Prices in Vienna for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets

Vienna has magnificent palaces, beautiful parks, galleries, museums and music. It is said that the air in the heart of Austria is saturated with creativity and inspiration. Not for nothing is it famous for its outstanding composers, artists and scientists.

The Austrian capital has a rich cultural heritage and has absorbed the best traditions of its inhabitants. It is not only evident in its architecture and art monuments.

One of the highlights of the capital is the local, traditional cuisine. We've found out what to try in Vienna and the prices in cafes, restaurants and supermarkets if you're planning a trip on a budget.

Have you ever noticed that Austrian national dishes usually start with the word "Wiener"? The fact is that many unique recipes were created in Vienna. That is why many traditional Austrian dishes are named after the capital rather than the country.

• Top family-friendly hotels in Vienna
• The best things to do in Vienna

What to try in Vienna? Here is a short list of popular dishes far beyond the country's borders.

 

• The Wiener Schnitzel is the calling card of the Austrian capital. It is a tender veal chop fried in breadcrumbs. The schnitzel is usually served with potato salad and lemon. A portion is so big that it's big enough for two.
• Wiener Potato Salad is a traditional side dish to the schnitzel. A simple and tasty salad of boiled potatoes, onions, and herbs seasoned with vinegar and vegetable oil.
• Tafelspitz — boiled beef with vegetables, apple horseradish and sauce. This dish was once served at the emperor's table.
• Leberknödelsuppe — soup with beef liver meatballs. They are prepared based on a rich and fragrant broth.
• Austrian beef goulash. A dish derived from Hungarian cuisine. Think of it as a very thick soup of stewed beef. There are several versions of goulash in the cafes and restaurants of Vienna, with potatoes, mushrooms, and pickled cucumbers.
• Vienna roast beef (zwiebelrostbraten) — beef roasted with onions. It is a very popular dish in Viennese restaurants.
• Sacher cake — a masterpiece of Austrian culinary art. A sponge cake with a delightful chocolate, creamy flavour, and a delicate apricot confiture.
• Viennese mélange (Viennese coffee) is a traditional beverage of the local coffee houses—a mixture of black coffee, egg yolk and brandy.
• Viennese apple strudel — a roll of thin pastry with a fruit filling. It is considered the king of Austrian pastries.
• Austrian sausages are Austria's national food. It's as popular in Austria as it is in Germany. There are more than 1,500 varieties of sausages and sausages in Vienna.

Vienna is a major European city that is rightly considered the most expensive place in the world. Food, goods, housing, transport and services are among the most costly in Europe.

The cost of food in Vienna reflects a high standard of living. However, by studying the food prices and the different local options, any tourist can plan a reasonable travel budget.

This is the average cost of a meal per person in Vienna's cafés and restaurants:

• Breakfast — €8-€15;
• Three-course lunch — €15-€20;
• Salads — min. €6;
• Coffee with dessert — min. €6;
• Average bill in a café — min.€12;
• Lunch or dinner sets in a café for locals — min. €10;
• Toast — €4;
• Soup — min. €5;
• Goulash — €8;
• Beer — €3.5.

Let's take a closer look at the cost of food.

Prices in Vienna's cafés and restaurants 2023

For this article, we have studied the menus of some of the most popular establishments and compiled a summary table to give you an idea of the prices you can expect to pay in Vienna's cafés:

• Plate with several types of sausage and meat — €11.5;
• Cheese plate — €13,5;
• Liver pâté — €4,4;
• Fish pâté — €4.00;
• Pancakes — €4;
• Fried sausages — €7,7;
• Roast pork — €12;
• Beef tartare — €15,8;
• Chicken broth with dumplings — €8,5;
• Tuna cream soup — €8,5;
• Wiener schnitzel — €13;
• Mexican Schnitzel — €13;
• Wieners Turkey — €11,5;
• Greek salad — €9,6;
• Avocado salad — €10,9;
• Caesar salad — €13,15;
• Desserts — min. €3,5;
• Asian Soup — €7,5;
• Bolognese pasta, goulash — €7-11.

