A's List - Vienna

Southern flavors

2011-02-07T20:38:00.001+01:00

The theme remains food, after all Vienna has some good eateries to keep you well nourished after hours of walking and sightseeing.
However, as the temperatures defy this winter season, we attempt to take things a bit more south too. The first real sunshine of this year conjures up images of Mediterranean sights and flavors.
But if a trip to Spain or Greece is just not part of your itinerary now, you can at least make do with Greek cuisine; and some of the best Greek cuisine can be had at Irodion, in Vienna's third district.
I wish I could illustrate this post with some pretty pictures of the food they serve and the somewhat tacky decor, but I will have to cheat a little and use pictures from my last Greece vacation. I was much too busy devouring the food and just never managed to snatch a picture before it was all gone.

According to a Greek friend, at Irodion they serve the best Greek food in Vienna and I will have to second his opinion. It is true. This was absolutely the best Greek food I have had in Vienna - or Austria for that matter. Dishes are well prepared and presented, and quite authentic.

The restaurant itself is very spacious and also suited for large parties and gatherings. The smoking section is small and separated from the main non-smoking area, so you won't be bothered by fumes.

Prices are mid range, but there are some excellent lunch specials.

But enough praise and talk, you should just make up your own mind ;)

Irodion

Landstraßer Hauptstraße 71

1030 Vienna

phone: 01 710 24 54

www.irodion.at

Sushi fest continued

2010-12-12T19:32:00.001+01:00

Unkai - Yet another post about sushi? You might ask yourself if this is indeed a blog about Vienna. But I assure you it is, and the beauty of Vienna is it comes with a bit of a cosmopolitan air. Just think of Naschmarkt, which is a mini world of sensory and cultural abundance in its own right. And then there is sushi. Viennese have a penchant for foreign cuisine and despite its geographic drawbacks as a landlocked place, Vienna does boast a handful of "haute" sushi eateries. The epitome of which is reputed to be Unkai, the famous Japanese restaurant on the top floor of the prestigious Ana Grand Hotel.
Upon entering the restaurant floor, the interior design vies with the restaurant's view for diners' attention, but the winner remains the food nonetheless.

At 30€ per person the sushi brunch is not exactly budget fare, but if you arrive starved (for sushi and maki), you will have the time of your life, sampling your way through various standard and not so standard types of fish, scallops and other seafood beautifully assembled and presented. In addition to the all-you-can-eat sushi and maki, the brunch comes with a delicious miso soup (one of the best I have ever had), a small appetizer and a cup of green tea.
The service is superb, as is the quality and assortment of sushi and maki.
Although this may be more of an occasional treat, sushi brunch at Unkai is definitely worth your money.
Kärntner Ring 9
1010 Vienna
phone: 01 515 80 - 9110

Best of sushi

2010-12-01T12:53:00.000+01:00

Best sushi in Vienna

En: One of the best places in the city for fresh, top quality sushi. The food is authentic and carefully prepared and especially the lunch deals are a great value. I also highly recommend the spicy ginger tea.

The restaurant is small and popular and reservations are recommended.

Werdetorgasse 8, 1010 Vienna, phone: 01 532 44 90, Mo-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Kojiro: This sushi restaurant is so small that you might miss it, even after reading my review on here. But behind its unassuming exterior rests the freshest and most authentic sushi you will ever taste outside of Japan (and trust me on this, as I have eaten good sushi in Japan) and in a landlocked place like Vienna. The fish will melt away all doubts you ever had when you first entered this small hole-in-a-wall furnished with only a few counters and bar stools. As an added perk, the friendly owners offer complimentary green tea and let you refill your cup even more than once. Situated just across the street from Naschmarkt and around the corner from Cha No Ma, this tiny eatery is in a convenient location, but even a two-hour commute is well worth the trip to Kojiro. Sushi specials are reasonably priced and come in sizes small, medium and large. To up your chances of securing counter space and a seat, it's best to come around 2pm after the post-noon rush.

