Landstraße spans a broad culinary spectrum – from Michelin-starred restaurants to pizza sliced served on paper plates. Furthermore, an increasing number of up-and-coming restaurateurs are finding their home along Landstraßer Hauptstraße.
There are districts in Vienna that radiate a very special energy – and Landstraße is certainly one of them. Vienna's third district offers a captivating blend of history and modernity; here, old traditions meet new perspectives. As you stroll through its streets, the district’s diversity quickly becomes apparent. Beyond well-known landmarks like the Hundertwasserhaus and Belvedere Palace, you’ll discover charming boutiques, cozy restaurants, and plenty of spots to linger.
From the green oasis of Stadtpark to lively streets lined with small shops and hip cafés, Landstraße reveals its charm not only in its unique mix of 19th century elegance and contemporary architecture or its thriving gastronomy, but, above all, in the locals and the atmosphere that shapes it.
One of the culinary highlights is Apron, which has risen to prominence in recent years. Under the creative direction of Jakob Karner – formerly sous chef and promoted to head chef as of September 2024 – the restaurant presents a modern interpretation of Austrian cuisine. His dishes, rooted in regional ingredients and refined with artistic flair, embody the spirit of Landstraße: traditional at heart, yet boldly forward-looking.
Just a short walk from the Stadtpark lies one of the city’s freshest addresses: The Hoxton, Vienna. This newcomer wasted no time making an impression with its sleek, contemporary design and its culinary offerings. The in-house bistro Bouvier combines French charm with New York flair and is equally suited for brunch, lunch, or dinner. For sweeping views of the city stretching all the way to Kahlenberg, head to the hotel’s rooftop terrace. Here, Caya Coco channels the spirit of 1950s Havana with tropical cocktails served in a lively, retro atmosphere.
Vacation vibes are also just a few minutes away at Lucullus, a restaurant that transports guests straight to Italy. Lemon-filled glasses, orange trees, and clay pots create the perfect backdrop for an aperitivo in its leafy garden.
No culinary exploration of Landstraße would be complete without Steirereck, the city’s culinary crown jewel. Located right in the Stadtpark, it boasts three Michelin stars and four Falstaff forks and is helmed by the celebrated duo Heinz and Birgit Reitbauer – he in the kitchen, she as the gracious host. Dining here is as much about artistry as it is about excellence. And when you step back into the park afterward, the contrast between the bustle of the city and the calm greenery reminds you of what makes this district so special.
For something completely different, seek out Vienna’s most unconventional pizzeria: Cibo Colorato. Instead of operating out of traditional premises, pizzaiolo Vincenzo Iovine serves his Neapolitan masterpieces straight through the window of a former sausage stand. Authentic, unfussy, and utterly delicious – it’s a favorite of street food lovers.
Sticking with street food, another must-try is Pumpui, a small eatery serving authentic Thai cuisine. The pak yang – spicy, bold, and packed with flavor – is a standout. With its casual, almost improvised atmosphere, the restaurant transports you directly to Bangkok’s vibrant streets. Could this be Vienna’s best Thai spot? Quite possibly.
From Radetzkyplatz, the path leads to Café Menta, a place that radiates quiet, hidden charm. Here, everything centers on unhurried afternoons over good coffee, drinks, and light snacks – an ideal place to linger and experience the district from a local’s perspective.
In the nearby Weißgerberviertel, a favorite is Das Goldene Stück (“The Golden Piece”). Everything here is handmade from regional ingredients, with an extra commitment to sustainability: Much of the fruit and vegetables are rescued from being thrown away. “We want to show everyone what can be done with produce like this,” says co-founder Alexandra Hilweg. The result is a café that feels fresh, thoughtful, and forward-looking.
Wine lovers should not miss Heunisch & Erben, where wine is an infectious passion. Founders Robert Brandhofer and Markus Gould lovingly call it a “drinking establishment of the heart.” For them, the district is “a mix of sleepiness, local flavor, and a slow rise” – a neighborhood still spared from big anonymous chains, where small owner-run businesses can thrive. Their extensive wine selection, much of it available by the glass, pairs perfectly with their carefully curated menu, creating a space that is equal parts bar and restaurant. It’s the kind of place where evenings slip by effortlessly in the company of good friends.
To round off your culinary journey through Landstraße, make a stop at Elvira’s, which has been serving authentic Ukrainian cuisine since 2013 – according to recipes hostess Elvira Sari learned from her mother. Here you’ll find comforting home-style dishes such as handmade vareniki, pelmeni, and borscht. For Sari, the area holds a special charm: “In the third district, you find yourself in the middle of the action, but it also offers a slower-paced Vienna – without having to give up the best sides of the city.”
For something sweet, head to NATA Lisboa, which brings a taste of Portugal to Vienna with its irresistible pastéis de nata – a must for anyone passing through. Right across the street, you’ll find Crazy Butcher, a modern deli and butcher's run by Denis Dobric and Dejan Ilic. Their products come directly from regional farmers who practice sustainable, animal-appropriate husbandry. Alongside the classics, they often stock rare cuts, and custom orders are welcomed.
Just a few doors down lies another highlight: Lingenhel Greißlerei, Restaurant & Käserei. Owner Johannes Lingenhel has created a small temple of indulgence here, offering first-rate products sourced from his own production and from select fine retailers – everything from bread, ham, sausages, and cheese. The crown jewel, however, is the selection from the in-house cheese dairy, which should not be missed.
Adding fresh energy to the district is Nobilis, a newcomer on Erdbergstraße – an area less known for fine dining. Opened only a few months ago by a young couple with no prior experience in gastronomy, the restaurant found its footing with chef Maron Ackerbauer, just 18 years old and trained at the Nikkei restaurant Dining Ruhm. Together with 20-year-old Konstantin Duma-Vrablicz, he now crafts elegant Austrian cuisine in an open show kitchen, proving that culinary passion can thrive even off the beaten track.
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