6 BEST Restaurants in Hallstatt (That Aren’t Overpriced Tourist Traps)

Hallstatt might look straight out of a storybook, but when it comes to food, things aren’t quite as magical. This lakeside village is tiny (we’re talking just over 700 residents), and with the flood of tourists rolling in daily, a lot of restaurants end up feeling a bit… well, touristy. Finding restaurants in Hallstatt that are both good and a fair price can be tricky.  

That’s exactly why I put this list together. After eating my way around Hallstatt, I’ve rounded up the restaurants, cafés, and bakeries that are actually worth your time (and your euros). 

Whether you want lakeside schnitzel, a fresh pastry on the go, or even a break from Austrian food, these are the 6 best places to eat in Hallstatt.

Restaurants in Hallstatt Austria: My Experience

Oliver and I decided to travel to Hallstatt on a day trip from Salzburg, and we got there early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds. When we arrived before 8 a.m., the cafés and restaurants weren’t even open yet.

After checking out a few of the things to do in Hallstatt, we were ready for a coffee and something to fill our bellies. I’ll be honest, as Oliver and I were doing some research, the reviews for a lot of the restaurants weren’t exactly glowing. Most said the food wasn’t worth the price and the staff was rude… ha, it’s Austria after all. But what can you do? You can’t just not eat.

So, we grabbed a freshly baked pastry and coffee from Rührwerk Hallstatt Ofenfrische Schaumrollen, and wow, they were so good we went back for seconds. Handmade, warm, straight out of the oven since we were there right when they opened. It was perfect for sitting by lake Hallstatt and enjoying the morning.

Later, when we went hunting for lunch around Market Square, we found a little traditional Austrian spot for schnitzel and beer to round out our time in the UNESCO World Heritage site. In the process, I discovered what I think are the best places in the village that are actually worth trying and have put them all in one place so you don’t have to go looking like I did. 

So let’s get into the best Hallstatt restaurants. 

6 Top Restaurants in Hallstatt

Zum Bader Gastwirtschaft // Best Spot for Classic Austrian Comfort Food

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 5 pm and Closed on Wed & Thursday
Price: $$
Menu & Location

This little family-run spot feels exactly like the kind of Austrian restaurant you want to stumble into. It’s cozy, low-key, and there usually isn’t too long of a wait. Zum Bader Gastwirtschaft serves up hearty classics done right. 

Oliver and I went for schnitzel, pork, and a cold beer. Yes, it’s simple Austrian dishes, but they were seriously tasty. The apple pie was tempting too, it looked straight out of grandma’s kitchen, so make sure to leave some room. This is definitely my number one recommendation for places to eat in Hallstatt!

Seecafé Hallstatt // Best Hallstatt Restaurants with View

Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
Price: $$
Menu & Location

Seecafé Hallstatt is the spot where you come for the view! The menu covers a bit of everything, but we noticed most tables digging into pizzas that looked (and smelled) amazing. 

It’s also one of the better breakfast spots in town, with things like ham and cheese toast, cakes, and coffee, even a cheeky Baileys coffee if you’re in the mood. Add in swans and ducks gliding by while you eat, and it feels like you’re dining in a storybook.

Bräugasthof // Classic Austrian Dishes With a View

Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Price: $$–$$$
Menu & Location

This is one of the most popular spots to eat in Hallstatt, and it’s easy to see why. The schnitzel, goulash, and soups are hearty and delicious, and the lakeside view makes the whole experience feel special. 

A lot of reviews do mention the service being a little unfriendly, but honestly, that’s just Austria; don’t let it ruin your meal. Bräugasthof is also an hotel, so if you’re staying the night in Hallstatt, this is a really nice option and the restaurant is open for dinner which can be hard to find.

Rührwerk Hallstatt Ofenfrische Schaumrollen // A Must-Stop for Pastries

Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Price: $
Menu & Location

We stumbled across this place just walking through town; it’s literally just a little window with trays of pastries on display. Everything is baked fresh daily, and the schaumrollen (cream-filled rolls) were still warm when we ordered. 

