Restaurants
The Balkan Grill
Getreidegasse 33, 5020 Salzburg
Hidden away up a nondescript passage in the heart of the Old Town, connecting Getreidegasse (the main Old Town shopping street) and Univeritätsplatz, you’ll find the hole-in-the-wall shop window of the Balkan Grill. Operating out of the same window since 1950, the Balkan Grill has become a Salzburg institution. Scores of people line up each day to buy the specialty, the Bosna – two pork sausages served on a white bread roll with onion, parsley and a secret curry spice blend. It’s a seriously tasty snack to keep you going while you explore the beautiful Old Town.
The Sacher Café
Schwarzstraße 5-7, 5020 Salzburg
In the luxurious Hotel Sacher, on the banks of the River Salzach, you will find the delightful Café Sacher. There are other excellent dining options available at the hotel but Café Sacher manages to provide the most inviting environment, a sumptuously decorated, beautiful space with a relaxed atmosphere. The café features parquetry floors, red velvet banquettes, marble tables and shining chandeliers. Friendly and professional staff serve up hearty portions of traditional Austrian fare including schnitzel along with more refined options including grilled Arctic char with courgette, peas and risotto. For dessert don’t miss the world famous Sacher Torte!
Bärenwirt
Müllner Hauptstraße 8, 5020 Salzburg
There has been a tavern on the Bärenwirt site serving food to the people of Salzburg since 1663. Today, the staff at the ‘Bear Farmer’ still serve hearty and traditional Austrian food, washed down with freshly brewed beer from the (highly recommended) Augustiner Bräustubl just across the road. The house specialty is Backhendl (fried chicken) served with potato salad. They also serve typical dishes such as goulash, schnitzel and dumplings. Inside, the décor remains traditional with timber floors, tables and panelling on the walls. There is also a sunny outdoor terrace that features lovely views of the Salzach River. The restaurant is a ten minute stroll along the river from the Old Town and with the hearty servings on offer you’ll appreciate that extra time to walk off your delicious meal.
Johanneskeller
Richard-Mayr-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg
Descend the stairs below the baroque Holy Trinity Church and you’ll enter the brick vaulted, atmospheric Johanneskeller restaurant. The wood panelled walls and rustic timber tables and benches foreshadow what is to come – a hearty, home-style meal of delicious Austrian cuisine. The menu features grilled and roasted meats served with roasted vegetables, dumplings and rich sauces, along with some Mediterranean inspired dishes including grilled fish and gyros. The staff are friendly and professional and the restaurant has a lovely welcoming atmosphere. Johanneskeller is the perfect spot to escape to on a cold winter’s night.
Glass Garden
Mönchsberg Park 26, 5020 Salzburg
At the beautiful 5 star Hotel Schloss Mönchstein, perched on top of the Mönchsberg Hill above the Old Town, you will find one of Salzburg’s finest restaurants, the Glass Garden. The restaurant is named for its stunning glass dome design, which gives the diner expansive, panoramic views across the city and towards the hills. The bright, elegantly furnished restaurant is the perfect environment in which to showcase the contemporary yet accessible menu. The restaurant serves a range of exquisite tasting menus, with carefully chosen wine pairings, while also offering some Austrian classics and superb steaks. The staff at this Michelin starred restaurant are professional and friendly and while it’s not cheap, the combination of the stunning views and delectable food make this an excellent choice for a special occasion.
