Vienna, the city of music, art, and imperial grandeur, has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. While images of Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte might immediately spring to mind, a delightful surprise awaits vegetarian and vegan travelers: Vienna boasts a thriving and increasingly diverse vegetarian food scene. Far from being an afterthought, plant-based cuisine is gaining momentum, making Vienna a wonderfully welcoming city for those seeking delicious, meat-free meals. From innovative vegan restaurants to traditional establishments embracing plant-based alternatives, this guide unveils the best vegetarian options Vienna has to offer, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.
While Vienna is renowned for its traditional dishes deeply rooted in meat consumption, times are changing. Many of the culinary delights can be reimagined with vegetarian twists. Think of the classic Wiener Schnitzel, traditionally a breaded veal cutlet. Now, imagine a similar experience using firm tofu, seitan, or even large, meaty mushrooms, breaded and fried to golden perfection. Tafelspitz, a boiled beef dish, might be replaced with a hearty vegetable broth filled with root vegetables, dumplings, and herbs. Even the famous Sachertorte can be found in vegan versions, substituting eggs and dairy for plant-based alternatives without compromising on the rich, chocolatey indulgence. The growing awareness of vegetarianism and veganism among the local population has spurred chefs to experiment and create exciting, innovative dishes that cater to diverse palates. Restaurants throughout the city are increasingly incorporating vegetarian options into their menus, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based ingredients.
Restaurant Recommendations: Vegetarian Highlights in Vienna
Vienna’s vegetarian restaurant scene is flourishing, with options ranging from dedicated vegan establishments to restaurants offering extensive vegetarian menus. Here are some highlights:
Dedicated Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
These establishments are completely committed to plant-based cuisine, offering a wide variety of creative and flavorful dishes.
Loving Hut
A global chain, Loving Hut brings its entirely vegan menu to Vienna, serving a diverse range of Asian-inspired dishes. Expect flavorful curries, noodle soups, and stir-fries, all made with plant-based ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Price range: Budget-friendly. Location: Multiple locations throughout Vienna. You can search online for a location nearest to you. The special thing about the loving hut is that it’s all vegan, very delicious and has many locations throughout vienna, especially near tourist spots.
Tian Bistro am Spittelberg
While its sister restaurant Tian holds Michelin stars, Tian Bistro offers a more casual and accessible vegetarian dining experience. The menu features creative and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Expect innovative flavour combinations and beautifully presented plates. Price range: Mid-range. Location: Spittelberggasse. Tian Bistro am Spittelberg is very good with a great mid-range price point.
Venuss Bistro
A modern and stylish bistro serving entirely plant-based comfort food. The menu is seasonal but always offers a great range of dishes such as burgers, pasta, salads, and deserts. The ingredients are always of a great quality and mostly regional. Price range: Mid-range. Location: Mariahilfer Straße
Restaurants with Excellent Vegetarian Options
Many traditional Austrian and international restaurants are embracing vegetarian cuisine and offering delectable plant-based choices.
Restaurant Wrenkh
Known for its commitment to seasonal and regional ingredients, Restaurant Wrenkh offers a separate vegetarian menu with innovative and flavorful dishes. The restaurant also hosts cooking classes, allowing you to learn the secrets of Austrian vegetarian cuisine. Price range: Mid-range to High-end. Location: Bauernmarkt. Restaurant Wrenkh also caters to many different palates.
Yamm!
A popular restaurant serving a buffet-style selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes from around the world. You pay by weight, allowing you to sample a variety of flavours and create your own personalized meal. Price range: Mid-range. Location: Universitätsring. Yamm! Is very convenient and budget-friendly.
Swing Kitchen
This hip eatery has a focus on Burgers and fries. What makes it special is that everything on the menu is vegan, including burgers with plant-based patties, salads and even milkshakes. The location is near many spots of interest. Price Range: Budget-friendly. Location: Operngasse
Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Eats
Eating vegetarian in Vienna doesn’t have to break the bank. Numerous options cater to budget-conscious travelers.
