Austria is home to many delightful foods – most notably, the strudel. However, the Christmas city of Salzburg specifically is where food really comes alive. We explore 8 of our favourite restaurants and cafes in the Austrian hub.
Sacher Hotel Café
The Vienna outpost of the Sacher Hotel has the famous Sacher torte, but here in Salzburg it’s the Salzburger Nockerl that stars on the menu. This sweet soufflé, shaped like the Sydney Opera House, is light to the touch and, quite simply, delicious. The café itself is lined with framed photos of famous faces and looks out onto the busy street. Located across from the Salzach River, it’s a lovely strolling destination for afternoon tea. The Pharisäer coffee with rum and whipped cream is highly recommended. sacher.com
Café Bazar
Situated on the banks of the Salzach River, this is a great place for breakfast. However, with locals sitting reading the newspaper in the hallowed hall-like space, it is much like stepping into a library – I was ssshed by a fellow diner for apparently talking too loud. This spacious Art Deco café was once the place for artists, poets and thinkers alike, and legendary founder of the Salzburg Festival Max Reinhardt and actress Marlene Dietrich could be found here discussing philosophy back in their day. The Bio-eir im Glas (free-range eggs in a glass, served with chives on toast) is the dish to have and the coffee is good, but remember to only whisper when talking. cafe-bazar.at
Café Tomaselli
Established in 1703, this is the oldest café in Europe, and a must-visit. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a patron and his favourite beverage was almond milk. The elegant ladies of the time concealed beer in their coffee with a dollop of cream on top as they couldn’t be seen drinking alcohol in public. It’s just as you’d imagine a famous Austrian café to be: waitresses in black dresses and pristine white aprons, waiters wearing suits competently carrying large trays of sweet treats. The salon-like space emits a warm glow and, even renovated, still retains its beautiful ornate mirrors and wall panelling. tomaselli.at
St Peter Stiftskulinarium
Next to St Peter’s Monastery, this beautifully restored building has been serving food since 803 AD. With room after room for dining and a courtyard filled with pots of hydrangeas, the place feels very welcoming. It’s also very busy, with waiters dressed in suits and ties running up and down stairs. Despite the bustle, you never feel rushed or lost in the volume of rooms because each one has been carefully decorated to create an intimate atmosphere. Modern colours, candles, linen tablecloths, tiled floors, sanded-back wooden panels, painted murals and glass lighting all feature. At lunchtime the heritage site was packed with tourists (you can also book a Mozart Dinner Concert), but the service or food never compromised. Despite being Europe’s oldest inn, it feels contemporary with attentive service and a menu inspired by traditional Austrian and Mediterranean flavours. The duck is a must-try at Christmas. stpeter.at
Strasserwirt
Based on a tree-lined avenue in Leopoldskron, just a short taxi ride from the city, this traditional Austrian restaurant offers good honest food and great service. Start with a bowl of Frittatensuppe, a simple soup comprising sliced pancakes, vegetables and beef consommé, followed by Wiener schnitzel with mashed potatoes. Wash it all down with a giant glass of Salzburg’s finest beer. The restaurant is a great escape from the tourists in the main square. New owners are putting a modern stamp on the place, and in the summer months you can sit in the pretty courtyard surrounded by flower boxes and watch the world go by. zumstrasserwirt.at
Stieglkeller
If you’re after a good lunch with great views of the city, and keen to try a range of beers, then this is the spot for you. Stieglkeller is perhaps the prettiest beer garden in the world and has been brewing its own brand of beer in Salzburg since 1492. Located in Salzburg’s Old Town below Hohensalzburg Fortress, the view from the courtyard looks out to the cathedral and city beyond. Sit back and let an afternoon drift by. Allow Michael Olah, head of service and much like a beer sommelier, do the choosing – you won’t be disappointed. All the beers are locally handcrafted and made with unfiltered springwater sourced from the foot of Salzburg’s famous Untersberg mountain range. The Columbus pale ale and hibiscus beers are worth a try. restaurant-stieglkeller.at
Imlauer Sky Bar and restaurant
The luxurious Crown Plaza Pitter Hotel’s top-floor restaurant and bar is a modern, cool space filled with hip locals that look as sharp and on point as the décor. To make a night of it, kick off your evening with a cocktail on the 360-degree terrace of the sky bar while marvelling over the magnificent view of the Old Town, Mirabell Palace and the Sound of Music mountains that lie beyond. Then take a seat at the award-winning restaurant for a memorable meal. The à la carte menu offers a range of dishes with interesting depth of flavours, including ones that showcase seasonal produce and local ingredients. Add to your must-do list, this place is also a fun night out for people-watching. imlauer.com/en/restaurants/imlauer-sky-bar-restaurants
