounded just amazing, not to mention the goulash, the walnute cake and all the rest!
Brianna says
I certainly ate well there:)
jennifer says
I do need to go back and revisit Austrian desserts. Salzburg is definitely a place I need to visit. I only got to see Vienna and it really made me want to visit the entire country.
Brianna says
I really would like to go back to explore the Austrian Alps further
Beth says
I’ll be headed to Salzburg for one day this summer. Now I know a few places we could eat at 😉
Brianna says
Have fun, Salzburg is such a charming town!
Jon @ jonistravelling.com says
That’s some good looking food, especially the walnut cake!
Brianna says
Thanks, the desserts in Austria are spectacular!
JR says
Bring me straight to the cakes, please. An establishment that dates to 1705?! Amazing. I do love a tasty schnitzel, too. I have not been to Austria yet, but do appreciate your tips. Thanks so much.
Brianna says
I do think I need to more thoroughly research the desserts of Austria. I think a return trip is in order
Bianca @itsallbee says
Makes me hungry looking at the pictures! I will have to try that Goulash when I am in Salzburg.
Brianna says
Just make sure you wash it down with a cold Erdinger beer 🙂
Jen Dziekan says
I’m going to have to remember these suggestions- hoping to get there around Christmas time next year.
Brianna says
I’m sure Christmas is a magical time in Salzburg.
Eva Maria says
Looks delicious! Salzburg is on my bucket list and I really need to visit that beautiful city one day!
Brianna says
I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Katie @ The World on my Necklace says
My mouth is watering! I would love to try the dumplings, they look delicious 🙂
Brianna says
The dumplings are quite hearty, great for fueling any alpine adventures.
Hannah says
I loved Salzburg, but was there during the Christmas markets so I pretty much ate my way around those. haha. I want to go back though so will have to keep these in mind!
Brianna says
Ooh, I would love to visit Salzburg at Christmas time!
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary says
The Goulash looks absolutely delicious!! I would love to try it!! 🙂 And the walnut cake too!! 🙂
Brianna says
That was easily some of the best goulash I’d ever tasted.
Jen Seligmann says
I really loved Salzburg and the regions food. I too couldn’t resist a coffee and cake at Cafe Tomaselli but was a little disappointed as the cake was kind of bland. I have my best meal at Restaurant Stieglkeller at the foot of the fortress. Delicious dumplings, pork knuckle and strudel.
Brianna says
Good to know, I’ll have to check it out on my next trip to Salzburg
Samantha says
Mmm that goulash and the walnut cake look amazing! I’ve never had goulash so I’m curious as to what it tastes like – it looks good!
Brianna says
No offense to my Mom(love you!) but the goulash I had growing up pales in comparison.
Gabor Kovacs says
I love Goulash, we eat it in Hungary too, quite often. I also love the different strudels! Mouthwatering post!
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with strudel 😉
Lisa Goodmurphy says
I never really considered visiting Salzburg for the food but all of these sound delicious! Both of my daughters would like to visit the city because of the Sound of Music connection so hopefully we get there soon and make plenty of time for eating!
Brianna says
Salzburg is such a charming town with so much to see(and eat!). I’m sure your girls would love it.
Alexandra C. says
This all looks divine! I have not been to salzburg but will have to tuck this post away for when I get there! 🙂 -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Brianna says
I definitely recommend visiting Salzburg, it will quickly become one of your favorite things !
Anu @ Country Hopping Couple says
The spinach dumpling and the walnut cake looks great and is making me drool now 🙂
I haven’t been to Salzburg, but did go to Vienna, and loved tasting local delicacies there.
Brianna says
I could go for a slice of that walnut cake myself!
The Travel Sisters says
Everything looks delicious! Will definitely refer to this post if we visit Salzburg in the future.
Tam @ Travelling Book Junkie says
I haven’t visited Austria since I was a teenager and I have to say that on my one and only visit as a vegetarian it was difficult to find things to eat – it was still something of a ‘fad’ as my dad would all it to be a vegetarian then so not many placed catered for us. Seeing your spinach dumplings however, it looks like I would be well catered for now! 🙂
Brianna says
Be sure to visit in the fall, there are so many yummy vegetarian pumpkin dishes as well
IntrovertlyBubbly says
I have never been to the area but being a foodie myself I must say that Goulash and a glass of Erdinger beer sounds absolutely delish
Brianna says
There is no better meal to fuel your alpine adventures. Erdinger turned out to be one of our favorite beards.
Chris Boothman says
I have to admit that out of the three, Triangel looks delectable! I have never sampled any Alpine cuisine before but it is certainly on my bucket list. The goulash and Erdinger definitely makes your mouth water.
Brianna says
Erdinger is available at my local German restaurant and it brings back memories of my trip every time I visit
Sumit Surai says
Lovely! Am drooling over the food photos
Brianna says
I really was surprised how much I loved Austrian food.
Economical Excursionists says
Honestly, one of the best places I’ve eaten in Salzburg (ok, most of Europe) is the Augustiener Brewery. Something about the combo of the fresh beer and the delicious dumplings! We’ve made the trip down to Salzburg (from Germany) just for dinner!!!
Brianna says
I was surprised how much I loved Austrian food, I expected it to be heavy and somewhat bland but I found it to be fresh and flavorful.
thingstodoinsalzburg says
The food looks delicious!
The Cafe Tomaselli is one of the main Cafes in Salzburg!
Brianna says
We loved the food in Salzburg, I can’t wait to go back!
Andi says
You had me at ghoulash! That meal from Triangle has MY name written all over it!