Rechte Wienzeile 9, phone: 01 586 62 33

Vienna's tropical secret

2010-12-01T12:38:00.002+01:00

Palmenhaus - In keeping with the theme of fine dining I recently revisited a summertime favorite of mine. This resto/bar/café with a view of the Burggarten draws a large crowd when the days get warmer, but I have now discovered its indoor charms too.

Imagine sipping a glass of wine selected from the epic wine list, all the while being surrounded by palm trees. Ok this may seem a bit preposterous in a place like Vienna, where you are more likely to find yourself drinking hot gluhwein against a backdrop of winter wonderland these days. But with a little imagination, you could make yourself believe you have just stepped into a lush tropical locale.
Beckoning with its befitting name, the Palmenhaus offers artfully composed dishes that will leave both an impression on your palate and your other senses.

I tried the seasonally inspired pumpkin ragout, which was as divine as it promised to be, and topped it off with some delicious chestnut mousse.

Portions are generous without being overwhelming and the verdant setting evokes dreams of remote island getaways. The decor is tasteful without distracting from the dining experience.
To round out your tropical escape, you could also explore the Schmetterlingshaus (butterfly house) next door, where colorful butterflies fly around in a balmy indoor environment flanked by lush vegetation.
Burggarten 1, 1010 Vienna, 01 533 10 33

La Dolce Vita

2010-09-05T16:56:00.004+02:00

Every time I eat here, I could swear the portions get bigger and the food gets better. Not a bad review for a restaurant, so what more can I add?

How about great, authentic and yet originally orchestrated Italian food, charming and friendly waiters who will be happy to teach you the basics of Italian, all the while you indulge in your heavenly pasta, perhaps a glass of wine and if you still have room their homemade desserts.

Needless to say, all of the above is simply divine.

The place is quite popular, even on week days, and parties of more than two are advised to reserve ahead.

Its location, just steps away from MuseumsQuartier is a great plus, especially if you want to head out for drinks later on. The place stays open late, and food is served until midnight.

The only downside is, they do not accept credit cards, so make sure to bring enough cash.

I Ragazzi
Burggasse 6-8

1070 Vienna

http://www.iragazzi.at/

Phone: 01 522 63 25

A fusion of flavors

2010-08-24T00:34:00.001+02:00

Livingstone- After exploring cheap eateries where quantity still prevails even if quality can be had as well, it is time to turn the page and take a closer look at fine dining.
Vienna boasts some excellent choices even for the most choosy gourmet.
It's been a while since I ate here, but the freshness and flavor of the carefully composed dishes still tickles my palate when I think back.
Dishes tend to be more fusion than anything else, and I am not sure how much the resto really lives up to its self-proclaimed Californian label. But if you think fusion and a mix of flavors is typical for the region, then Californian fits as well as any other label.
What stood out aside from the intricate presentation was the freshness of the food; the salad was not one bit wilted or drenched in vinegar (the latter can be an annoying Austrian habit I found). Instead I was greeted by nicely balanced flavors, spiced just right to enhance the taste without being overpowering, against a backdrop of traditional greens mixed with tints of red and yellow.
As main course I opted for an Asian themed pasta dish and was not disappointed again.
Other pluses include the nice decor - in summer the outdoor seating area is quite charming - and the portions which are generously sized for a more upscale place.
The staff was friendly and accommodating, the only downside was that at the time of my visit smoking was allowed outside and this can be a bit of a downer if you happen to sit next to a busy table of smokers. So make sure to reserve accordingly. Diners are an interesting mix, especially on weekdays, when business people, mid-sized groups of friends and couples on a romantic outing sit side by side.
After dinner you can head to Planter's next door to round out a lovely evening at one of the best coktail bars in town.

Zelinkagasse 4
1010 Vienna
Phone: 01 533 33 93
Every day 5 pm to 1:30 am

The Owl's Nest

2010-05-17T23:57:00.000+02:00

As a follow-up to the previous post on Austrian wines, I will let you in on a secret named Eulennest (owl's nest) tucked away in a charming backstreet of Vienna's old town.

