The best Schnitzel in Vienna: Where to enjoy the classics!

A visit to Vienna without having a Wiener Schnitzel? Impossible! Whether you’re in the city for the first time or you're a repeat visitor – the schnitzel is a must-try. But where can you find the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna? Which restaurants serve the tenderest meat, the crispiest breading, and the most authentic side dishes?

In this guide, we take you on a culinary journey to the top 10 schnitzel spots in Vienna. From the classics in the city centre to our favourites - you can find out everything you need to know here.

A proper Wiener Schnitzel must be made from veal. It should be thinly pounded, coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried golden brown in clarified butter. The breading should be airy and easily separate from the meat. The result: a crispy crust that perfectly wraps the tender meat.

A true Wiener Schnitzel is traditionally made from veal.

Pork is cheaper and equally popular. This version is called "Schnitzel Wiener Art."

Side dishes like potato salad, lingonberries, or parsley potatoes complete the experience.

Here are the best places to enjoy a good Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, with the added bonus of Vienna City Card discountsn (ee recommend that you book a table in advance!):

1. Café Landtmann
Universitätsring 4, 1010 Vienna

Café Landtmann is a place to eat and drink, to chat and enjoy. The extensive menu includes coffee specialities, daily fresh pastries and cakes as well as the most popular dishes of Viennese and Austrian cuisine.

2. Piaristenkeller
Piaristengasse 45, 1080 Vienna

A 300-year-old monastery cellar with a historic restaurant, the Emperor Franz Joseph Hat Museum and the wine vault of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Wine Treasury. Whether it's good food in the music parlour or entertaining parties with 300 guests in the widely ramified vaults - the charm of this monastery cellar lies to a large extent in its everlasting romance, which can only grow over centuries.

3. Zwölf-Apostelkeller
Sonnenfelsgasse 3, 1010 Vienna

The menu offers an extensive selection of typical Austrian dishes. In addition to the original Viennese veal schnitzel ‘Kaiser style’, you will also find the traditional Tafelspitz. The classic Fiakergulasch is a speciality of the house and is unique in combination with the right beer.

4. Die Allee im Grünen Prater
Hauptallee 124, 1020 Vienna

Let real Viennese delicacies melt in your mouth, savour international meat delicacies and enjoy Viennese-style barbecue.

5. Kelsen
Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3 · 1010 Vienna

In honour of nature, only the best ingredients from the region are served here. At KELSEN, Austrian cuisine is celebrated in every way and sometimes turned on its head.

6. Stuwer
Rockhgasse 1, 1010 Vienna and Stuwerstraße 47, 1020 Vienna

Austrian cuisine with an international outlook is served here. Whether homemade bread, home-made croquettes or beef tartare finely sliced with a knife. From the best Beisl Schnitzel to incredible vegan dishes. Food and drinks with no ifs and buts. Meat, fish, fruit and vegetables are sourced from Austria wherever possible. A handmade and homemade flavour experience. 

7. Witwe Bolte
Gutenberggasse 13, 1070 Vienna

The atmosphere here is typically Viennese. While enjoying a juicy roast pork or Wienerschnitzel and a glass of fine Wachau wine, the quiet diner realises just how beautiful life is. Guests simply feel the historical ambience and the attention to detail.

8. Lenz Social Dining
Am Stadtpark 1, 1030 Vienna

In Wien Mitte you can enjoy creative Austro tapas, imaginative sharing-style food creations, exquisite wines and a cosy, stylish and convivial Viennese atmosphere that is best enjoyed in good company.

9. Joseph II Restaurant Schönbrunn
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna

Joseph II is a modern restaurant in the heart of the imperial summer residence Schönbrunn Palace in the centre of Vienna. It combines both classic and modern elements and offers guests a unique taste experience in a cosy atmosphere, traditional Viennese delicacies and a cross-section of the best wines from the region and Austria. 

10. Émile Restaurant
Schottenring 11, 1010 Vienna

The food and drinks on offer have an international appeal and are also inspired by authentic, local Viennese influences. You can choose from an exquisite selection of timeless classics and carefully curated signatures.

In the city center, prices typically range from 20 to 30 euros. More affordable alternatives can be found in Beisls or inns.

Whether you're searching for the best veal schnitzel in Vienna or simply want to enjoy a great Wiener Schnitzel, you’ll find it here. Our recommendations will help you find the perfect restaurant, whether it’s in the heart of the city or a hidden gem in a cozy Beisl.