The Best Food in Salzburg

The restaurant scene in Salzburg is incredibly diverse. It offers the best of experimental, modern dining as well as some of the oldest establishments in Europe.

Hangar-7 is one of the most unique food destinations in Austria. Located inside Salzburg’s airport, it’s home to the historic Flying Bulls aircraft fleet and some of the best modern fine dining in the city. It’s here that you’ll find both Restaurant Ikarus and Carpe Diem Lounge & Café, alongside shops, bars, and art exhibitions.

The Michelin-starred Restaurant Ikarus features a new guest chef every month. This ambitious concept has attracted chefs from around the world, with each designing their own 8-12 course menu. The experience is truly unique- and will definitely be the best airport meal you’ve ever had.

Carpe Diem Lounge & Café serves breakfast as a selection of small plates- you just have to choose from either a sweet or savoury menu. Each offers a substantial spread, but it’s still worth ordering both if there’s more than one of you.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, Restaurant Gasthaus Hinterbrühl and Gasthaus Zwettler's have some of the best Austrian food in Salzburg.

At Restaurant Gasthaus Hinterbrühl, try the Wiener schnitzel, a meal no trip to Austria would be complete without. This iconic dish is made with a thin slice of breaded, pan-fried meat. The recipe is so important to the Austrians they’ve protected it by law- it’s only Wiener schnitzel if it’s made with veal.

Gasthaus Zwettler's has a number of authentic Austrian menu options, but their Salzburger Nockerl is especially good. These sweet souffles are a speciality of the city- the three peaks of the dumpling represent the hills surrounding Salzburg. They’re incredibly filling, so a great excuse to eat dessert first.

For a truly historic experience, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, in the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey, is more than 1200 years old, making it the oldest inn in Central Europe. It now offers two contemporary restaurant concepts, Peter and Achthundert&Drei.

Zum Eulenspiegel, on the other hand, has been operating for a mere 680 years, but offers a unique connection to Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous resident. It not only has a great view of the composer’s birthplace, but the apartments above it were once home to the Mozart family themselves. It offers traditional Austrian food with a cozy atmosphere.

Restaurants aren’t the only place to get a great meal in Salzburg. The city also has a vibrant street food culture.

 In fact, one of the foods Salzburg is most famous for, Bosna, is best eaten standing up as you explore the historic Old Town.

Similar to an American hot dog, it consists of a sausage served on bread with onions and a mix of curry powder, ketchup, and mustard. Balkan Grill Walter is a favourite with locals, so prepare to wait in line.

When you think of Austrian street food, the country’s iconic markets probably also come to mind.

The historic Grünmarkt is open every day. This vibrant street market has been operating for over 150 years, selling everything from wooden toys to deli meats. For the perfect midday snack, permanent stall Mayer Delikatessen offers incredible pretzels.

When it comes to chocolate, Salzburg is best known for Mozartkugel, little balls of dark chocolate-covered nougat, marzipan, and pistachio.

They were originally created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Fürst and are still being made by his descendants today. Imitations abound, but when in Salzburg, make sure you’re buying the original, which are sold at stores around the city.

No matter your taste or budget, Salzburg’s food scene will have something for you. Whether you’re looking for a world-class chef, a historic claim to fame, or spectacular views, this city is guaranteed to impress.