The Best Of Fine Dining And Local Food In Linz

Located on the Danube, Linz is Austria’s third largest city and certainly one of its most beautiful. Colorful buildings and ornate architecture permeate this quaint-yet-happening city. Linz has been named the European Capital of Culture and a glimpse at its culinary scene provides some evidence as to why. These are 10 of the best restaurants Linz has to offer.

Cafe Jindrak

Cafe, Dessert Shop, Austrian, European, Coffee, Tea

Cafe Jindrak is home to Austria’s oldest and most famous dessert, named after the city of Linz: the Linzer Torte. In 1999, the cafe set a world record for the largest Linzer Torte ever made, weighing 650kg, and standing at four meters tall. However, Cafe Jindrak offers more than just enormous Linzers: with 33 different varieties of truffle alone, you’ll have plenty of options for an afternoon snack. The cafe also runs cookery courses if you fancy taking a taste of Austria home with you.

Herberstein

Herberstein’s is a sophisticated venue. Inside, brick arches surround the tables and allow for an intimate evening meal. The four course dinner for two serves up impeccable fare and a bottle from the expansive wine list. Herberstein uses only the finest ingredients for its dishes, prepared in an inventive and imaginative style. There is also a very popular sushi bar.

Herberstein, Altstadt 10, 4020 Linz, Austria, +43732786161

Postlingbergschlossl

A fifteen minute tram ride from Linz’s Hauptplatz, this restaurant is well worth the journey, if only for the view over the city. The restaurant is pretty inside, but in good weather a seat on its terrace is a must. Particularly famed for its desserts, Postlingbergschlossl serves traditional Austrian treats such as spatzl (dumplings), and even brews its own beer on site. Try to make it up there in time for a sunset aperitif overlooking Linz.

Postlingbergschlossl, Postlingberg 14, Linz 4043, Austria, +43732716633

Wia z'haus Lehner

Restaurant, Austrian, European

For authentic Austrian fare, you can’t beat Wia z’haus Lehner, although you might not be able to pronounce it. A traditional gasthaus, you’ll be served by waitresses in conventional Austrian dress and occasionally eat in the company of locals dressed in similar attire. The food is almost secondary to the experience of eating at Wia z’haus Lehner, although their roast pork and warm apple strudel are unbeatable. Eating at this restaurant, which opened at some point in the mid-19th century, is like stepping back in time, and gives a real sense of Austrian culture and heritage. The perfect place for a hearty family meal, the children’s playground is handily located next to the self-service beer garden so you can keep an eye on the kids and relax with an in-house Lehner beer at the same time.

Alte Welt

Cafe, Restaurant, Austrian, European

Alte Welt, renowned for its busy schedule of cultural acts, is located in the very center of Linz. Alte Welt means ‘old world’ and attention to Austrian heritage and tradition is at the core of the restaurant’s philosophy. Their cellar plays host to a variety of different events, including concerts, theatrical performances, poetry readings and exhibitions of local art.

Promenadenhof

For their latest culinary venture, Elfriede and Robert Seeber have teamed up with chef Christian Dattinger and created one of the most popular restaurants in Linz: Promenadenhof. The wine cellar itself dates from the 17th century, and now stocks to over 150 different wines. For would-be-sommeliers, there is a cozy area in the cellar if you’d rather bypass a formal dinner. The beer garden, which can seat 300, is always lively and a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. The restaurant itself is earthy and rustic, with a fireplace and rustic tavern-like ambiance.

Promenadenhof, Promenade 39, 4020 Linz, Austria, +43732777661

Trattoria da Giuseppe

When you find a restaurant full of Italians in Austria, you know you’re on to a winner. Famously fiercely patriotic about their food, the Italians in Linz seem to have accepted Trattoria da Giuseppe as one of their own. This Italian-run trattoria is the best place to go in Linz for pasta, while their steaks are always well reviewed. Tucked away behind the cathedral in the center of Linz, Giuseppe Verdichizzi runs the kitchen, while his wife Susanne takes care of the front-of-house business.

Trattoria da Giuseppe, Herrenstraße 23, 4020 Linz, Austria, +436648404010

Verdi Restaurant & Einkehr

Verdi is renowned for its outstanding culinary delights, offering dishes such as Riesling sweetbreads and plump free-range chicken with truffle gnocchi. Einkeher, meaning ‘stopover’, is a smaller and more traditional affair. However, like Verdi, its kitchen is overseen by acclaimed chef Erich Lukas, who never fails to disappoint. The stunning views over the city are a happy bonus.

Verdi Restaurant & Einkehr, Pachmayrstrasse 137, 4040 Linz, Austria, +43732733005

Non Solo Vino

Grocery Store, Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian

Non Solo Vino began as a small deli and is now known as the place to go for fresh and quality Italian meals in Linz. A firm favorite, this charming restaurant is still reasonably priced. While there, stop in at the deli and pick up some luxury items from the finest Italian producers, such as the family Malpighi from Modena, and balsamic vinegar from Giuseppe Giusti.

U.Hof

Hidden away in the OÖ Kulturquartier, near the Ursuline Chapel, sits U.Hof: the ideal spot for a quick lunch during a busy shopping day. Its airy courtyard provides a quiet oasis away from the hectic shopping street of the OÖ Kulturquartier, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu incorporates both classic Austrian delicacies and a selection of tasty and original pan-Asian dishes.