Tag: Austria

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – Oldest Restaurant in Europe

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

Melbourne-Inspired Coffee Culture at Ratio Coffee, Salzburg

Ratio Coffee is a cozy, hip café that opens early at 8 a.m., making it a great spot for both locals and travelers looking for a quality caffeine fix in Salzburg.

The owner, Brent Nicoll, a passionate coffee enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia, aimed to bring Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture to Salzburg. As a third-wave specialty coffee shop, Ratio focuses on high-quality, single-origin coffee and precise brewing methods to deliver a superior coffee experience. Ratio Coffee also sells a curated selection of coffee beans and brewing equipment for home brewers.

The café offers a simple yet satisfying selection of pastries and cakes to complement its coffee. The croissant was buttery and soft—lacking the classic crusty exterior but still enjoyable. The coffee itself was bold and aromatic, served in a charming ceramic cup that added to the cozy ambiance.

Ratio Coffee

Linzer G. 72A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

The Legendary Schnitzel at Figlmüller

Figlmüller is a legendary restaurant in Vienna, famous for its iconic schnitzel. For over 115 years, the restaurant has maintained the same traditional recipe.

The restaurant is quite spacious, with an inviting atmosphere that blends history and warmth. It features exposed brick ceilings and dark wooden accents on the benches, tables, and chairs, giving it a rustic yet elegant charm. However, it’s an extremely popular spot, especially on weekends. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid long wait times.

I visited on a Sunday, and the place was packed as expected. The service was quite slow, and I waited around 20 minutes for my food to arrive. While the wait felt a bit long, I had anticipated this due to how busy they were.

Now, onto the star of the meal—the schnitzel. It was impressively thin and tender, with a beautifully crisp crust around the edges. The texture was perfect, but I found it a little on the salty side. Other than that, it was absolutely delicious. The portion was huge—definitely not for the faint of heart. I gave it my best effort and managed to finish about three-quarters of it, but I felt a little guilty for not clearing my plate entirely.

The potato salad was an excellent accompaniment. Its smooth, creamy dressing perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The potatoes had a waxy, smooth texture, and the subtle hints of chive and onion added a wonderful depth of flavor. The tanginess of the dressing helped cut through the richness of the schnitzel, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Overall, despite the slow service, Figlmüller lived up to its reputation. If you’re a fan of schnitzel, this place is an absolute must-visit. Just be sure to arrive with an appetite and a bit of patience!

 

Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße


Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Wien, Austria

Pistachio Delights and Matcha Moments

Karaffu is a charming café known for its delectable pistachio pastries and cakes. The space is cozy yet compact, with a few small tables inside that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For those who enjoy a scenic setting, two window seats outside offer a stunning view of the mountains, making it a perfect spot to relax with a coffee and pastry.

Given its popularity, Karaffu can get quite busy, so timing your visit wisely is key. I visited twice—once in the afternoon and once in the morning around 11 a.m. In the afternoon, the café was bustling with a line of customers, making it harder to find a seat. However, my morning visit was much more relaxed, with some seats available and a quieter ambiance, which made for a more enjoyable experience.

I ordered an oat milk matcha latte and a pistachio loaf. The matcha had a pleasant flavor, though I personally prefer a stronger matcha taste. The pistachio loaf itself was mildly sweet with a slightly dry texture, but the pistachio frosting truly tied it all together, adding a rich nuttiness and just the right amount of sweetness.

One of my favorite parts of the visit was sitting outside at the window seat, sipping my drink, and taking in the breathtaking mountain view. Whether you’re a fan of pistachio treats or simply looking for a cozy café with a beautiful backdrop, Karaffu is well worth a visit.

 

Karaffu

A Classic Viennese Breakfast at Café Landtmann

Café Landtmann is a traditional Viennese coffeehouse steeped in history, having served patrons for over 150 years. Established in 1873 by Franz Landtmann, it has become an iconic institution in Vienna, attracting locals, tourists, and even notable figures such as Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, and Marlene Dietrich. Located next to the grand Burgtheater, it is a renowned institution that embodies the elegance and charm of Vienna’s traditional coffee culture. The café boasts a spacious and beautifully decorated interior, with each room featuring distinct decor and upholstery, adding to its sophisticated ambiance.

The service was impeccable. The waiters were impeccably dressed in classic attire, exuding professionalism and old-world charm. Their polite and attentive demeanor enhanced the overall dining experience.

For breakfast, I opted for the Viennese breakfast set, which included a fresh bread roll, a slice of “Madame Crousto” organic bread from the renowned Offerl bakery, a small jar of homemade jam, Austrian butter, and a soft-boiled egg. Cold cuts and cheese were also available at an additional cost. To complement my meal, I chose the Franciscan, a classic Viennese coffee specialty consisting of a long espresso with frothed milk topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

The bread was exceptionally fresh—soft on the inside with a delightfully crisp crust, and it paired beautifully with the rich butter and fruity homemade jam. The egg was perfectly cooked, with a creamy yolk that reflected its high quality. As for the coffee, the Franciscan had a smooth and well-balanced flavor, reminiscent of a cappuccino but milder, with a subtle sweetness from the whipped cream that made it even more enjoyable.

Overall, my breakfast at Café Landtmann was a refined and memorable experience. The elegant setting, excellent service, and high-quality food made it a quintessential Viennese dining moment that truly captures the essence of the city’s celebrated coffeehouse culture.

 

Café Landtmann

Universitätsring 4, 1010 Wien, Austria