Josefstadt, the eighth district of Vienna, is a lively part of the city with a vibrant character and a diverse range of restaurants. From Spanish tapas joints to Persian eateries, here is our pick of the top places to grab a bite in Josefstadt.
This snug, intimate Thai restaurant has a relaxed vibe, which makes it perfect for a casual weekend lunch or dinner. Its carefully curated menu, including ‘all things delicious from mom’s kitchen’, offers few dishes, which will ease decision-making and offer relief for those who suffer from food envy. Friendly staff and a great selection of Asian beer make Mamamon Thai Eatery a real winner.
Although first and foremost a wine bar, the restaurant at Bolena shouldn’t be overlooked. The menu, which has its roots in modern Mediterranean cuisine, changes monthly and there is always a bottle of wine to be paired with your meal. The pasta dishes, of which there are plenty to choose from, come particularly highly recommended.
It may seem strange to go for a seafood dinner in landlocked Austria, but this restaurant makes the idea completely justifiable. L’Osteria del Salento has an Italian-inspired menu (specifically Puglian), with seafood taking a starring role. The seafood platter, a beautiful salty medley of juicy prawns, mussels and octopus, is a must-try for those who are fans of fruits demer.
This authentic Japanese restaurant has a minimalistic interior, focussing solely on creating good food and blending elements of both traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. For starters, there are offerings of Japanese tapas, which includes dishes such as edamame beans or carpaccio beef. The mains, which feature a range of rice and soup dishes as well as the option of a sushi buffet, are always carefully curated and beautifully presented on the plate.
This recently opened Italian joint aims to continue the legacy of the historic city of Toledo, taking traditional ingredients and using them in a contemporary fashion. The pizzas are made in a Neapolitan style, with a base of simple and fresh ingredients: a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and olive oil, and there is a huge variety from which to choose. Pair your meal with a glass of Italian, or perhaps, Austrian wine.
Pars is one of Vienna’s few Persian restaurants. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide range of both meat and vegetarian dishes, with mains such as chicken, lamb or beef skewers with basmati rice and a pomegranate stew with bulgur, lentils and beans. Be sure to round off your evening with a traditional Persian pudding – options include saffron rice pudding with rose water or puff pastry with vanilla cream and chocolate sauce.
If tempted by tapas, Puerta del Sol is where you should head to. From garlic shrimp and dates with Serrano ham to stuffed artichoke hearts, this intimate and friendly Spanish restaurant has a mini dish for everyone. Warm and welcoming, it is one of the eighth district’s best hidden foodie gems.
Il Sesante is an authentic Italian eatery with a focus on creating delicious, Neapolitan-style pizzas. This Mediterranean style is demonstrated in both the atmosphere and the food, with a cosy interior and the use of fresh ingredients that transport you to the cobbled streets of Naples. If you don’t fancy a pizza, try the gnocchi alla sorrentina – large soft balls of gnocchi served in tomato sauce with generous servings of mozzarella cheese in the middle.
If seeking traditional Viennese cuisine in the eighth district, Fromme Helene is a great choice. Featuring all the classic bucket-list dishes (think wiener schnitzel and apple strudel), this restaurant serves elegant Austrian cuisine in a traditional setting. For the warmer months, there is a quiet and pretty courtyard, where you can enjoy a long summer lunch or dinner.
Unsurprisingly, the best dish on the menu at Nguyen’s is their delicious pho. The flavours are perfectly balanced and the toppings include some quintessential Asian ingredients: chilli, crushed peanuts, coriander and a wedge of lime. In true Vietnamese style, the wooden tables are packed tightly together, making for an intimate evening meal. Nguyen’s tends to get extremely busy on weekends, so be sure to reserve a table in advance.
