Vienna’s lunch scene offers excellent value and authentic experiences. The city’s local food tours through historic neighborhoods showcase must-try classics like hearty goulash and sweet apricot dumplings. While Hard Rock Cafe provides familiar comfort food, the real gems are found along the Danube Canal, where boat-based lunches combine sightseeing with traditional Austrian cuisine.
We especially love the neighborhood food walks – they’re perfect for experiencing Vienna’s cafe culture and getting insider tips from local guides. The Danube Canal cruises are another favorite, offering peaceful views and good Austrian dishes away from tourist crowds.
Check out these top-rated lunch experiences that bring Vienna’s culinary heritage to life:
Key Points
- For a classic Austrian meal, the Hard Rock Cafe in central Vienna offers a two-course Gold Menu or three-course Diamond Menu with large portions and a lively atmosphere.
- Indulge in a personalized Ayurvedic lunch experience during a 13-hour retreat in Slovakia, featuring tailored treatments and an afternoon yoga session.
- Enjoy a scenic bus ride from Vienna to Bratislava, followed by a walking tour of the Old Town and a two-course traditional meal with local beer tasting.
- Explore Vienna’s diverse culinary scene on a five-hour tour, sampling classic Austrian dishes like goulash and apricot dumplings.
- Take in views of the Danube Canal landmarks while enjoying an optional two-course lunch or schnitzel meal during a 75-minute boat cruise.
Hard Rock Cafe Vienna With Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
Although the Hard Rock Cafe chain is known globally, the Vienna location offers a unique dining experience.
With a 4.6-star rating from 99 reviews, the cafe is located on Rotenturmstraße in the heart of the city. Guests can choose from the Gold Menu, which includes a 2-course meal, or the Diamond Menu with 3 courses. The menus also include a soft drink, coffee, or tea.
The cafe offers priority seating, hotel pickup and drop-off, and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Customers praise the large portions, good atmosphere, and friendly service, though some note inconsistent wait times.
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Vienna: 1-Day Ayurveda Retreat in Slovakia With Lunch & Tour
Travelers seeking a rejuvenating wellness experience can embark on a 1-day Ayurveda retreat just outside Vienna, in the serene Bratislava region of Slovakia.
For $194.71 per person, this 13-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Vienna, a guided tour of the Austrian and Slovakian countryside, and a wellness retreat focused on Ayurvedic practices.
Highlights include personalized consultations with certified Ayurvedic practitioners, tailored treatments, an afternoon yoga session, and a gourmet Ayurvedic lunch.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, making it a convenient and flexible option for those seeking a wellness-focused day trip from Vienna.
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Bratislava From Vienna by Bus With Lunch & Beer Tasting
Looking to explore the charm of Bratislava while indulging in local cuisine and drinks? This one-day tour from Vienna has you covered.
Hop on a coach and enjoy the scenic ride to the neighboring capital, where you’ll embark on a walking tour of the historic Old Town. Savor a 2-course traditional meal and sample three local beers with a snack.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this small-group experience promises an intimate and informative outing. The tour is wheelchair-accessible and offers infant seats, making it family-friendly.
While some past guests wished for clearer bus return instructions and more authentic lunch options, the tour’s overall rating of 4.2 out of 12 reviews suggests a solid and well-organized day trip.
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Vienna: Neigborhoods Food Tour With Tastings and Lunch
This 5-hour food tour offers a delightful immersion into Vienna’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Exploring local neighborhoods, you’ll sample classic Austrian dishes like goulash, käsekrainer, and apricot dumplings. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll also learn to navigate the city’s public transport system and engage with restaurant owners.
The tour accommodates up to 10 participants and is available in English. With a 5/5 rating based on traveler reviews, this experience promises a flavorful and culturally enriching adventure.
Priced from $149.25 per person, you can reserve your spot and pay later. Vegetarian, vegan, and limited gluten-free options are available, though the tour may not be suitable for children under 12.
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Vienna: Boat Cruise on the Danube Canal With Optional Lunch
Setting out on a leisurely boat cruise along the captivating Danube Canal offers visitors to Vienna a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and landmarks.
The Vienna: Danube Panorama Tour with Optional Lunch provides a 75-minute journey aboard the MS Vindobona, showcasing sights like the DC Tower and Millennium Tower.
Travelers can enhance their experience by adding a 2-course lunch or a schnitzel meal, prepared freshly onboard.
While the overall customer rating is 3.4/5, reviewers praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guide. However, some note crowded boarding conditions.
The tour’s availability, free cancellation policy, and children under 10 riding for free make it an accessible option for visitors to Vienna.
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Vienna Sweet Secrets Dessert Tour With Lunch
For visitors seeking a delightful immersion into Vienna’s sweet delicacies, the Vienna Sweet Secrets Dessert Tour with Lunch provides an exceptional opportunity.
Lasting 3.5 hours, this tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s hidden gems, including a family-owned bakery and a lesser-known coffee house.
Travelers can indulge in local treats like krapfen, palatschinken, and gugelhupf, followed by a savory Viennese dish. The tour also includes two homemade cakes and a beverage.
With a maximum of 10 participants, this experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of Vienna’s sweet secrets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, making it accessible to a range of dietary needs.
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Vienna: Hard Rock Cafe With Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
At the iconic Hard Rock Café Vienna, visitors can indulge in a set menu for either lunch or dinner starting from $27.59 per person.
Reservations can be made with a “reserve now & pay later” option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The dining experience offers priority seating, skipping the ticket line, and enjoying classic American cuisine in an exciting atmosphere.
Guests can choose from the Gold Menu (2-course) or the Diamond Menu (3-course), featuring options like legendary burgers, vegan burgers, and grilled salmon.
The Hard Rock Café Vienna combines classical architecture with modern elements, showcasing local music and music memorabilia.
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Vienna: Sightseeing Boat Tour With Lunch
While exploring the historic city of Vienna, visitors can embark on a delightful sightseeing boat tour that includes a delectable lunch.
The tour takes guests along the Danube River, providing stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks and architecture.
During the leisurely cruise, passengers can savor a menu featuring local Viennese specialties, complemented by breathtaking scenery.
This unique experience allows travelers to enjoy the city’s rich history and culture while enjoying a satisfying midday meal.
The boat tour is an excellent way to combine sightseeing and dining, offering a well-rounded and memorable lunch experience in Vienna.
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Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace Entry Ticket With Lunch
Visitors to Vienna can enhance their exploration of the iconic Schönbrunn Palace by opting for the entry ticket that includes a delightful 2-course lunch.
For €62 per person, this package provides access to the palace, a Wiener Schnitzel or vegetarian alternative followed by apple strudel, and a 50-minute audio-guided tour.
The experience is wheelchair accessible, and guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
While some visitors have reported delays in entry and confusion before the tour, the majority praise the delicious lunch and the opportunity to discover the palace’s stunning private chambers and State Apartments at their own pace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Lunch Options Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
Vegetarians and vegans will find ample lunch options in Vienna, with many restaurants offering meat-free dishes and plant-based alternatives. Diners can expect a diverse range of creative and satisfying vegetarian and vegan lunch choices throughout the city.
What Is the Dress Code for the Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for these lunch experiences is generally casual and relaxed. Diners can wear comfortable, smart-casual attire without needing to dress up too formally. The focus is on enjoying the meal, not adhering to a strict dress code.
Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Lunch Menus?
Yes, most restaurants in Vienna are accommodating of special dietary requests. Guests can generally request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other customized menus when making their lunch reservations, though availability may vary by hotel.
Do the Lunch Tours Include Any Transportation to and From the Venues?
The lunch tours generally don’t include transportation to and from the venues. Guests are usually expected to make their own way to the starting point and back from the final destination. However, some tours may offer optional transportation for an additional fee.
Are the Lunch Experiences Family-Friendly or More Suitable for Adults?
The lunch experiences are generally family-friendly, with options suitable for adults and children. Many venues offer kid-friendly menus and cater to a range of dietary needs, making them a good choice for a casual mid-day meal.
The Sum Up
Vienna offers a diverse range of lunch experiences, from renowned global eateries like Hard Rock Cafe to local food tours and canal cruises. Whether seeking a set menu, Ayurvedic retreat, or dessert tasting, visitors can find an option to suit their tastes and interests. With a variety of lunchtime activities, Vienna provides ample opportunities to enjoy the city’s culinary delights.