This quaint wine bar is a local's favorite and owners Florian and Andrea count many regulars among their patrons. Always extending a warm welcome, Florian is happy to recommend a grape variety for every taste, even for the wine savvy. The well selected list of local wines is best paired and enjoyed with Italian-style antipasti or light pasta dishes. Food is however not the main attraction here, but rather the 'side dish' that creates an enjoyable backdrop without taking away from the experience of the wine.

This hidden gem in the heart of Vienna is sure to win you over with its cozy ambience that seeks to rival the warmth that the owners extend towards their guests.

Himmelpfortgasse 13 , 1010 Vienna, Phone: 01 513 53 11
(and now also in the 4th district at: Operngasse 30, 1040 Vienna, Phone: 01 890 22 72

It's all about the wine

2010-05-14T22:18:00.003+02:00

With a history rivaling that of many other major wine-producing countries and dating as far back as 4000 years, one would think that a wine aficionado such as myself would have been more familiar with the various locally grown grapes and wine varieties available in Austria. I must admit however that I was not by any stretch of the imagination. Perhaps it was because I had become somewhat of a wine snob over the years, dabbling here and there in Chilean, South African and Australian wines, among others, only to return time and again to my beloved Italian, French and Californian favorites. So when I came to Vienna two weeks ago and was called upon to review a number of Austrian wines, I was tickled pink by the prospect. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the wines I encountered. The following reflects a small sampling:

K + K Cuvée 2007 (Mittelburgenland):
I found this combination of Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch grapes to be surprisingly robust, almost excessively so when consumed alone, but when accompanied by some freshly sliced salami and prosciutto, the intense berry undertones are balanced out nicely.

Weingut Stift Göttweig Riesling Silberbichl 2009 (Kremstal):
This particular Riesling features just the right balance of dry fruitiness for my taste. With its subtle, crisp undertones, it can be well paired with prawns, shellfish or a light, cream-based pasta dish.

Lenz Moser Prestige Beerenauslese 2007 (Burgenland):
With its rich flaxen color, this Prädikatswein has been appropriately labeled as "liquid gold". Although I found it to be a bit too saccharine for my personal preference, those who like sweet wines will find this one to be suitable for enjoying with desserts and cheese courses.

Familie Weiss St. Laurent Classic 2009 (Neusiedlersee Burgenland):
Of all the Austrian wines I had the pleasure of tasting, this was by far my overall favorite. Unlike the other St. Laurent varieties I sampled, I found this one to be rich and flavorful on the palate without being overly intrusive. Easily dressed up or down, this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif or accompanied by an array of antipasti or even a full meal.

Guest post by Julie Draper-Duruz

Vegetarian's delight

2010-03-10T00:48:00.011+01:00

Vegetasia - I recently rediscovered this great little Taiwanese vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Not only is it a glutton's paradise, tempting with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for 6.80€, but the place is sleek and stylish. Other pros include: it is non-smoking, they use no MSG and the staff is super friendly.
Not surprisingly, it's popular for lunch and reserving ahead is not a bad idea. The food is delicious and well presented. In addition to a variety of vegetable dishes, they also serve tofu and soy-based fake meat. The buffet offers such a great selection of starters, soups, salads, noodle, rice and vegetarian dishes, as well as desserts that I never know where to start - or stop for that matter.

They operate in two locations, although I have only been to the one in the third district.
Vegetasia definitely offers one of the best values for vegetarians in the city.

Ungargasse 57, 1030 Vienna, 01 713 8 33 2
Kaiserstrasse 45, 1070 Vienna, 01 523 10 91

Active Vienna - Get your heart pumping

2010-03-05T00:05:00.000+01:00

Year-round

Badminton -Club Danube: Get your heart pumping and play off some steam while you swing the racket at one of the many Club Danube locations in Vienna. In addition to badminton, tennis and squash courts, Club Danube also features a gym without compulsory membership (unlike many other gyms in Vienna); and if your workout is not enough to get that sweat flowing, take things to the next level and relax in the sauna after the game.

sportundfun - With three locations in Vienna, these sports centers offer an interesting mix of activities. For a modest fee of 4€ (children pay only 2.50€) you can try your hand at beach volleyball, badminton, ping-pong, basketball, soccer or indoor hockey. The only catch is that you will need to compete for the courts with swarms of teenagers who regularly descend upon the place in droves. Or you can rent courts individually at a slightly higher rate (e.g. 10€/ hour for badminton) and save face.

