Restaurants in Austria

I am providing the listings which include samplings of Restaurants in a variety of price ranges, with an emphasis on the unique or special. A night's stay at a renovated castle, cloister or former brewery will make your trip especially memorable. Throughout Austria, most prices include breakfast. During the winter, ski resorts and snow-destination hotels often include "half-board" rates in their prices. Some resort hotels require half-board when you book three days or more. Guests are provided with breakfast and either lunch or dinner in the Restaurants dining rooms. This practice is reflected in serving times at nearby nonhotel restaurants—many are not open for lunch.


Food and Drink

Each region has its specialty, with influences coming from Italy, Slovenia and Germany. Much of traditional Austrian food relies on simplicity—meat schnitzels (cutlets) are served with salads and potatoes, sometimes with soups beforehand. Tafelspitz, or boiled beef, is the most well known national specialty, although, if you are after something more unusual, you could try the Styrian specialty, bloodand- liver sausages. Game and fish are often prepared using old aristocratic recipes. The more famous Austrian chefs have taken theseold dishes and interpreted them in new exciting ways. From the most exclusive elegant dining room to the smallest stube or gasthof, there's much to enjoy.

Tip : IF YOU FIND YOURSELF TRAVELLING THROUGH THE BUCOLIC AUSTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE (OR OUTSIDE THE CITY IN ANY COUNTRY, FOR THAT MATTER), LET THE LOCALS BE YOUR CULINARY GUIDE. VERY OFTEN, THEY WILL INTRODUCE YOU TO LOCAL DELICACIES AND DISHES THAT YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE THE OPPURTUNITY TO TRY IN THE CITY.

And don't forget dessert—Austria is noted for its pastries, chocolates and cakes. Each afternoon, most citizens take a break, stopping at cafes or small sweet shops for a pastry served with coffee. Sachertorte is a staggeringly delicious, dense chocolate covered cake and is not to be missed (especially if you can get it at the Cafe Sacher in Vienna). The apple strudel is an absolute must, as is the Salzbttrger Nockerln (a souffle heaped to resemble the three mountains surrounding Salzburg). Coffee is served in any conceivable concoction; espresso lovers will believe they are in paradise.

Vineyards and breweries keep Austrians well supplied with an array of wines and beers. Klosterneuburger is perhaps the best white wine. Other choices include the popular Gumpoldskirchern and Welschrieslinjj. Red wines include Bluer, Protuffieser and Zweigelt.

In Vienna and Lower Austria, take time to visit a heuriger, or "new wine" garden. Found principally in Grinzing and other regions near the Vienna Woods, these establishments sell "new wines" made from the grapes of the current year. These full-bodied, potent wines were beloved by Joseph II. A trip to one of these family-owned taverns is a must for anyone who appreciates wines.

Of the beers, Gosser Brau is a rich brew made in Styria. It's fullbodied and fine, available in light or dark. Schwechater is tops in Vienna. Imported liquors are often exorbitantly priced,but local schnapps and fruited brandies can be found at prices that won't hit your wallet too hard. On the ski slopes, schnapps (often flavored with fruit juices or spices) warms up chilled bones. Finally, popular— especially in Vienna—bowk is a delicious summer punch made of cognac, white wine, champagne or curacao and fresh fruits, served from a bowl.

Tipping

For the waiter (the person who serves you, not the headwaiter), 5 percent extra above your total; bartender, 10 percent of the drink cost; hotel housekeeper, $5 per night; washroom attendant, $2; taxi driver, 10 percent of fare; doorman, $1; porter and bellhop, $2-$5.

Telephone

The international access code for both the United States and Canada is 001, followed by the area code and seven-digit local number. To telephone Austria, dial 43; time difference (Eastern Daylight) plus 6 hours.