The menu of the restaurant, which is located in a busy tourist spot:

• Vienna schnitzel — €15;
• Boiled beef with horseradish — €16;
• Cabbage stew — €12;
• Vienna schnitzel with potato salad — €21,9;
• Grilled meat with vegetables — €21,8;
• Wild duck risotto — €25,8;
• Veal with mushrooms — €26,9;
• Veal with rosemary sauce — €35,5;
• Duck ravioli — €18,5;
• Tuna fillet with vegetables — €29,5;
• Beef goulash —€14
• Entrecote — €22;
• Grilled seafood — €25-€40;
• Shrimp salad — €12.

Prices in Vienna are pretty high for tourists in the city centre. Therefore, to save money, look for restaurants further away from the centre. Particularly noteworthy are the cafes and restaurants where food is served in a buffet style. Visitors pay for a plate and choose whatever they like. The portions are quite large. There is a choice of soups, meat dishes, vegetables and fruit. It is possible to have a relatively inexpensive meal in such restaurants. Drinks must be paid for separately.

Vienna's street food scene is diverse. Turkish kebab shops, Asian restaurants, stalls and kiosks selling pastries and hot dogs are everywhere, and Austrian national cuisine is also well represented. You can also buy triangular pizzas, sandwiches, burritos, Viennese waffles and Asian noodles. Lunch in a fast-food restaurant costs around 7-10 euros.

We'll tell you about the most famous street food and the food prices in Viennese fast-food restaurants.

 

• Viennese sausages are at the forefront of the local street food scene. They are usually sold in kiosks called "Wurststände". Sausages start at €3.50. Ketchup, onions, gherkins and tomatoes are extra and start at €0.7.
• Another Viennese street food is the Leberkäsesemmel, a cross between a hamburger and a sandwich. The dish is made with a special type of ham that looks like bread. It is served with mustard or some sauce. The price is around €4.
• The schnitzel is a simplified street version of the Viennese schnitzel. The kiosks cook it with lettuce, tomatoes and onions. The schnitzel costs on the street a minimum of €5.
• Maroni (roasted chestnuts) are the most unusual of all Viennese street food. The chestnuts are roasted and then packed in paper bags. A bag costs €3.
• Baked potatoes are the fast food of Christmas. They are served with cheese, onions, sour cream and other toppings. Depending on the size of the potatoes used and your choice of topping, expect the price from €6 to €10.

Some street food and fast food prices are shown in the list:

Big Mac menu — €9.89;
Mac chicken — €4.19;
Mac Muffin — €2.9;
Coffee. Tea — €2.19;
Hot chocolate — €2.5-3;
Hot dog — €4.5;
Frankfurt breakfast — €6.79;
Vienna sausage and drink — €4.5;
Sacher cake — €4.5;
Cheese puff pastry — €2.2;
Layer cake with jam — €2;
Pizza (0.5 kg) — €6.5;
Salami pizza — €7.8;
Four cheese pizza — €8.5;
Salads — from €4,5;
Espresso — €2.5;
Irish coffee — €8.9;
Amaretto — €8.9;
Caffè latte — €4.7;
French coffee — €6.5;
Latte — €4.7;
Burrito — €6,9;
Salad — €6.9;
Tacos stuffed with meat — €2.5.

Renting an apartment with a kitchen and cooking meals is one of the best options for tourists with children. Of course, this is more of a hassle than just eating in a café, but it will help considerably reduce food costs. You can always buy food from the many supermarket chains, shops or markets.

Compared to other European capitals, Vienna's food prices are high. However, you can count on discounts, promotions and sales when shopping in supermarket chains.

The cost of the products is therefore in line with the European average.