Naschmarkt
This bustling open-air market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of vegetarian options. Sample falafel, hummus, and other Middle Eastern delights, or explore the numerous stands selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and prepared salads. Location: Near Karlsplatz. The Naschmarkt is a great way to eat on a budget.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Asian Restaurants
Many Asian restaurants throughout Vienna offer delicious and affordable vegetarian dishes, such as tofu stir-fries, vegetable curries, and noodle soups. Look for restaurants serving Vietnamese, Thai, or Chinese cuisine. Locations: Scattered throughout the city.
Anker or other Bakery Chains
Anker, and other bakery chains, have many tasty vegetarian options such as sandwiches, salads, and pastries. They are quick and cheap.
Cafe Culture with Vegetarian Delights
Vienna’s renowned cafe culture extends to vegetarian options.
Cafe Hawelka
This legendary cafe offers a selection of vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and cakes. It’s a great place to soak up the Viennese atmosphere and enjoy a classic coffee with a plant-based treat. Location: Dorotheergasse. Cafe Hawelka has a lot of delicious treats!
Aida
Aida, a chain of pink-themed cafes, offers a wide range of cakes and pastries, including some vegetarian options. Be sure to check the ingredients before ordering. Location: Multiple locations throughout Vienna. Aida is another cafe chain with vegetarian options.
Special vegetarian or vegan events
Vienna often hosts seasonal farmers markets and special food festivals where vegetarian and vegan food options abound. Keep an eye out for these events, which offer a unique opportunity to sample local and international plant-based cuisine.
Tips for Vegetarian Travelers in Vienna
Navigating a new city as a vegetarian can be daunting, but these tips will help you enjoy a seamless and delicious experience in Vienna.
How to Order in Restaurants
Learning a few basic phrases in German can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few essential phrases:
“Ich bin Vegetarier/Vegetarierin.” (I am a vegetarian.)
“Haben Sie vegetarische Gerichte?” (Do you have vegetarian dishes?)
“Ist das vegetarisch/vegan?” (Is this vegetarian/vegan?)
“Ohne Fleisch, bitte.” (Without meat, please.)
“Gibt es eine vegane Option?” (Is there a vegan option?)
“Welche Zutaten sind in diesem Gericht?” (Which ingredients are in this dish?)
Navigating Supermarkets
Vienna’s supermarkets offer a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan products. Look for tofu, tempeh, plant-based milk, vegetarian sausages, and other meat alternatives in the refrigerated sections. Many supermarkets also have dedicated sections for organic and vegetarian foods. Stores like Billa, Spar, and Hofer (Aldi) are widely available and generally carry a variety of plant-based options.
Using Apps and Online Resources
Several apps and websites can help you find vegetarian restaurants and reviews in Vienna. HappyCow is a popular resource that allows you to search for vegetarian and vegan restaurants near you, read reviews, and see photos of dishes. Google Maps can also be helpful for finding restaurants with vegetarian options and reading customer reviews.
Be Aware of Hidden Ingredients
In some traditional Austrian dishes, animal products may be used as hidden ingredients. Be aware of potential pitfalls like lard (Schmalz) used in pastries or soups, butter in sauces, and gelatin in desserts. Always ask about the ingredients if you are unsure.
Beyond Restaurants: Vegetarian-Friendly Experiences
Vienna offers experiences beyond simply dining in restaurants.
Consider visiting local farmers’ markets to sample fresh, seasonal produce and discover regional specialties. If you’re interested in learning how to cook Austrian vegetarian cuisine, consider taking a cooking class. Several cooking schools in Vienna offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly courses. Explore the vibrant street food scene, which often includes vegetarian options such as falafel wraps, vegetable skewers, and Asian-inspired dishes.
Vienna’s culinary landscape is continually evolving, with vegetarian and vegan options becoming increasingly prevalent and innovative. Exploring the city’s diverse vegetarian food scene is a delightful adventure, offering a chance to discover new flavors, embrace plant-based cuisine, and experience the warmth of Viennese hospitality. So, pack your bags, sharpen your appetite, and get ready to enjoy a delicious vegetarian journey through Vienna. This city proves that plant-based eating can be just as sophisticated, indulgent, and deeply satisfying as any traditional culinary experience. Bon appétit, or as they say in Vienna, “Mahlzeit!”
