Vienna is considered as one of Europe’s capital of gastronomy, although its food reputation has long been centered around a couple of iconic dishes such as the Wiener Schnitzel, the Apfelstrudel or the Sacher Torte.
However, 2026 will see a sharpening of its culinary image towards visitors as gastronomy will be at the center of its tourism strategy.
Under the banner “Vienna Bites: Cuisine, Culture, Character,” the Vienna Tourist Board plans a year-long spotlight on the city’s vibrant food scene — celebrating everything from classic gastronomy to farm-to-table dining, innovative vegan cuisine and a growing craft beverage movement.
Once considered an under-the-radar foodie city, Vienna is now seeing a surge of restaurant openings fueled by rising international attention.
Vienna Tourism Board will highlight classics of Vienna cuisine, the Beisl (bistrot) culture, its emblematic boiled beef Tafelspitz, its traditional cakes and its wonderful cafes.
According to research conducted by Austria National Tourism board (Österreich Werbung), gastronomy comes in fourth position as a motivation for tourists to visit the country. The NTO is actively working at enhancing the culinary image of Austria since 2024.
Reinventing Viennese Tradition
Vienna tourism authority is consequently promoting a range of new eateries and restaurants across the capital. Such as The famed Plachutta brand — synonymous with its iconic Tafelspitz — that expanded with a new bistro at Neuer Markt, serving Viennese staples elevated by seasonal rotating specials. In the charming Servitenviertel district, Tante Liesl has already become a local favorite with its straightforward, home-style dishes.
Vienna’s next culinary wave pushes boundaries. At Das Drittl, chefs boldly remix classics, turning dishes like Germknödel into savory surprises filled with pork belly. Meanwhile, das Weinberg focuses on regional Austrian ingredients — including Viennese snails or Styrian shrimp — served tapas-style for sharing.
A City Embracing Plant-Forward Dining
Vienna’s historic local “Beisl” format is getting a modern upgrade. Beisl Rosi offers high-level vegetarian cooking paired with an extensive natural wine list and a warmly nostalgic bar interior. The humorously named Schwein features no pork at all — instead showcasing how inventive vegetarian cuisine can take center stage.
The city’s acclaimed vegan fine-dining pioneers behind Jola are expanding in summer 2025 with Lara, a relaxed à la carte counterpart to their tasting-menu flagship.
Showcasing Regional Producers
Local sourcing takes the spotlight at Meinklang Hofküche, where ingredients come straight from a family farm in Burgenland and Nordic-inspired decor underscores a clean, modern style. The nearby Weimarck also champions seasonal, organic Austrian produce.
Every weekend, market hall Markterei gives visitors a direct connection to regional producers. It offers tastings at communal tables and a summer transformation into an urban Heuriger wine tavern.
Inclusivity also finds a home in the culinary scene: the new café Kuchenamt offers fine pastries while providing training and employment for people with and without disabilities.
Global Flavors and Hotel-Driven Dining
Vienna also continues to broaden its world palate. Otto will Meer brings seafood and Spanish influences to the historic Otto Wagner Schützenhaus on the Danube Canal. Nikkai combines Asian and European fusion inside the grand former Stock Exchange. Heat, a new steak concept, emphasizes regional Wagyu and other Austrian beef cooked over lava stone.
Hotels are increasingly becoming gastro hubs, too. New openings at properties like Hotel O11, The Leo Grand, Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel and the relaunch of Hotel Das Triest introduce international concepts rooted in Viennese flair. The highly anticipated Mandarin Oriental Vienna will join them in the autumn, with seafood-driven fine dining and a French-Asian brasserie experience.
Bars With Character
Vienna’s nightlife continues to evolve. Hotel Henriette’s “Der schöne Ernst” celebrates aperitivo culture with spritzes and snacks on booming Praterstrasse, while bar Alexandra takes the concept daytime with table-side cocktail cart service. Kleinod am Ring expands a successful bar family with food and a basement dance space. At Das Weindl, Austrian wines are the stars, paired with elevated charcuterie.
