Song Contest in Vienna: The Best Schnitzel Spots for Visitors
Golden-brown, crispy, and irresistible: the Austrian classic, schnitzel. An essential dish in Viennese cuisine, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest. Here’s our guide to the best schnitzel spots in the city.
Vienna and schnitzel simply go hand in hand. Anyone visiting the city as it hosts the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest shouldn’t miss out on this iconic traditional dish. Here at the 1000things editorial team, we put our heads together and picked five excellent restaurants where it’s especially worth ordering a classic “Schnitzi.”
Meissl & Schadn, 1010
- Schubertring 10-12, 1010 Wien
- täglich
- meisslundschadn.at
Following the motto “Vurschrift is Vurschrift” (“rules are rules”), the Wiener Schnitzel at Meissl & Schadn is prepared strictly according to classic tradition. Only the finest ingredients are used: veal, free-range eggs and fresh breadcrumbs. Thanks to the open salon kitchen, you can even watch the kitchen team as they prepare the schnitzel.
One special highlight: at Meissl & Schadn, you can choose the fat in which your schnitzel is fried to crispy perfection. Would you prefer pork lard, fine clarified butter or neutral vegetable oil?
The same mix-and-match principle applies to the side dishes. Options include potato salad, mayonnaise salad or cucumber salad, parsley potatoes, wild lingonberries or the classic Viennese garnish with parsley, capers, egg and anchovy fillets. If you’re looking for a truly traditional schnitzel experience during the ESC in Vienna, a visit to Meissl & Schadn should definitely be on your list.
Schnitzelwirt, 1070
- Neubaugasse 52, 1070 Wien
- DI-SA
- www.schnitzelwirt.co.at
Looking for something rustic and truly Viennese? Then head to the Schnitzelwirt. For more than 50 years, this restaurant on Neubaugasse in the 7th district has been serving crispy schnitzels right in the middle of the lively pedestrian zone. Its long tradition speaks for itself.
Alongside the classic pork schnitzel, you’ll find more than a dozen variations as well as turkey schnitzel. A small note: strictly speaking, only veal can be called “Wiener Schnitzel” – but when it comes to taste, no one here is complaining. Tip: the restaurant accepts cash only, so make sure to withdraw some money beforehand. Perfect for ESC fans who want to experience authentic Viennese schnitzel culture in a traditional local spot.
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Mehr InformationenVelani, 1120
- Schönbrunner Straße 235, 1120 Wien
- DI–SO
- www.velani.at
At Velani, classic comfort food is served with a small twist: instead of animal products, a variety of plant-based alternatives are used. In other words, this is the perfect place if you’re looking for vegan schnitzel in Vienna.
Another highlight: Velani is the current winner of the 1000things Community Awards, where the 1000things community voted it the best schnitzel spot in the country.
The seitan schnitzel is the star of the menu and is served as a vegan interpretation of the Austrian classic, either with potato salad or fries. The schnitzel is homemade and prepared without any preservatives or artificial flavour enhancers.
In addition, the team also creates plant-based versions of traditional Austrian dishes, such as liver dumpling soup, pumpkin goulash, onion roast beef and Kaiserschmarrn with plum compote. A real must-visit for vegans.
Figoletta by Figlmüller, 1010
- Rotenturmstraße 11, 1010 Wien
- täglich
- www.figoletta.at
Figlmüller is undoubtedly one of the most famous schnitzel restaurants in Vienna and especially popular with tourists, as the long queues in front of the restaurant in the 1st district often show.
Recently, the traditional restaurant has launched a creative pop-up: Figoletta in Vienna’s city centre. This spot is perfect for ESC fans who can’t decide between schnitzel and pizza during their stay in Vienna. Here you’ll find the solution: Figolinos. These are small, baked specialty pizzas that are prepared like a Wiener schnitzel but filled with pizza toppings. Each portion comes with three mini pizzas: Vitello Tonnato, Marinara and Prosciutto. If you’d like to try the best of both worlds, a visit to Figoletta should definitely be on your list.
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Mehr InformationenCafé Rüdigerhof, 1040
- Hamburgerstraße 20, 1050 Wien
- täglich
- www.xn--caferdigerhof-0ob.com
The Café Rüdigerhof in the 4th district, built in Art Nouveau style in 1902, has long been a popular meeting spot for artists and coffee lovers in Vienna (even if there exist better places for coffee; it’s the vibe!). Its interior, which has changed very little since the 1950s and 60s, takes you on a journey back in time. The outdoor garden, shaded by old maple trees, is especially inviting. From spring onwards, it’s the perfect place to linger, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take in views of the Wien River, and perhaps have a beer or two.
The ambience throughout the café is charming and truly cozy. The Wiener schnitzel here is classic, crispy, and delicious, served in a relaxed atmosphere. Bonus: the schnitzel is fried in clarified butter in the traditional way. In addition to traditional Austrian dishes, the café also offers coffee and homemade pastries.
