Austria
Austrian cuisine presents a mosaic of influences from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. This includes elements from Bohemian, Hungarian, Italian, and German culinary traditions. Salzburg's cooking leans into traditional Alpine and regional specialties, with comfort and rich flavors.
Common ingredients: Pork, beef, veal, potatoes (roasted, boiled, dumplings), various Knödel (dumplings), root vegetables (carrots, celery root, parsnips), cabbage, sour cream, and cheese. Flavors often include paprika, caraway seeds, dill, apples, plums, apricots, berry jams, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Beyond Salzburger Nockerl, expect a strong focus on traditional Gasthaus (inn) fare, known for its honest, unfussy quality. Fresh dairy products and local cheeses stand out. Local beers complement the food.
Breakfast (Frühstück): 7-10 AM. Lunch (Mittagessen): 12-2 PM, often the main meal with special "Mittagsmenü." Coffee & Cake (Jause/Kaffee und Kuchen): 3-5 PM. Dinner (Abendessen): 6-9 PM, usually lighter.
Restaurant kitchens often close around 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM, notably outside the immediate Altstadt.
Thin, breaded, and pan-fried cutlet, traditionally veal. Served with potato salad or fries and lemon. Also available in chicken or pork.
Find at: Gasthof Goldgasse or Bärenwirt.
Light, fluffy meringue soufflé, iconic to Salzburg. Served warm with powdered sugar and raspberry sauce. Represents city mountains.
Find at: Stiftskulinarium St. Peter or Restaurant Goldener Hirsch.
Bosna: Spicy hot dog-like sausage in a white roll with onions, mustard, curry powder. Käsekrainer: Thick sausage filled with cheese.
Bosna: Balkan Grill Walter (expect a line!).
Beer: Stiegl (local brewery), Stiegl Goldbräu. Wine: Grüner Veltliner (white), Zweigelt (red). Non-alcoholic: Apfelsaft (apple juice), Holundersaft (elderflower juice), Almdudler (herbal soda).
Apfelstrudel: Spiced apple pastry, often with vanilla sauce. Kaiserschmarrn: Shredded pancake with fruit compote. Mozartkugel: Pistachio marzipan with nougat and chocolate. Original by Paul Fürst (blue/silver wrapper).
For a memorable culinary experience, Salzburg contains several high-end restaurants.
These offer a balance of quality, atmosphere, and price, often focusing on traditional Austrian dishes.
For quick, inexpensive, and tasty meals, or self-catering options.
Salzburg also features a selection of international restaurants, including Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
More choices appear around the train station area and outside the immediate Altstadt.
While traditional Austrian food remains a highlight, international options serve diverse tastes.
Online reviews and local recommendations can guide your choice.
Increasingly available. Traditional dishes like Kasnocken can be vegetarian. Look for "vegetarisch" or "vegan" on menus.
Growing awareness in tourist-oriented restaurants. Carry a translation card in German. Supermarkets have gluten-free products.
Communicate needs clearly to staff. Research restaurants in advance.
Limited specialized options. Research in advance. Larger cities like Vienna might contain more choices.
Combine classical music (Mozart's works) with a multi-course meal, often in a historic setting like St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
A blend of culinary and cultural immersion.
A large, traditional beer garden and brewery. Fetch your own beer in stone mugs and purchase simple fare from stalls. A true local experience.
Known for its lively atmosphere.
Various food-related events occur throughout the year, especially harvest festivals ("Erntedankfeste") in autumn. These events celebrate local produce and traditional crafts.
A quick, inexpensive, and uniquely Salzburg street food experience.
Famous for the "Do-Re-Mi" scene, with the Pegasus Fountain and Dwarf Garden.
The oldest continually existing nunnery, inspiration for Maria's convent.
Scene of the "16 Going on 17" gazebo. The Trick Fountains offer amusement.
Several companies offer dedicated "Sound of Music" bus tours. These tours visit filming locations inside and outside the city.
Tours often incorporate songs and historical facts about the family.
For locations within the Altstadt, a self-guided walking tour is feasible using a map or app.
Allows for a more flexible pace.
Always greet your server and say "Grüß Gott" or "Guten Tag."
Round up the bill or add 5-10% for service. State the final amount.
Ask for "Die Rechnung, bitte" to receive your bill at the table.
Exploring Salzburg's culinary landscape presents a delightful experience. Be open to trying traditional dishes and local beverages. Remember to book fine dining establishments in advance, especially during peak season.
