Carinthia and Graz Restaurants

Through much of Carinthia you'll discover that, other than simple Gasthäuser (wine taverns), most dining spots are not independent establishments but belong to country inns. Carinthia's peasant tradition is reflected in its culinary specialties, such as Kärntner Käsnudeln (giant ravioli stuffed with a ricotta-like local cheese, and a whisper of mint), Sterz (polenta served either sweet or salty), and Hauswürste (smoked or air-cured hams and sausages, available at butcher shops).

Styria, bordering on Slovenia, has a hearty cuisine with Slavic overtones; a typical dish is Steirisches Brathuhn (roast chicken turned on a spit). The intensely nutty Kürbiskernöl (pumpkinseed oil) is used in many soup and pasta dishes, as well as in salad dressings, or to top off vanilla ice cream.

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  • 1. Die Herzl Weinstube

    $$

    Located in Mehlplatz, one of the oldest squares of Graz, Die Herzl restaurant opened in 1934 and is known for both its tavernlike atmosphere and its traditional Austrian cuisine. Seasonal entrées are mixed with typical Austrian dishes such as Gemischter Salat (a mix of cucumber, potato, and sauerkraut on lettuce) or the Gebackener Camembert (fried Camembert cheese served with tart berry chutney). Drink local Austrian white and red wines such as Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling (white), or Zweigelt and Blauburger (red).

    Prokopigasse 12/Mehlplatz, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-824--300

    Known For

    • Traditional Austrian cooking
    • Great local wine list
    • Affordable lunch specials
  • 2. Aiola Upstairs

    $$$$

    A tiny bar, café, and restaurant, Aiola is located at the top of the Schlossberg mountain fortress. The restaurant serves traditional Austrian breakfasts with a selection of bread, cheese, and meat, and dinner entrées such as porcini mushroom risotto and the Aiola-style grill plate, which includes beef, lamb, and cheese. Relax under crisp, white-canvas umbrellas on an outdoor deck, or behind the glass walls that blend with the environment. Enjoy a glass of the local dry Rose Schilcher or a coffee with all of Graz spread out before you.

    Schlossberg 2, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-818797

    Known For

    • Gorgeous views
    • Unique architecture
    • Nice wine list
  • 3. Altsteirische Schmankerlstub'n

    $$

    A good choice to experience authentic Styrian cooking, this old Graz institution is reminiscent of a cozy country cottage. Salads are a must here, prepared with the Styrian specialty, Kürbiskernöl, or pumpkinseed oil. Main courses include Rinderschulterscherzl, boiled beef with pumpkin puree and roasted potatoes, or chicken breast in a creamy herb sauce. A vegetarian menu, with choices like potato strudel with sour-cream dip and spaetzle sprinkled with leeks and cheese, is always offered. Often, every table in the Schmankerlstub'n is taken, so if you're alone, you may be asked if others could share your table.

    Sackstrasse 10, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-833211

    Known For

    • Cozy decor (and seating arrangements)
    • Local Styrian cuisine
    • Great vegetarian menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards
  • 4. Bar-Bistro 151

    $$$

    Inventive dishes, excellent staff, and an inviting atmosphere sum up a visit to 151. Chef Markus Vidermann cooks up a small but fascinating menu of Austrian and international flavors, including vegan options and multiple-course tasting menus. Dinner only. The seating layout doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy, but the service and food more than make up for it. The luminescent bar has a good selection of gin, rum, and Austrian and international wines.

    Höhenweg 151, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, 9073, Austria
    676-615--1151

    Known For

    • Top service
    • Creative cocktails
    • Beautiful atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 5. Bierhaus zum Augustin

    $

    This rustic brewery is in one of the oldest buildings in Klagenfurt and attracts a mixed and lively clientele. The excellent beer produced here pairs perfectly with the local cuisine. If the weather permits, try to get a place in the lovely courtyard. Its convenient location in the city center makes it a popular meeting place; be prepared for a crowd.

    Pfarrhofgasse 2, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, 9020, Austria
    0463-513–992

    Known For

    • Great home-brewed beer menu
    • Large portions of Austrian classics
    • Awesome courtyard

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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  • 6. Cafe Schwalbennest

    $

    A tiny old house turned coffee shop in the center of the city, Cafe Schwalbennest serves traditional Austrian cakes such as homemade sweet poppy seed and cheese-curd tort. It's also a great breakfast spot with regionally sourced cheese and meat, and has a nice Austrian wine list for later in the day. Green shutters on a red facade make Cafe Schwalbennest easy to spot, and there is an upstairs patio overlooking the River Mur, which runs through Graz. But beware, with only three tables upstairs, it can be difficult to snag a spot.

    Franziskanerplatz 1, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-818892

    Known For

    • Great breakfasts
    • Homemade cakes
    • Small space that fills up quickly

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., No credit cards
  • 7. Gasthaus Pumpe

    $

    When nothing but a hearty goulash will do, the Gasthaus Pumpe is the top Klagenfurt choice. Fresh Puntingammer beer on tap is just one of the highlights of this humble spot which is popular with locals looking to hang out with friends and enjoy a few beers and large plates of sausage, schnitzel, or other Austrian delights. Typical pub atmosphere and service means occasional shared tables and casual staff. The inner courtyard is lovely when the weather is nice.

