Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Vienna.
Restaurants
Steirereck
Possibly the most raved-about restaurant in Austria. At the entrance is a 20-foot-long Rococo banqueting table topped off by a video screen showing the food being prepared in the kitchen. After your meal, choose from a selection of more than 60 cheeses from Steirereck's own cheese cellar. If you don't want the razzamatazz of Steirereck, opt for a bite in the stylish lower-floor ‘Meierei’.
Steirereck im Stadtpark
(+43 (0)1 713 31 68)
Osterreicher im MAK
This restaurant on Stubering is set in a neoclassical hall next to the Museum of Applied Arts and serves traditional Viennese cuisine with a modern twist prepared by one of the city’s most famous chefs. Ask for a table on the right of the main restaurant under the curved ceiling.
Stubenring, 5
(+43 1 714 0121)
Artner
Diners at this bright, modern restaurant run by Markus Artner, enjoy attentive service and fine, Austrian food, a feature of which is the delicious goats cheese made by the Artner family on their own farm. They also produce their own excellent wine.
Floragasse, 6
(+43 1 503 5033)
Apiano
A no-nonsense eaterie located in a quiet back street and serving simple, tasty dishes in bright sunlit surroundings. Try to get a corner table next to the front windows.
Schottenbastei
(+43 1 533 6128)
Bars and clubs
Fabios
Fabios club/bar/restaurant has been fashionable for so long, we’re surprised it hasn’t gone out of favour yet. Luckily, the staff are doing their best to make sure that the quality doesn't slip at this super-sleek venue beloved of Vienna’s beautiful people.
Tuchlauben, 6
(+43 1 532 2222)