The entrance to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium felt almost mysterious, tucked away behind ornate stone archways. For a moment, I wondered if I was in the right place. The Christmas decorations were still up, lending a warm and festive charm to the setting, especially the beautifully lit entrance that made it feel like walking into a holiday dream.

This historic restaurant, with over 1200 years of history, is said to be the oldest in Europe. Once inside, I was struck by the variety of spaces. There are 11 dining rooms, each with its own distinctive character and decor. Some were classic and elegant, others leaned more avant-garde—with hints of the festive season still lingering in the details.

The service was professional and efficient, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion.

I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, and it was superb—light, thin, and tender with a delicate, well-seasoned crust that wasn’t greasy at all. The veal was of excellent quality, and it was served with soft, waxy potatoes sprinkled with fresh parsley, which complemented the dish beautifully.

For dessert, I tried the crème brûlée. It was not the traditional version I was expecting—the texture resembled a light, smooth pudding. The flavor leaned heavily toward citrus, with only a light caramelized top. While it was a generous portion and paired nicely with a scoop of ice cream that had a subtle clove aftertaste, I personally prefer the classic style of crème brûlée.

Overall, dining at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium was a memorable experience—a blend of history, atmosphere, and fine cuisine.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria