[Updated February 2021]
Finding the best schnitzel in Vienna can be hard if you don’t know where to look. While you can find it on the menu of almost every restaurant in Vienna, not all schnitzels are created equal. In this post, I partner with some fellow travel bloggers to make your quest to find a good Viennese schnitzel easier.
What is Viennese Schnitzel?
Before setting out to find the best Wiener schnitzel in Vienna, there are a few things you should know about the dish with its golden breadcrumb coating and juicy veal inner.
While there certainly are “secret recipes” for the best schnitzel in Vienna, everyone agrees on the basic method of preparation – dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and pan-fried in clarified butter (Butterschmalz).
Another certainty is that it should be on your list of things to eat in Vienna, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
Did you know?
The term Wiener schnitzel is protected by geographical indication under EU law. That means, if it’s not made with veal, it’s not a real Wiener schnitzel. Schnitzel from other meat prepared in the same way must be specified as such. For example, Wiener schnitzel from pork (or turkey or chicken) or Schnitzel nach Wiener Art (Viennese style Schnitzel).
Where to Eat Schnitzel in Vienna
We’ve had our fill of some of the best Wiener schnitzel in Vienna on our visits to the city. While schnitzel from pork is very common in the rest of Austria, we like to have the “real” Wiener when in town.
Make Sure It’s a Real Wiener
Even in Vienna, some restaurants only serve the Wiener schnitzel from pork. If you want to try the classic veal schnitzel make sure your restaurant choice has it on the menu. Most restaurants serving traditional Austrian food will certainly have it.
To bring you the biggest possible selection of Viennese restaurants with good schnitzel on the menu, I asked some fellow travel bloggers to add their recommendations to our own three favourite schnitzel restaurants in Vienna.
Restaurants With the Best Schnitzel in Vienna
Figlmüller
By Lauren from Faramagan
When travelling, we usually opt for a “go with the flow” approach but when trying to find the best schnitzel in Vienna we actually did some research beforehand.
We were recommended Figlmüller Bäckerstrasse and it did not disappoint. A cosy, traditional venue with both veal and pork schnitzel available. We opted for one of each, with the intention to share but when they arrived they were so big we struggled to finish one!
We had the traditional Erdäpfelsalat (potato salad) as a side and can hand on heart say, it was the best we have ever tasted. All washed down with two Austrian beers.
The best part of Figlmüller Bäckerstrasse was the incredibly kind service – our waiter was particularly friendly, even offering us a balcony table when it became available but we enjoyed our quiet spot at the back.
If you are looking for a memorable yet traditional schnitzel experience we cannot recommend Figlmüller Bäckerstrasse enough.
- You can also follow Lauren’s travel tales on Instagram
Figlmüller Bäckerstraße Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €20,50 |
| Figlmüller (pork) schnitzel price | €15,50 |
| Website | https://figlmueller.at/en/baeckerstrasse/ |
| Address | Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Vienna |
Café Central
By Claire Sturzaker from Tales of a Backpacker
Café Central is one of the most famous places to eat in Vienna, but it is better known for coffee and cakes than it is for its food. However, the Wiener Schnitzel I had here was the most delicious I’ve ever had.
The Wiener Schnitzel was a healthy portion, but not obscenely huge. It was lightly fried in a crisp coating, and the meat was incredibly tender. The schnitzel is served with parsley potatoes and a chunk of lemon to squeeze over the meat, adding a zesty flavour.
We ended our meal with one of the exquisite cakes from the glass counter at the front of the café which was equally delicious. The café itself is in a beautiful building, and the waiters are smartly dressed in bow ties and waistcoats, and although the service wasn’t as good as the food, I would still highly recommend eating schnitzel here!
You can also follow Claire on Facebook
Café Central Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €21,90 |
| Website | https://www.cafecentral.at |
| Address | Corner Herrengasse / Strauchgasse, 1010 Vienna |
Plachutta
By Roslie L. from Coastlines to Skylines
When in Vienna a Schnitzel cutlet (or two) is a must. With a plethora of choices, I spent a good chunk of my time in Vienna seeking the best Wiener Schnitzel – and none compared to the one at Plachutta.
Located right in the city center, Plachutta Wollzeile is a rather large traditional dining style restaurant with great food, lively atmosphere, and lovely service. We were there to try their famous Tafelspitz (boiled beef), which was delightful, but also ended up having what turned out to be the best schnitzel during our time in Vienna.
Plachutta serves the traditional veal cutlet pounded thin, breaded and fried with a lemon wedge and a side of potato salad. The juicy, tender, perfect golden and crunchy schnitzel was well seasoned, delicately prepared and simply delicious. It did not disappoint!
Attracting both tourist and locals alike, Plachutta is the place to go for quality, authentic, mouthwatering schnitzel in Vienna. But keep in mind, there are several Plachuttas around town, and the Wollzeile location is rather busy, so book in advance.
You can also follow Roslie on Instagram
Plachutta Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €21,70 |
| Website | https://www.plachutta-wollzeile.at/en |
| Address | Wollzeile 38, 1010 Vienna |
Schweizerhaus
By Kris from Nomad by Trade
I’m obsessed with all things schnitzel, so getting some Wiener schnitzel in Vienna was an absolute must. We visited the Schweizerhaus, a classic beer garden-style restaurant, right inside of Prater Park and loved our giant portions of pork schnitzel.
Our Schweizerhaus schnitzel had the perfect crispy texture and was served mouth-searingly hot, just the way I like it. The entrée came with a side of German-style cucumber salad and, of course, a lemon. The location was perfect as well – it was such a fun atmosphere and we loved exploring the famous park after dinner.
You can also follow Kris on Facebook
Schweizerhaus Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel from pork price | €10,70 |
| Website | https://www.schweizerhaus.at/ |
| Address | Prater 116, A-1020 Vienna |
Schnitzelwirt
By Marie from Vienna, 101 Facets
One of the best restaurants in Vienna that serves Wiener schnitzel (from pork) in a traditional setting is Schnitzelwirt. Located in one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, at Neubagausse 52, it is easily accessible with a number of trams passing by in the intersections.
At Schnitzelwirt, it doesn’t take long for your food to arrive after ordering. The schnitzel is mostly served with a side dish which is included in the price. You can choose from a garden salad, potato salad, French fries, rice, dumplings, or sauerkraut – they are all good with schnitzel, it just depends on your preference.
For €10,40 I got a serving of Wiener schnitzel from pork (two pieces bigger than my face when put together) and sauerkraut. Whether you get a Wiener style schnitzel, Pariser schnitzel (without bread crumbs), Schnitzel a la Mexico (with pork and rolled with paprika, mushrooms, ham), you will be surprised at how big the servings are.
The classic schnitzel is good, but I like the garlic schnitzel better. The garlic gives the crunchy outside and tender pork a wonderful taste twist.
You can also follow Marie’s Viennese experiences on Facebook
Schnitzelwirt Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel from pork price | €8,10 (without a side) |
| Website | http://www.schnitzelwirt.co.at/ |
| Address | Neubaugasse 52, 1070 Vienna |
Café Mozart
By Carolyn from Holidays to Europe
I’ve eaten schnitzel at a few restaurants in Vienna but the best schnitzel I ate in the city was at Café Mozart on Albertinaplatz.
I ordered the veal schnitzel and it was very authentic, even though the restaurant is in the heart of the tourist zone. The veal was tender and the breadcrumbs fried to perfection.
My schnitzel was served with parsley potatoes and red currant jam.
Café Mozart is a traditional Viennese coffee house dating back over 200 years. The interior still retains the charm of yesteryear with richly upholstered seats, mirrors, and chandeliers adorning the café.
The staff were friendly and our waiter was happy to chat and he even asked the chef – at my request – what type of fat was used to fry the schnitzel.
I would definitely recommend Café Mozart if you’re after the best Wiener schnitzel in Vienna.
You can also follow Carolyn’s travel experiences on Facebook
Café Mozart Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €25,50 |
| Website | https://www.cafe-mozart.at/en/cafe-mozart.html |
| Address | Albertinaplatz 2, A-1010 Vienna |
Glacis Beisl
Glacis Beisl was recommended to us by Vienna Tourism as one of the traditional Viennese restaurants serving a good schnitzel. In fact, we found vouchers for a Glacis Beisl Wiener schnitzel in our welcome pack upon arriving in Vienna.
The Glacis Beisl Wiener comes with a huge mixed salad instead of a starch. This is a welcome change and was the perfect accompaniment to our Wiener Schnitzel after eating lots of Viennese open sandwiches and cakes during a day of sightseeing.
What we also like about Glacis Beisl is that it’s hidden in a quiet corner of the Museums Quarter in Vienna. Don’t expect a fancy, modern interior. It’s the food and the atmosphere that counts. It’s obvious that Glacis Beisl is frequented by locals of all ages as well as tourists.
We couldn’t fault our Wiener schnitzels from Glacis Beisl. It got C’s vote for the best schnitzel in Vienna. The service was friendly and efficient too. We liked that the waiter offered to serve M’s schnitzel with roast potatoes instead of salad.
Glacis Beisl Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €19,80 |
| Website | https://www.glacisbeisl.at/info/ |
| Address | Breite Gasse 4, 1070 Vienna |
Müllerbeisl
We discovered Müllerbeisl after simply taking to the streets of Vienna’s first district in search of a traditional restaurant serving schnitzel. It looked very inviting from the outside and we were lucky to find a table without a reservation.
The Müllerbeisl Wiener schnitzel is served with boiled parsley potatoes. It tasted good although there’s nothing exceptional about it. The portion size was more than adequate, and the big beer to wash it down with nice and cold.
The experience as a whole, with an interesting interior and acceptable service, was nevertheless pleasant. There’s no reason for us not to recommend Müllerbeisl if you’re looking for a good schnitzel in Vienna.
Müllerbeisl Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €18,90 |
| Website | https://www.muellerbeisl.com/ |
| Address | Seilerstätte 15, 1010 Vienna |
Kantin m101
M and I discovered Kantin m101 hidden in a courtyard at the back of Mariahilfer Street one morning. Watching a lady rolling traditional meat strudels, we promptly made a reservation for the evening after confirming they have Wiener schnitzel on the menu.
It turns out that Kantin m101 got my vote for the best Wiener schnitzel in Vienna. The portions were made up of two pieces filling an entire plate. The golden crumb coating was crispy and tasty, with succulent veal inside.
Kantin m101’s Wiener Schnitzel is served with potato salad on a separate plate. Perhaps not the best potato salad in Vienna, but it went well with the schnitzel.
Of all three traditional Viennese restaurants where we had Wiener schnitzel, Kantin m101 was the most basic. However, it was also the cheapest while the food is just as good as any other restaurant.
Kantin m101 Schnitzel Basics
| Wiener schnitzel price | €16,50 |
| Website | http://www.kantine.at/ |
| Address | Mariahilfer Straße 101, 1060 Vienna |
Now you know where to eat schnitzel in Vienna. Although you’ll find schnitzel in hundreds of restaurants across the city, you can’t go wrong with any of the above. They’ve been tried, tested, and recommended as serving some of the best schnitzel in Vienna.
Have you had a schnitzel in Vienna? Or in another Austrian city on a day trip from Vienna? Please tell us about it in the comments to help our readers find even more great places to eat in Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Potato in some for another is almost always served with schnitzel in Vienna. It can be potato salad, boiled potatoes with butter and parsley, or french fries. In most instances, you also get a wedge of lemon and a serving of mountain cranberry jam on the side.
There are conflicting stories about the history of the schnitzel. The most popular one is that its roots are in Milan, Italy where the Austrian General Joseph Radetzky (immortalized by Johann Strauss I’s famous Radetzky March) ate a veal cutlet covered in breadcrumbs and fried in butter.
He reported his culinary “discovery” to the Austrian imperial rulers who had the recipe and technique “perfected” in Vienna.
What Radetzky probably had was a Cotoletta ala Milanese, which is prepared in the same way as a Wiener schnitzel but with a cutlet of veal with the bone still in.
*Disclosure*
Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.
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