Food prices in Vienna 2023

Having analyzed the prices from the websites of Billa and Spar supermarkets, we show you how much food costs in Vienna.

Name	Q-ty	Price, EUR
Tomatoes	1 kg	3,50
Carrots	1 kg	1,29
Chinese cabbage	1 kg	1,79
Potato	1 kg	1,5
Breadsticks	1 pcs.	1,49
Cheesecake	2 pcs.	4,98
Bread	1 pcs.	0,99
Gouda cheese	1 kg	15,5
Baked ham	1 kg	22
Smoked sausage	1 kg	26
Ham	1 kg	13
Frozen vegetable mix	1 kg	3,49
Sugar	1 kg	1,59
Pasta	1 kg	3,29
Lasagne dough	0,25 kg	1,39
Pasta (shells)	1 kg	3,98
Rice	1 kg	3
Manner waffles	0,11 kg	1,09
Sausage	pack	1,45
Prepared Salads	0,2 kg	2
Yoghurt Activia	4 pcs.	1,99
Yoghurt	0,4 l	min. 0,4
Beer	0,5 l	0,75
Juice	1 l	2
Melon	1 kg	2
Cucumber	1 pcs.	1,79
Pork	1 kg	10
Beef	1 kg	18,5
Eggs	10 pcs.	min. 2,49
Milk	1 l	min. 1,39
Organic minced meat	1 kg	15
Pork (steak)	1 kg	28
Pork schnitzel	1 kg	13
Pork (tenderloin)	1 kg	18
Chicken carcass	1 kg	6,99
Turkey (fillet)	1 kg	16,99
Turkey (steak)	1 kg	19
Herring (fillet)	1 kg	4,95
Fish fingers	1 kg	13,3
Salmon fillet	1 kg	27,5
Cod fillet	1 kg	18,3
Smoked mackerel	1 kg	29
Fresh trout	1 kg	59

As in any major city, shopping centres and supermarkets exist in every district of the Austrian capital. The chain stores have stable and affordable prices with various promotions and sales. Many supermarkets offer good discounts on 'products of the week'. Lists of items on sale at reduced prices are usually displayed at the entrance to the store.

In the evenings, supermarkets with their own deli sell ready-made meals and salads at low prices.

Let's mention the most popular supermarkets in Vienna.

Hofer, Lidl, and Penny Market are the shops with the best range of products. Citizens have noticed that the supermarkets of these chains have the lowest prices in Vienna.

Merkur is a supermarket chain with an excellent range of food and reasonable prices.

Spar and Billa are supermarket chains. Prices for food and other goods are high, but the range of goods is much wider. The stores have their own bakeries and cooking facilities. Some Billa supermarkets are open at weekends.

Shops are generally open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. On Sundays, you can buy groceries from a few shops on duty or at petrol stations.

An alternative to supermarkets is the city's markets.

Naschmarkt is the most famous and largest market in the city. It is located in the centre of Vienna. It sells exotic products from all over the world: Indian incense and textiles, African and Australian souvenirs and much more.

Karmelitermarkt is a classic city market located in the Jewish quarter of the capital. It is a favourite spot for local bohemians and creative young people. As well as stalls selling goods, it is known for its inexpensive cafes.

Brunnenmarkt — a colourful bazaar in the Turkish quarter, away from the city centre. It sells fruit, vegetables, dried fruit, cheese and nuts. There are many Turkish shops and restaurants.

Rochusmarkt — a small farmers' market selling dairy and meat products, fruit and vegetables.

Meals in local hotels depend on the system chosen. As a rule, tourists prefer to order breakfast only, and half board is much less common. The all-inclusive system, prevalent in Turkish and Egyptian hotels, is virtually unknown in Austria. The "buffet" also has its characteristics, including a smaller selection of dishes.

For breakfast, hotels usually offer scrambled eggs or omelettes, sausages, cereals, cheeses, pastries and jams. Soups, hot dishes, salads and drinks are served for lunch or dinner.