They were so good we couldn’t resist going back for seconds. We also grabbed a croissant dusted with powdered sugar and sprinkled with little chocolate drops. I mean… the picture I took says it all. It was the perfect snack to take down by the lake with a coffee.

Burgerman The Station // Best Budget-Friendly Option

Opening Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
Price: $
Menu & Location

If you’re on a budget or want something besides local food, this little food truck is a lifesaver. Burgers start at around €7, which in Hallstatt feels like a steal. Now, don’t expect the best burger of your life; it’s not gourmet, but it’ll definitely hit the spot when you’re hungry. They’ve also got a surprisingly good vegetarian burger making this one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hallstatt. 

Uferwirt Seeraunzn // Best Lakeside Restaurant Outside Hallstatt

Opening Hours: Friday – Monday 10 am – 8 pm and Closed Tues – Thurs
Price: $$
Menu & Location

If you’re not tied to the village center, Uferwirt Seeraunzn is 100% worth the detour. It feels like the most authentic spot on the lake; it’s relaxed, local, and absolutely delicious. We had flaky schnitzel and fresh sea bass, and honestly, both were unreal (definitely add the garlic & olive oil to the fish). 

The views are gorgeous, beers taste better here, and watching locals pull up by boat just adds to the magic. On a sunny afternoon, this place is unbeatable.

FAQ About Hallstatt Village Austria

What’s the best place to stay in Hallstatt Austria?

If you want the full Hallstatt experience, Seehotel Grüner Baum is a fantastic place to stay in Hallstatt. The rooms face right out onto the lake and the hotel restaurant has a dreamy lakeside terrace. Honestly, it’s one of the best spots for dinner in town too, eating schnitzel with that view feels like peak Austria.

Is Hallstatt worth visiting?

Yes, but with a little strategy. It’s insanely beautiful (the whole town looks like a postcard), but it also gets swarmed with tourists. Come early in the morning or stay overnight to actually enjoy it without the crowds. If you aren’t too sure, you can check out my full guide with 5 pro’s and 5 con’s to visiting Hallstatt!

What are the best things to do in Hallstatt Austria?

Wander the old town, take the funicular up to the Skywalk, peek inside the bone house (creepy but cool), and grab a boat to see the village from the water. And if you’re staying the night there is some epic hiking in Hallstatt as well!

When is the best time to visit Hallstatt?

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. You’ll dodge the heaviest crowds and still get gorgeous weather. Winter is magical if you’re into snowy vibes, while summer can be packed but still beautiful if you time your visit early or late in the day.

What are the best Austrian foods to try?

You can’t leave without trying schnitzel, apple strudel, and if you find it, kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes with powdered sugar). And of course you have to drink some beer by the lake!

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Hallstatt

I’ll be honest, a lot of the restaurants in Hallstatt are just not that great. The food can feel overpriced and very much geared toward tourists. But out of everything we tried (and researched), these six spots are the best options in town. 

If you want the very best experience, though, I highly recommend to make your way to Uferwirt Seeraunzn or Zum Bader Gastwirtschaft, both are worth every bite and give you that cozy, authentic Austrian feel that’s hard to beat.

Check Out My Other Salzburg Guides

Where to Stay in Salzburg Austria: My Top Hotels and Areas

Is Salzburg Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit Salzburg: My Weather Guide to Salzburg Austria

2 Days in Salzburg Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Salzburg

Restaurants in Salzburg: My Top Places to Eat in Salzburg

Cafes in Salzburg: My Favorite Coffee Spots

How to Get from Vienna to Salzburg: My Personal Travel Tips

How Many Days in Salzburg: My Tips for Your Next Salzburg Trip

Is Hallstatt Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trip: 3 Ways to Visiting Hallstatt

Things to Do in Salzburg: My Top Activities in Salzburg

Things to Do in Hallstatt Austria: My Top Activities in Hallstatt

Where to Stay in Hallstatt: The Areas & Hotels in Hallstatt