Take to the dance floor

2010-03-01T17:05:00.001+01:00

I too have recently succumbed to the salsa fever and took up salsa dancing. While all of the popular Latin clubs in the city offer workshops and classes for all levels and styles of salsa, some of the smaller independent venues may seem more personal and relaxed.
Tumbao is one such small dance studio right in the heart of the trendy fourth district and a short stroll from Karlsplatz station. This small studio feels more homey and intimate than its bigger counterparts. In addition to salsa, bachata and merengue, they also offer belly dancing, juggling, hula dancing, capoeira, yoga and pilates classes. Entrust yourself to the expert hands of fiery Venezuelan dancing instructor Nancy Castillo and her team who will do their best to turn you into a dancing god or goddess.
Margeretenstreasse 26, 1040 Vienna, phone: 0664 414 1631

Public living room

2010-02-24T00:29:00.004+01:00

phil: Your living room away from your living room; this cozy café/book/CD and DVD store, just across the street from ra'mien (another Vienna hotspot serving up some of the best noodle soups in the city) will get book and music lovers "ooohing" and "aaahing". Sip a cup of hot chocolate (available in flavors dark to white chocolate), browse the hand-selected choice of books and CDs - also available for purchase - and pick up a DVD to watch at home in your own living room.
Gumpendorferstrasse 10-12, 1060 Vienna, phone: 01 581 04 89

Kunsthaus Café

2010-02-23T15:43:00.003+01:00

Cafe Dunkelbunt/Kunsthaus Cafe: Breathe in more Hundertwasser ambience (instead of cigarette smoke) even if you decide to skip the museum and rather enjoy a melange in this colorful setting. On a balmy summer day the leafy outdoor seating area evokes the flair of inner courtyards in Southern Spain.
Lobby of Kunsthaus Wien/Hundertwasser Museum,
Weissgerberlände 14, 1030 Vienna, phone: 01 715 26 89

Heissenberger

2010-02-23T09:55:00.003+01:00

Heissenberger is definitely my cup of tea. Discover rare blends from all over the world at this exquisite shop in the heart of Vienna. Sample some of the tea and coffee varieties on offer at the small café (non-smoking) in the back or book your own tea/coffee tasting; in summer the outdoor seating area offers a close-up view of the Imperial Palace.
Kohlmarkt 11, 1010 Vienna, phone: 01 532 14 20, Mo-Fri 10am - 6:30pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

Matcha and Co.

2010-02-22T23:18:00.004+01:00

Cha No Ma.
This adorable little Japanese tea place, just off Naschmarkt, is a treasure trove for green tea and matcha afficionados. Savor an authentic matcha latte and learn about the basics of Japanese tea ceremony. It also carries a selection of Japanese magazines and books for the Nihongo savvy. Faulmanngasse 7, 1040 Vienna, phone: 01 587 94 06, Mo-Fri 10 am- 6pm.

Stylish bar, lounge and nightclub

2010-02-22T23:12:00.012+01:00

Lutz - die bar

This chic lounge and bar sports a sleek and spacious interior with large picture windows. Exclusive leather and wood furnishing conspire to create an ambience where the young and beautiful come to mingle, see and be seen. By day this cafe-lounge is an excellent place to escape the bustle of Mariahilferstrasse, and sit back and relax for a while. On Sundays an exquisite brunch buffet can be had (reservations are strongly recommended; the best time to come is around noon when main courses and desserts are served in addition to breakfast fare). My favorite is the Asian bean spout salad with a hint of cilantro.
Trade in hot coffee for superbly mixed cocktails as night falls - "Jazz Club" beckons with ginger beer, lime and a hint of fresh mint and is simply divine.

Thumbs up also for the state-of-the-art ventilation system that helps to appease smokers and non-smokers alike.

