The gourmet nation of Austria the perfect destination for foodies seeking to experience the best of Europe in one country.
Austria’s cities are abuzz throughout the year with different festivals, arts and cultural events and during the festive year-end holidays, Christmas markets pop up all across the country. Culinary experiences in Austria typically embody the spirit of “Gemütlichkeit” (pronounced “guh-MOOT-lih-kite”) which is the feeling of contentment and togetherness.
Food quality is guaranteed through rigorous certifications, on which award-winning Austrian chefs rely on. The 2022 MICHELIN Guide introduced a new distinction for the first time in Austria – the MICHELIN Green Star, which recognises establishments that are committed to a more sustainable gastronomy.
The restaurant TIAN located in Vienna, received the first MICHELIN Green Star in recognition for their sustainable ethos, built around seasonal and local products, and their exclusively vegetarian menu. Additionally, Tian was one of 17 Austrian restaurants that were awarded MICHELIN Stars for their quality of food. This includes Vienna’s 3-star MICHELIN restaurant Amador by top chef Juan Amador.
Here are some favourite food experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Spitzer Marillenkirtag (July 2023)
In July 2023, the traditional “Spitzer Marillenkirtag” (Apricot Festival) will tempt tastebuds with a variety of dishes created using Wachau apricots.
Taste fluffy apricot dumplings, indulge in the fruity apricot punch and finest apricot brandy, or discover new creations made from apricots with “protected designation of origin” quality seals that are awarded only to Wachau apricot growers committed to producing the top-quality varieties.
Genuss-Festival, Vienna (12-14 May 2023)
The largest culinary festival in Vienna is a presented by “artists of careful refinement”. Over 200 chefs and local producers come together on Mother’s Day weekend at Stadtpark. Taste wasabi from Burgenland, alpine caviar from Upper Austria, mushrooms and shrimp from Styria, spicy cheese from Tyrol and some unique products such as potato sausage.
Gault&Millau Gourmet Fair, Vienna (16-17 September 2023)
Be pampered by top chefs at the “Genussmesse” (pleasure) festival of fine food and wine. Award-winning Gault&Millau “toque” chefs from the top restaurants of Austria and renowned winemakers will gather at the stunning Kursalon Hübner music hall for the most prestigious culinary event of the year.
The Gault&Millau Genussmesse has become a fixture of Austrian gastronomy where food-lovers gather to try gourmet dishes, award-winning tavern fare and astounding avant-garde dishes.
Ostirrol de Luxe, Lienz (July to August 2023)
The longest gourmet festival in Austria runs across 7 weeks in Tyrol, introducing the best of the region’s ingredients and products. Lienz’s main square becomes the “Gourmet Plaza” where East Tyrol’s award-winning culinary elites gather and serve up the best of Alpine farm-to-table cuisine. The festival also draws other chefs from neighbouring regions like South Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria.
The best way to explore the many regional specialities is on a food tour, like the “Eat like a Native” food tour in Innsbruck where a local foodie insider will take you on a epicurean journey through the beautiful old town. Sample local delicacies and learn about Tyrolean typical flavours as you hear the stories of traditions and inspirations behind the dishes.
South Styrian Wine Route, Styria
If you want to discover culinary highlights on your own, the south Styrian wine route is highly recommended, which covers 25 km through Styria’s top wine-growing regions. Located near to Slovenia, this region in the south of Austria enchants with Tuscany vibes. Here the warm hospitality of the locals, cultivated vineyards, fresh-fruity wines, excellent roadside inns and the “Klapotetz” (wind turbine) are omnipresent, visible landmarks that determine the pace of life.
Food and wine lovers will enjoy this gastronomic journey through this lush scenery, with its enchanting small Austrian villages, inviting wine taverns serving local specialities and the most delicious home-made wine.
Bregenzerwald Cheese Path, Vorarlberg
Hike your way along mountainous footpaths and visit Alpine dairies, farms, cheese cellars and restaurants. Cheese-hiking has a 2000-year-old history and this epicurean journey will uncover the centuries-old tradition of cheese-making of Austria’s westernmost province.
Made up of a union of 17 Valley Dairies and 90 Alpine Farmsteads, the hiking trail spans about 48 kilometres, and cheese aficionados can enjoy stunning scenery while visiting Vorarlberg’s dairy-rich pastures.
Via Culinaria, Salzburgerland
Embark on a journey of discovery through Salzburgerland, the home of “Sound of Music”. Via Culinaria focuses on regionality, originality, quality and authenticity. Chefs and farmers have partnered to curate ten themed pleasure pathways introducing gourmet experiences for herb lovers, fish fans, meatatarians, organic connoisseurs, dessert-lovers and more.
From the alpine hut to the lake terrace to the highly decorated gourmet restaurant in the middle of Salzburg’s old town – there are around 330 exceptional addresses to taste on ten pleasure trails throughout the country. Cheese-lovers have nineteen addresses to visit while beer and schnaps lovers can visit twenty-four breweries and distilleries.
Every town has its own festivals and what takes centrestage is the fresh, regional produce. From the wine and hops festival in southern Styria, to fresh-harvest agriculture produce, and the well-loved apricots of the Wachau Valley, there is always a reason and season to celebrate and feast.