    Lidmannskygasse 2, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria
    0463-571--96

    Known For

    • Excellent goulash
    • Large plates are good for groups
    • Lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 8. Gasthaus zur Alten Press

    $

    Warm wooden parlors, romantic corners, and authentic Austrian cuisine define this rustic spot. Products are mainly local and seasonal, in keeping with the restaurant's slow-food philosophy. Pumpkin and dark-green pumpkinseed oil are prominent ingredients. Try the schnitzel in a coat of pumpkinseeds with potatoes and field salad or homemade pasta with pumpkinseed pesto. Leave space for dessert such as parfait with plum jam. The daily lunch menus are popular with locals, and the restaurant can get packed quickly.

    Griesgasse 8, Graz, Styria, 8020, Austria
    0316-719–770

    Known For

    • Rustic and busy atmosphere
    • Local and seasonal products
    • Pumpkin and pumpkinseed dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner Sat.
  • 9. Landhauskeller

    $$$$

    The magnificent centuries-old Landhaus complex also includes this popular traditional restaurant. Styrian beef is the main event here, but there are lots of other tasty dishes to choose from. The place contains a labyrinth of charming old-world dining rooms set within the ancient arcaded Landhaus itself. Weather permitting, try to get a table in the historic courtyard.

    Schmiedgasse 9, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-830276

    Known For

    • Beautiful courtyard seating
    • Popular cocktail menu
    • Styrian beef dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 10. Maria Loretto

    $$$

    Gorgeous is the word to describe this spot's perch, which offers a view over the Wörthersee and makes a fitting backdrop for some of the area's best seafood. This former villa offers several romantic dining rooms in champagne and red tones, or you can sit outdoors on the wraparound terrace overlooking the glistening water. Don't miss the appetizer of delicate trout caviar and smoked salmon on crispy toast points, then try the grilled calamari or Seeteufel medallions (monkfish drizzled with garlic butter). For dessert, try the sinfully good Grand Marnier parfait. You'll need a taxi to get here.

    Lorettoweg 54, Klagenfurt, Carinthia, 9020, Austria
    0463-24465

    Known For

    • Lake views
    • Beautiful terrace
    • Amazing seafood like trout caviar

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. in Oct., Mon.--Tues. in Nov., Credit cards accepted, Warm food daily 11 am–10 pm in July and Aug., Reservations essential
  • 11. Peppino im Hofkeller

    $$$$

    With its vaulted ceiling and dark, gleaming wainscoting, Peppino im Hofkeller offers the most innovative Italian cuisine in the city. The chef serves a classic Italian menu that includes homemade pasta dressed with seasonal specialties and wonderfully fresh seafood. Look for the generous arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, tagliatelle with mushrooms and prosciutto, and sea bass atop a mound of grilled vegtables.

    Hofgasse 8, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-697511

    Known For

    • Excellent Italian cooking
    • Sardinian wine list
    • Good fish selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Noon–3, 6 pm–10 pm
  • 12. Sacher

    $$$

    Joining the expanding enterprise of Sacher cafés in Austria's most prominent cities, Graz's Sacher is everything you would expect from a Sacher Café—lots of gilt, crimson upholstery, sparking chandeliers, and Viennese dessert, including the rich chocolate Sachertorte. If you're hungry for a meal, there are breakfast, lunch, and dinner specialties. Try the Styrian Almochsen fillet (Alp steer) with seasonal vegetables, or one of the unrivaled desserts, like the nougat parfait with egg liquor. In the adjoining Sacher Wein-Snackbar, you can choose tasty snacks to blend with a full-bodied Austrian white wine or champagne.

    Herrengasse 6, Graz, Styria, 8010, Austria
    0316-80050

    Known For

    • Famed Sachertorte dessert
    • Popular wine bar
    • Typical Austrian cafe

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 13. Salon Marie

    $$$

    Salon Marie offers a stylish setting with its chandeliers, greenery, and floor-to-ceiling street art by Josef Wurm. The expansive menu by Chef Aleš Rascan truly includes something for everyone, be it Holstein schnitzel, BBQ chicken, or vegan homemade spring rolls and falafel. The Sunday Roast offers a three-course buffet including goose and Beef Wellington.

    Grieskai 4-8, Graz, Styria, Austria
    0316-706683

    Known For

    • Cordon bleu
    • Good wine list
    • Showpiece bar
  • 14. Villa Bucher

    $$$

    Pause your medieval wanderings to indulge in classic Carinthian dishes, homemade noodles, and of course a selection of fish dishes at the restaurant in Friesach's most popular hotel. Interiors are simple and classy, but the best spot is perched on the terrace with a view of the square.

    Hauptplatz 11, Friesach, Carinthia, Austria
    04268-25100

    Known For

    • Historic wine cellar
    • Large terrace
    • Traditional menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Sun. lunch only

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