Nightclubs in Vienna are still a non-smokers nightmare. Completely smoke-free clubs remain a distant dream.
aeroSoul, a recently launched non-smoking clubbing event, offers a glimmer of hope though. Dance and breathe the night away at Lutz - die bar (dance club in the basement), when the dance floor remains strictly free of smoke, unless it comes from the smoke machine.

Mariahilferstrasse 3, 1060 Vienna, phone: 01 585 36 46

Traditional cafe ahead of the curve

2010-02-22T22:50:00.006+01:00

Cafe Schwarzenberg: One of the few traditional coffee houses in Vienna that is ahead of the curve. Here visitors can sample history and coffee aroma instead of tobacco fumes. In summer with a nice outdoor seating area facing the famous Ring Road.

Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Vienna, phone: 01 512 89 98

Organic brunch

2010-02-22T22:38:00.003+01:00

Cafe der Provinz
Although many cafes, restaurants and bars in Vienna are still a favorite playground for smokers, here you can lean back and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea without disappearing behind plumes of smoke. This all-organic café is the perfect place for a relaxed Sunday (or Saturday) brunch. Sample the all-you-can-eat organic buffet for 10.90€, which also includes delicious buckwheat crepes (with or without sugar) and waffles, as well as a selection of (yeast-free) breads. Reserve ahead for weekend brunch.
Maria-Treu-Gasse 3, 1080 Vienna, phone: 01 944 22 72

Active Vienna - Ice skating

2010-02-09T15:22:00.007+01:00

Winter

Ice skating - Rathausplatz: Skate away in winter wonderland against the backdrop of the beautiful neo Gothic city hall building. Every year, from mid February to early March, the plaza in front of the city hall is transformed into one of the most scenic skating rinks worldwide. This year, the rink has been expanded in size to accommodate even more visitors. If you do not own any skates, you can rent a pair for 6.50€, or after 10 pm (the skating rink is open until 11 pm every day) for only 3€.
An adult day pass for 6€ is valid for multiple entries all day, so don't worry, you have plenty of time to skate off the hearty lunch/brunch you indulged in and even sip some hot gluehwein in between.
Albeit teeming with avid skaters big and small, ice skating at Rathausplatz is the most memorable at night when spotlights and music turn the venue into a romantic evening stage.
Hurry up, as the Rathaus skating rink will only be open until March 7, 2010.

Gluttony

2010-02-06T10:48:00.003+01:00

If you like to eat, especially if you like to eat well and in large quantities, you will love Vienna. Not only are portions generously rich and large, but the city is also dotted with all-you-can-eat buffet-style eateries where you can celebrate the art of gluttony after purging your body in preparation for the big feast.

Der Wiener Deewan - Eat all you want, pay as much (or as little) as you like. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Some (gluttonous) dreams do come true - at least in Vienna - embodied by "Der Wiener Deewan", a no-frill resto reminiscent of a school cafeteria in Vienna's 9th district. Here tasty Pakistani food can be had six days a week.
All-you-can-eat buffet style choices include curry varieties, two of which are vegetarian, salad and dessert. Drinks are fixed priced, but still surprisingly low at 2-3€ per drink. The menu even boasts exotic choices, such as guanabana juice.
Despite the added dining space in the basement, it is best to avoid lunch hours when the place is buzzing with hungry students from the nearby university.
Liechtensteinstrasse 10 (U2 Schottentor), phone: 925 11 85.

Urban Nature

2010-01-31T21:11:00.000+01:00

Vienna is one of the few cities where you can easily trade in city life for pristine nature. Relax, recharge and leave the crowds and urban traffic behind, and find tranquility just outside the city limits.

Lainzer Tiergarten

In Vienna's 13th district 2500 hectares (ca. 6000 acres) of pristine nature extend along the southwestern part of the city. The former imperial hunting grounds date back to the 16th century and have been open to the public since 1919. Today this vast woodland is a nature reserve and home to many animal species, including wild boar and game, which can often be spotted roaming the forest. There are a large number of walking paths, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for children, and the Hermesvilla - the former imperial hunting lodge - can be visited in summer.
Take tram 60 or 62 to Hermesstraße and transfer to bus 60B, which takes you to Lainzer Tor (main gate to the grounds).

