9 BEST Restaurants in Salzburg: My Top Foodie Picks in the City

Salzburg totally surprised me with its food scene. I’ll be honest, I was expecting it to be touristy and overpriced, but I was so wrong. The Austrian food here is easily some of the best I’ve ever had.

If you’re not super familiar with Austrian cuisine, let me give you a quick intro. Most people think schnitzel is German, but it actually comes from Austria, and yes, it’s as crispy, golden, and delicious as you imagine. You’ll also find plenty of hearty dumplings, big frothy mugs of beer, and cozy taverns that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

That said, not all restaurants in Salzburg are worth your time or money. Some spots are all show for tourists, and you won’t see a single local eating there. But after living in Salzburg for six weeks, making friends with locals, and basically dedicating my days to finding the best food in town, I’ve got you covered. 

From the perfect café for a lazy breakfast to a beer garden you’ll never want to leave, plus a few non-Austrian gems for when you’ve had your fill of schnitzel, these are the best places to eat in Salzburg Austria.

What Are the Best Salzburg Austria Restaurants? Here’s Where I Actually Ate

The first time I went to Salzburg was at Christmas, so most of my meals were Christmas market staples, like cheesy knödel, creamy spätzle, and more German sausages than I thought humanly possible. The only real restaurant I made it to was Die Weisse, which I loved and is still on my list below.

While I originally thought that was my time in Salzburg, one and done, I was lucky enough to score a six-week cat-sitting gig, and suddenly I had all the time in the world to eat my way through the city, and trust me, I did. I hit up every “top Salzburg restaurants” list I could find, a mozart dinner, plus all the local favorites that I was told were must try’s.

So with that said, all 9 of these Salzburg restaurants are places I’ve personally been to and most of them more than once. Now, I’m here with all the juicy details on why they need to be on your Salzburg itinerary. Whether you’ve got 2 days or a full week, squeezing in a few of these spots is a must, and you’ll 100% thank me later!

💡Book your Mozart Concert and Dinner here!

220 Grad – Best Brunch in Salzburg

Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Daily, Closed on Monday
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220 Grad quickly became one of my favorite treats while I was living in Salzburg. They have three different locations around town, and they all get super busy. My go to is the Rupertinum location right in Old Town. 

It’s basically a full glass building with gorgeous lighting and airy white decor, but I always tried to grab a spot on their terrace, which is fully shaded by trees, so the morning sun isn’t too harsh. You’ll want to make a reservation if you’re heading there on a weekend. 

Their online menu is all in German, but they offer English menus in person. Their coffee is freshly roasted and super smooth, and their breakfast items are healthy and filling. I loved trying their “breakfast of the month”, it was always full of seasonal yumminess!

KAVA – Best Coffee Spot in Salzburg

Opening Hours: 9am-5:30pm Daily, Closed on Sunday
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If you’re craving a coffee and a sweet treat, you have to head to KAVA. This cute little spot quickly became a regular detour on my mornings. It’s a small shop with only about 7–8 seats, some inside, some outside, but they have the yummiest cakes. The lemon cake was my favorite. 

Oliver and I would stop in for a coffee, sit outside on the terrace, and enjoy a little break from all the walking around. They also have muesli and sandwiches if you’re looking for something a bit more filling.

Sternbräu // Best Restaurants in Salzburg Old Town

Opening Hours: 9am-11pm Daily
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This is one of my favorite restaurants in Salzburg. If you only have a short amount of time, put this place right at the top of your list. It’s right in the middle of Old Town, so it’s not exactly a secret, but the food is so worth it. In winter, you can cozy up inside, and in summer, the outdoor beer garden is buzzing with tourists and locals all enjoying giant steins.

Sternbräu has been serving hungry visitors for over 100 years and has more than 100 staff, so yes, it gets busy. I recommend making a reservation. They’re famous for their roast pork, which is honestly amazing. After I had it the first time, I literally never tried anything else. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Salzburg for a proper Austrian meal.

Augustiner Bräu Mülln // Best Beer Garden in Salzburg

Opening Hours: 3pm-11pm Daily
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I stumbled across this massive beer hall one sunny afternoon, and it instantly became one of my Salzburg favourites. It’s just a short 15-minute walk from the city centre, but once you step inside, it feels like you’ve entered an entirely different world. From the outside, it looks like a big old building, but inside, you’ll find a gigantic courtyard packed with long, shared tables. Finding a seat can be tricky, as it can get really busy on weekends.

Here, you can grab a huge stein, fill it yourself, and choose from different food stalls selling traditional bites like schnitzel and pretzels. It’s lively, loud, and full of locals soaking up sunny afternoons over cold beer.

One time, it was so busy that a staff member suggested I walk five minutes down the road to Krimpelstätter, a smaller, more relaxed beer garden serving the same beer and food, but with table service. I did, and it turned into the perfect low-key afternoon. I ordered a schnitzel, a pint, and enjoyed a shady garden seat. I highly recommend coming here if you want something a little less chaotic.