The food in Vienna's hotels is generally quite tasty and healthy. However, when choosing a hotel, asking about children's meals is essential. Many hotels that offer children's menus mean fast food: hamburgers, fried potatoes, pasta and sauces. Look for a diet menu rather than a children's menu.

Local shops and pharmacies offer formulas, porridges and purees from all the major manufacturers. However, finding non-dairy porridges and purees can be challenging. Some baby food tins contain chocolate or exotic fruits, so read the ingredients when choosing baby food.

Baby food prices are also high in Austria. A jar of vegetable purée costs about 1 euro. It is often difficult to find particular foods for children with medical needs.

Therefore, taking a supply of baby food with you is a good idea if you are on a tight budget or your child requires a special diet.

Name	Q-ty	Price, EUR
Bebivita vegetable puree	190 g	0,99
Bebivita infant formula	190 g	0,99
Hipp infant formula	600 g	10,99
Hipp juice	0,33 l	1,6
Hipp vegetable puree	160 g	1,39
Hipp fruit puree	100 g	1,39
Muesli	200 g	2

Vienna's cafés and restaurants offer a wide range of meals for children. Your young travellers will surely appreciate the sausages, goulash, soups and pastries.

To make your holiday as comfortable and relaxing as possible, we have prepared some tips for you:

• Tap water in Vienna is of very high quality. Austria is one of the few countries where it is possible to drink tap water, and there are drinking water stations everywhere. It can save you money when buying drinking water.
• Meat and dairy products in Vienna are of excellent quality, and the shelf life is carefully monitored.
• Please note that many shops close at 6 pm. The only exceptions are some large shopping centres and those near railway stations. Most shops are open until 9 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
• In cafés and restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% of the order is customary.
• If the menu is only in English, it means you're in a local restaurant. Prices are usually much lower. You can communicate in English with the waiter.
• Be aware that the evening menu in restaurants is more expensive than the daytime menu.
• You can use the Vienna Tourist Card. It entitles you to discounts at museums, cafés, restaurants and public transport. It is handy if you plan to visit many museums and galleries.

The Austrian capital can delight the most discerning gourmet. The Austrian capital can surprise the most discerning gourmet daily with various restaurants to suit every budget.

Choosing the best restaurants in Vienna is challenging, as every tourist has an idea of a good place to eat.

Here are a few restaurants that many travellers and experienced tourists talk about.

The Steirereck $$$$ is one of the most chic restaurants in Austria. It is ranked tenth in the world's best restaurants and has two Michelin stars. It overlooks the Danube and St Stephen's Cathedral. The menu consists of modern cuisine. The restaurant has a stylish interior, a wide range of dishes and first-class service.

The Greekbeisl $$$ is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, with a history stretching over 500 years. It is located in the historic part of Vienna. It was first mentioned in the city's chronicles as the 'Yellow Eagle'. It is said to be a bohemian favourite. Here, you can feel the spirit of glorious times. Each room is decorated in a different style. One of the rooms, the Mark Twain Room, contains autographs of famous writers, artists and musicians. The menu consists of national Austrian cuisine.

The Piaristenkeller $$$ is a restaurant with two museums. Here, you can taste and appreciate the dishes served at the imperial table and taste the fine wines in the wine cellar. You can watch a mini performance or participate in a small carnival during your stay.

Heuriger $$ is a family-run Viennese restaurant popular with tourists. Heuriger means 'young wine' in German. At a Viennese Heuriger, you can enjoy young wine made from locally grown grapes and authentic food.

Motto am Fluss $$$ is the most romantic restaurant on the banks of the Danube. The exterior is reminiscent of a large ship. The interior is decorated in an understated Venetian style. The food is superb, the pastries are delicious, and the wine list is excellent.

We hope our article will help you plan your budget and organise a meal in Vienna. Enjoy your trip, and have a bright, memorable experience!