Cocktails

2010-01-30T01:20:00.004+01:00

Planter's Club
The exquisite interior oozes Colonial chic in dark leather and teak, framed by potted palm trees. The drinks menu reads like an epic novel with more than 300 different whiskey varieties to choose from, and the cocktails are out of this world. Ingredients include virtually everything a flavorful mixed drink could ever wish for, and the bar staff prove that they don't just look the famous 80s movie part starring Tom Cruise, but they are indeed masters of their trade. Drinks include also a large selection of fruity non-alcoholic cocktails. This posh, but not pretentious bar appeals mostly to an elegant 30+ crowd. However, a strict dress code is not enforced. This is still my number one choice when it comes to enjoying top-notch cocktails and a great ambience.
Zelinkagasse 4, phone: 01 533 33 93 15

Art meets Architecture

2010-01-24T00:50:00.006+01:00

Dotted with countless art museums and architectural masterpieces, Vienna is a paradise for art and design aficionados. A stroll along the alleyways of Vienna's historic center resembles a walk through the splendor of centuries past, where not only the magnificent architecture captures the observer's interest, but their former famous dwellers may as well.

Many an artist whose works have captured the hearts of millions has lived and walked the streets of the capital of the Habsburg Empire.

Today Vienna still boasts a fine selection of museums with the building being just as captivating as the illustrious pieces of art exhibited there.

Kunsthaus Wien/Museum Hundertwasser - Hundertwasser's buildings have made Vienna's architecture famous even beyond the magnificence of Jugendstil and stately baroque buildings. Their unique shapes and textures appear to have drawn on inspiration from gingerbread houses, mosaic artwork and Renaissance Russian churches, adding a splash of color to even the most drab Vienna winter day.

Here visitors are often more mesmerized by the museum building with its uneven floors than the works of art on display. Nonetheless, the museum is well worth a visit; the Hundertwasser museum offers a glimpse into Hundertwasser's oeuvre.

On Mondays museum tickets are 50 % off.

The non-smoking cafe next to the gift shop is a great place to chill out and take in more of Hundertwasser's playful architecture, even without visiting the museum.

Untere Weissbergerstrasse 13, 1030 Vienna, phone: 01 712 04 95

Belvedere Palace - It is not every day that you have the chance to see artwork displayed in a (former) castle. This summer palace is a prime example of high baroque and was built by famous architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt in the early 18th century. Both buildings of the palace, Oberes and Unteres Belvedere are nowadays used to showcase art. The permanent collection inside Oberes Belvedere includes some famous Klimts such as "The Kiss", while the museum also hosts smaller temporary exhibits.
The palace grounds have been featured in many architecture guides as one of the most remarkable parks in the world. Large sections of the gardens have been recently landscaped and redesigned, including one of the main fountains which now shines with new splendor. Opening hours for the Belvedere gardens vary depending on the season and the park can be visited for free even without seeing the museum.
The lesser known Botanical Garden (free of charge) can also be accessed via the Belvedere gardens and is a hidden oasis of tranquility in the middle of the bustling city. The park is home to many local and exotic plant species and is dotted with benches that encourage to kick back and unwind surrounded by this leafy backdrop.
Prinz Eugen Strasse 27 (Schloss Belvedere stop on the D tram line).

Sunday Shopping

2010-01-12T22:08:00.001+01:00

Unlike in many other countries, most shops in Vienna are closed on Sundays and holidays. Many a visitor escaping to Vienna over the weekend for a quick shopping trip has been disappointed to find that all shops close on Saturday afternoon and remain closed all day on Sunday. Holidays, such as around Christmas, can be even worse and hamper almost every attempt of unsuspecting visitors to spend their euros, dollars, yens or any other hard earned currency on waltzing and singing trinkets.
But do not throw in the towel just yet! There are some loopholes, even if they are few and far between and may require a bit of research and footwork on your part.