Die Weisse // My Favorite Local Salzburg Restaurant

Opening Hours: 10am – 12am Daily, Closed on Sundays
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When my family arrived in Salzburg the day before Christmas Eve, finding a place open wasn’t easy. Luckily, Die Weisse was close to our hotel in Salzburg and was still open, and it ended up being a highlight of our time in the city. At the time, we had no idea this was a local favorite, but we quickly understood why.

With wooden tables inside and fires warming the outdoor seating, it had the perfect cozy atmosphere for a warm Austrian meal. We enjoyed some beers, delicious bratwursts, and some of the best sauerkraut I’ve ever had. It was the perfect introduction to Salzburg.

You’ll find far more locals than tourists here, as it’s a little outside the city center on the newer side of Salzburg. If you want an authentic meal where the service isn’t catering to tourists, head to Die Weisse.

Darwins Cafe & Bar // Best Bar in Salzburg

Opening Hours: 9am-12am Daily
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What’s a European summer without aperitivos and Aperol spritz? Darwins quickly became my go-to spot for a little sundowner and snack before dinner, and I’m telling you, you have to go on your Salzburg trip.

Right across the river, they start setting out chairs in the main alleyway around 3–4 pm in summer. Once the evening chill hits, they’ve got heating lamps and fire pits to keep things cozy.

It’s the perfect place to people-watch with a cocktail in hand. I’ve never had a full meal here, but their meat and cheese boards are delicious, especially paired with a spritz. The staff are super friendly and speak English really well.

Steinterrasse // Best Salzburg Restaurants with a View

Opening Hours: 7am-12am Daily
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For the best views in all of Salzburg, you have to head to Steinterrasse, located in Hotel Stein. This is where Oliver and I had one of our first dates, so it has a special place in my heart, but it’s also such a vibe. With gorgeous views of the Salzach River, the fortress, and the pastel buildings on the edge of the Old Town, it’s just magical.

I’ve only had cocktails here, but I can vouch for their espresso martinis and Hugos. If you want dinner or the best sunset spot, I recommend making a reservation, as it gets busy fast.

Szene Local // Best Restaurant in Salzburg for a Burger

Opening Hours: 11am-12am Daily
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Alright, if you’ve been in Austria or Germany for a while, you might be over the schnitzel and bratwurst, and that’s totally okay. It definitely happened to me, and when it did, I headed straight to Szene Local for a fat, juicy burger.

Finding a good burger in Europe can be tricky, and coming from the US, my standards are high. That’s why I was so impressed with this place. They’ve got both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for those cooler evenings when you still want a nice atmosphere.

I got the “Rich B*tch” with truffle mayo and… oof, it was so good. I also highly recommend the truffle fries.

Ristorante Pasta e Vino // Best Italian Restaurants in Salzburg

Opening Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm & 5:30pm–9:00 pm Daily
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Personally, I think this place is SUCH a hidden gem. I had no idea it existed, and I never would’ve found it if a local hadn’t suggested it for dinner. So, you didn’t hear this from me, but if you’re craving Italian and want something a little quaint, you have to head to Pasta e Vino.

The owners are Italian, and they have a new menu every day with only a few items on it—all locally sourced and varied enough that you’ll always find something you like. There are only a few seats inside and a small terrace outside, so reservations are a must.

It’s not fancy, but it’s absolutely delicious. Order a few antipasti, grab a glass of wine, and fully enjoy some authentic Italian food in Salzburg.

FAQ: Top Restaurants in Salzburg

What are the best vegetarian restaurants in Salzburg?

The Heart of Joy and GustaV are great for vegans, but my personal favorite is Afro Cafe. It’s not fully vegetarian, but their falafel wrap is amazing!

What are the best Indian restaurants in Salzburg Austria?

Restaurant Taj Mahal is my top pick. The decor is a bit interesting, but the food is delicious, they have a 4.7 rating, and the chicken tikka is super good.

What are the best restaurants in Salzburg city centre?

Honestly, the city centre has a great mix, I’d recommend Sternbrau for an authentic Austrian meal and 220 grad for a modern twist of Austrian cuisine. 

Is it expensive to eat in Salzburg?

Salzburg can be a bit pricey if you go for fancy spots, but there are plenty of affordable local joints and cafes where you can get great food without breaking the bank.

What is the famous food in Salzburg?

You can’t visit Salzburg without trying schnitzel, roast pork, and Apfelstrudel, the one at Die Weisse is absolutey amazing. Also, don’t miss Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet souffle dessert that’s as iconic as it sounds.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Salzburg Austria

Salzburg might not be the first city that comes to mind for foodies, but there are plenty of spots worth seeking out. After six weeks here, and trying all the bests (plus a few duds), these are hands-down the ones you should add to your Salzburg travel guide. And if you want to hit most of them in one go, check out my 2-day Salzburg itinerary, where six of these nine make it into just 48 hours.

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