Vienna's 10 Best Schnitzels

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is not only famous for its historical significance, classical music, and architectural masterpieces, but also for its incomparable and world-renowned Viennese cuisine.
“The Wiener Schnitzel is synonymous with Austria,” once said Johann Lafer, and he was absolutely right. In hardly any other country do the residents celebrate their national dish as much as the Austrians celebrate their Wiener Schnitzel.
A true Wiener Schnitzel in a high-end restaurant costs just over 20 euros. For a dish that might seem relatively simple at first glance, cooking it yourself? You can try it out yourself with our guide:

If you pay attention to a few important details, preparing the perfect crispy Wiener Schnitzel at home is possible without any trouble. Of course, one of the most important steps is choosing the right meat, followed by making the crispy breadcrumb coating and frying it properly. Here’s how to do it:

Preparing the Meat:

• Slice the meat into thin slices, about 0.5-1 cm thick.
• Gently flatten the meat with a meat mallet (with a smooth surface). Be careful not to hit too hard so the fibers aren’t destroyed.
• Season the meat with salt and pepper (the latter can also be added after frying to avoid excessive sharpness).

The Heart of It All, the Crispy Coating:

• Prepare three plates: one with sifted all-purpose flour, one with beaten egg, and one with fresh breadcrumbs.
• First, coat the meat in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure the meat is evenly covered. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks better.
• When breading, it is absolutely crucial to follow the right order.

Alternative: Schnitzels can also be breaded without breadcrumbs (known as the "Parisian Schnitzel"). Using cornflakes or oats instead of traditional breadcrumbs is becoming increasingly popular.

Frying the Schnitzel:

• Right after breading, place your Wiener Schnitzel in a hot pan and fry it in clarified butter until it’s golden. Make sure the pan is large enough for the schnitzel to "swim."
• Swirl the pan regularly during frying and cook the schnitzel on both sides until they are golden brown.

The Right Side Dish:

The classic side is, of course, potato salad, often served with lamb's lettuce, which is usually served alongside Wiener Schnitzel in Austria.
However, depending on taste, cucumber salad or mixed green salad with parsley or fried potatoes can also be served. For those with a sweet tooth, a small bowl of cranberries can also be offered.

If you don’t want to cook it yourself, want to relax, or are simply visiting our beautiful Vienna, here are our top 10 schnitzel recommendations in Vienna (don’t forget to reserve):

1. Meierei im Stadtpark

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 13 - Museum of Applied Arts -  und 14 - City Park - Red & Blue Line

Address: Am Heumarkt 2A, Stadtpark, 1030 Wien

The popular face of the gourmet temple Steirereck not only offers an excellent cheese selection at the milk bar but also delicious breakfasts and dishes from Viennese cuisine. Among them is one of the best Wiener Schnitzels in the city.

2. Schlawiener Wirtshaus

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 4 - Naschmarkt/Secession - Red Line

Address: Preßgasse 29, 1040 Wien

The Schlawiener is a rustic yet young tavern for everyone. Here, tavern classics are served, sometimes with a light Asian twist.

3. Gasthaus Wolf 

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 4 - Naschmarkt/Secession - Red Line

Address: Große Neugasse 20, 1040 Wien

At Gasthaus Wolf, you can enjoy upscale tavern cuisine with high-quality products.

4. Restaurant Ofenloch

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 1 - State Opera - Yellow & Blue Line

Address: Kurrentgasse 8, 1010 Wien

At Restaurant Ofenloch, you can expect excellent cuisine and fine wines.

5. Zu den drei Haken

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 13 - Museum of Applied Arts -  und 14 - City Park - Red & Blue Line

Address: Singerstraße 28, 1010 Wien

The restaurant "To the Three Hooks" treats you to traditional Viennese cuisine in a historic setting. With its cozy rooms, it is one of the oldest taverns in the city. Even the facade reflects old Viennese tavern culture.

6. Gasthof zum Renner 

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 20 - DDSG (Pier 6) - Blue Line

Address: Neudorfer Platz 4, 1190 Wien

Gasthof Zum Renner is a Viennese tradition. Since 1899, the Beer-Renner family has been offering hospitality in Vienna. Here, you can enjoy refined Viennese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

7. Pichlmaiers zum Herkner

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 35 - Strudelhofstiege -  Green Line

Aderess: Dornbacher Straße 123, 1170 Wien

Here, you can enjoy Austrian and classic French dishes with modern influences.

8. Figlmüller 

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 13  -Museum of Applied Arts - Red & Blue Line

Adresse: Bäckerstraße 7, 1010 Wien

From the beginning, Figlmüller represented the unique Viennese way of life: a tavern where you can chat and celebrate in style. A refined menu and selected wines. And, of course, the original interpretation of the schnitzel.

9. Herbeck Neue Gastwirtschaft

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 35 - Strudelhofstiege -  Gree Line

Address: Scheibenbergstraße 11, 1180 Wien

One of the most beautiful suburban and end station restaurants in Vienna has been revived, with a minimalist look and authentically charming cuisine.

10. Restaurant Eckel

HOP ON HOP OFF Station: Stop 47 – Votive Church -  Bllue & Green Line

Address: Sieveringer Straße 46, 1190 Wien

Here, you'll enjoy simple, well-established Viennese cuisine, composed from the most natural of ingredients.

Vegan options are making their way into Viennese cuisine as well. More and more plant-based alternatives to the classic Wiener Schnitzel are appearing on local menus. The variety of options is expanding, and here are a few suggestions:

• Hollerei, Hollergasse 9, 1150 Vienna
• Loving Hut Wienerberg, Maria Kuhn Gasse 6/3, 1100 Vienna
• Landia, Ahornergasse 4, 1070 Vienna

• In 2007, the Wiener Schnitzel was declared an intangible cultural heritage of Austria by UNESCO.
• Since a few years ago, the USA celebrates National Wiener Schnitzel Day on September 9. The origins of this day are not documented, and it is unclear who initiated it or why it is on September 9.
• The Wiener Schnitzel has inspired variations worldwide, including Japan's Tonkatsu and America's Chicken-Fried Steak.

Enjoy!