Vienna is without question one of the most exciting gourmet cities in Europe. From the classic Wiener Schnitzel to the world-famous Sachertorte and hearty frittaten soup - the city on the Danube is a paradise for lovers of traditional cuisine. But one dish stands out in particular: Tafelspitz.
Hardly any other dish epitomizes Viennese food culture as much as this butter-tender dish cooked in broth. Beef classic. Served with roasted potatoes, apple horseradish, chive sauce and creamed spinach, Tafelspitz is not just a meal - it's a piece of Austrian identity.
But where can you find the best boiled beef in Vienna? Here come five addressesthat every meat lover should know - from the elegant institution to the cozy pub.
1. plachutta - the undisputed Tafelspitz legend
If you ask for Tafelspitz in Vienna, the answer is almost always: "Go to Plachutta!" And for good reason. Plachutta is more than just a restaurant - it is an institution. The Tafelspitz is served here in the Copper kettle served, the broth steams and smells tempting, the meat is of perfect consistency.
It is served with roasted potatoes, spinach, chive sauce and apple horseradish - as tradition demands. The service is classic, the ambience elegant. Plachutta is no longer a surprise - but still the Gold standard.
Special feature: The selection includes several cuts of meat, including shoulder shank or leg meat - ideal for curious gourmets.
2nd Glacis Beisl - A green refuge for connoisseurs
The Glacis Beisl combines the best aspects of Vienna: down-to-earth cuisine, served in one of the most most beautiful guest gardens of the city. The boiled beef here is wonderfully classic and the side dishes are seasonally finely tuned.
Eating boiled beef under shady trees in summer - that's Viennese attitude to life pure. The Glacis Beisl is also an ideal address if you want to go straight on to the MuseumsQuartier after your meal.
Our tip: Be sure to try the seasonal creations - here the boiled beef is sometimes served with Wild garlic or Pumpkin combined.
3rd Pürstner - pure Viennese pub culture
Tafelspitz doesn't always need silver ladles and starched tablecloths. In the Pürstner it is served the way you would expect to find it in a real Viennese tavern: rustic, generous and full of flavor. The atmosphere is quaintThe audience is a colorful mix - from Viennese regulars to curious tourists.
Here, the boiled beef is served with potatoes, vegetables and apple horseradish. without frills - and that's exactly what makes it so charming.
Extra: The beer menu is also well worth a look - perfect for a good Krügerl with your Tafelspitz.
4th Gasthaus Pöschl - Small, charming and authentic
The Pöschl Inn is one of those places that you discover almost by chance - and never forget. Small, cramped, loud - and absolutely wonderful. The kitchen is down to earth and honestly, the Tafelspitz is a poem. Here you can taste that no trends count, only craftsmanship and good ingredients.
The broth at Pöschl is particularly legendary - clear, strong and full of flavor. Served with side dishes just like in grandma's kitchen.
Insider tip: If you're lucky, you might bump into a celebrity or two at Pöschl - the small restaurant is a favorite of many Viennese artists.
5. vegan indulgence - a different take on boiled beef at Meissl & Schadn
Who says boiled beef always needs meat? In the Meissl & Schadn reinterprets the classic - without any beef, but with plenty of flavor. The vegan boiled beef convinces with a hearty vegetable soup, colorful root vegetables and creative vegetable side dishes that show how versatile Viennese cuisine can be.
This green delight is a real insider tip for vegans, vegetarians and anyone who likes to try out new things - and proves that a real Viennese attitude to life can be served without meat.
And if there is still room afterwards: The famous Salzburg dumplings at Meissl & Schadn are among the best in town and are the perfect sweet ending to a successful evening.
Conclusion - the best boiled beef in Vienna
Tafelspitz is more than just a dish - it is a piece of Viennese soul! No matter whether you dine at the legendary Plachutta enjoy the classic in the copper kettle, in the cozy Pürstner in a rustic ambience, in the green Glacis Beisl with a cozy beer under the trees or in the Pöschl Inn who appreciates a clear, strong broth - Vienna has the perfect Tafelspitz for every taste. And for all those who like it plant-based, the Meissl & Schadn even a vegan version that promises just as much flavor as the original.
With our Five tips you are guaranteed to have the best Tafelspitz in the city. So, let's go - experience Vienna as it should be, with a proper bite of Tafelspitz!
