ESC Guide: Where to enjoy a great dinner before the Eurovision Song Contest

If you’re looking for an Austrian tavern for your ESC evening in Vienna that doesn’t quite play by the rules, Schlawiener Wirtshaus is a fantastic choice. Here, you’ll find Viennese classics—from Schnitzel to Kaiserschmarrn—but always with a little twist, whether it’s an Asian influence or a creative new pairing.

That’s exactly what makes this spot so exciting: a bit traditional, a bit unexpected, and yet as cozy as a true Austrian „Wirtshaus“ should be.

• Read more: Song Contest in Vienna: The Best Schnitzel Spots for Visitors

If you want to kick off your ESC night with some seriously good pizza, Via Toledo in the 8th district is the place to be. Here, you’ll find Neapolitan pizza exactly as it should be: a fluffy crust, thin base, and ingredients that taste like a direct trip to Italy.

The concept is like a small time-travel journey to Naples, inspired by the famous street where the legendary pizza tradition began. And that’s exactly the feeling you get on your plate: from classic variations to fancy combos with truffle or pistachio, they have it all.

• Read more: Community Awards: Das sind die beliebtesten Pizzerien in Wien 2025 (German)

If hunger strikes at midnight (or later) after the Eurovision Song Contest, Alles Wurscht is the place to go. As the name suggests, it’s all about the sausage, but done right: from Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausage) to Currywurst, you’ll find honest, quick comfort food that’s perfect for a long ESC night.

The best part? Its location at Börseplatz in the 1st district is super central, putting you right back in the middle of the action near the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz—whether you’re fueling up before the show or craving something savory after the final vote.

• Read more: Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna: The Best Places for Public Viewing

If you’re craving something warm and comforting during Eurovision week in Vienna, you should definitely stop by Mochi Ramen Bar in the 2nd district. They serve homemade ramen noodles, rich broths, and toppings ranging from classic to vegan—exactly what you need to warm up from the inside out.

One little tip: make sure to plan in some extra time, as they don’t take reservations, and word about good ramen spreads fast.

• Read more: Tolle Ramen Bars in Wien (German)

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, Maria und Josef is the place to be. This spot in the 6th district combines a restaurant, bar, and concept store, serving up creative dishes with Mediterranean and Oriental influences.

It’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants to kick off their evening with a few specialty drinks and sample various small plates before heading off to the next highlight.

• Read more: Die besten Gourmetrestaurants in Wien (German)

If you’re in the mood for something truly unique, Shalimar is exactly where you need to be. This spot offers an excellent fusion of global cuisines: you’ll find everything from Chicken Curry and vegan Punjabi Dal Tarka to Cevapcici or even traditional Pongauer Käsenocken (small cheese dumplings).

Beyond the charming owner herself, the wonderfully quirky interior (a former Indian restaurant) and the incredibly idyllic garden are true highlights in the 6th district. Plus, the Wiener Stadthalle is quick to reach from here—making it perfect for heading straight to the Eurovision Song Contest.

• Mehr lesen: Queer Partying in Vienna: Safe(r) Spaces Around the Song Contest

If you’re looking to build a solid foundation for your Eurovision night in Vienna, XO Grill on Burggasse in the 7th district is the place to be. You can expect juicy smash burgers made with dry-aged beef, delivering exactly what you need before a long night: plenty of flavor and real substance. To top it all off, they serve classics like Philly Cheese Steak, pastrami sandwiches, and crispy fries.

It’s the ideal spot if you want a relaxed meal before the ESC without searching around for too long. Just a heads-up: this place doesn’t take reservations.

• Read more: Unsere 9 liebsten Restaurants im 7. Bezirk (German)