Books/Magazines/CDs/DVDs

phil: your livingroom away from your livingroom; this cozy cafe/book/CD and DVD store, just across the street from ramien (another Vienna hotspot serving up some of the best ramen in the city) will get book and music lovers "ooohing" and "aaahing". The handselected books, CDS and DVDs are available for purchase also on Sundays 9 am -1 am. Gumpendorferstrasse 10-12, 1060 Vienna

Thalia - Adjoining the Vienna Hilton Hotel complex just across the street from Stadtpark and the Landstraße subway station, this bookstore features a host of German and foreign language books, a large magazine section, as well as DVDs and CDs. If you would rather not add more weight to your luggage, then perhaps you wish to peruse some of the current bestsellers lounging in the seating areas strategically placed throughout the entire shop floor.
While the stationary area remains closed on Sunday, you can still browse books and magazines to your heart's content from 11 am - 9 pm. Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 2a/2b

Chocolate

Xocolat - The uncontested number one in the city when it comes to the best selection of rare, quality chocolates from various parts of the planet. Savour cocoa delicacies in style at this beautiful shop, as the magnificent building alone is worth the trip. Aside from pre-packaged chocolate specialties, you can also sample their mouthwatering praline assortment. Bachhalm's dark chocolate with rose oil and candied rose petals will win over the heart of every choconnoisseur.

And rest assured, with its new, extended opening hours, Xocolat is now also open on Sundays and holidays from noon - 5 pm to come to the rescue in case of chocolate emergencies.
Xocolat, Freyung 2 inside the arcades of Palais Ferstel, 1010 Vienna

Food

Even after a long night out on Friday, followed by most of the next day spent recuperating in bed, you can get your food shopping done after all stores close on Saturday at 6pm. Billa and Spar, the two largest supermarket chains in Austria, offer a glimmer of hope, for those in dire need of restocking their food pantries on Sunday.

Billa - locations and opening hours: Praterstern, Wien Nord train station, (e.g. subway stop Praterstern U1, U2), every day 6 am - 9 pm; Vienna International Airport terminal building (on your way down to the CAT and ÖBB train platforms), every day 6:30 am - 10 pm; Julius Tander Platz 3 (Franz Josefs Bahnhof; e.g. D tram) every day 6 am - 9 pm.

Spar - Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien; e.g. subway stop Michelbeuern AKH U6), inside the lobby of the main hospital building, Sundays and holidays open from 9 am- 7 pm.

Schnitzel and Co.

2010-01-11T13:46:00.000+01:00

Amid a hodgepodge of ethnic specialties, Austrian cuisine is still defending its top position despite its less than healthy reputation. Admittedly, making schnitzel a staple in your diet will not only help to add extra weight around your hips, but also move you up a few notches on the heart attack ladder. But in the end, the difference between poison and medicine is the dose and in addition to being balm for our palates, Austrian delicacies are also instant mood boosters.

Figlmüller - Figlmüller's paper-thin, surprisingly light (for schnitzel standards) schnitzel has deservedly earned it reputation as the best schnitzel in town. Its golden color, does not promise more than the taste delivers. Hearty, without being too greasy, its crispy texture is best paired with a fresh potato salad topped with pumpkin-seed oil, an Austrian specialty.
Tables at the extremely popular restaurant on Wollzeile book early, but if you wait 15-20 minutes at the Bäckerstrasse location (just a short stroll away from St. Stephan's Cathedral), you have good chances of securing a table, even without a reservation.
Wollzeile 5, 1010 Vienna, phone: 512 61 77
Bäckerstrasse 6, 1010 Vienna, phone: 512 17 60

Salmbräu - Kill two birds with one stone by sampling homestyle Austrian cuisine and an array of local brews at this monestary-turned-brewery. Perhaps not the best choice for an intimate romantic dinner, this rustic brick-cellar brewery is definitely a safe bet, if you want to experience authentic Viennese atmosphere. It is popular with locals and tourists alike and can get crowded especially in peak season. In summer, your best choice is the beer garden in the front. Conveniently located next to Belvedere Palace, you can top off your Klimit visit with a culinary tasting tour at Salmbräu.
Rennweg 8, 1030 Vienna, phone: 01 799 5992