Cheap eats guide to Vienna
I have had the joy of visiting Vienna several times over the years and compiled a good idea of some of the best and also not so great cheap eats in the city. So, this guide has been in the making for many years, involves some shoddy iPhone pictures but the intel is solid and I stand by all the recommendations here- tell me if I missed any classic cheap eats in Vienna from the list in the comments below. Happy eating!
Tofu and Chili
In the heart of the touristy but charming Naschmarkt is the very unassuming Tofu and Chili where you can sample authentic dishes from the Shanxi region in China. The portions are good, the food is sour and spicy (can be very spicy so if that’s your cup of tea) and the food is well priced – one of the best deals in Vienna.
Trzesniewski
Trzesniewski for the last 120 years has perfected the art of the open faced sandwich with some very innovative and delicious spreads- dark rye bread with 27 different toppings, ranging from the popular bacon and egg to truffle egg and ham to lentil with beetroot. Each sandwich costs €1.80. I would recommend ordering at least 3-4 to make it a good snack. You can accompany your sandwiches with a ‘Pfiff’ of beer which is an eighth of a beer or a shot of Polish vodka.
IKEA Wien Westbahnhof
There is a brand new IKEA next to the Westbahnhof station so if you are looking for a nice simple breakfast of rolls, gouda cheese, jam, ham and coffee, then the €2.99 breakfast is incredible value in a great location too. The rooftop terrace is also a major highlight-you get an incredible 360 degree view of the city plus they have a bar upstairs serving drinks.
Würstelstand
Another classic cheap eat and classic Viennese instituition ( + UNESCO cultural heritage listed ) are the Würstelstands or sausage stands. Breakfast, lunchtime or at 2am, there is always a Würstelstand in Vienna where you can savour a sweet or spicy sausage. There is also the classic lightly smoked Austrian Käsekrainer which has 20% cheese in it. You can enjoy your sausage with a choice of cold local beers which are also well priced. My top pick is Leo’s Würstelstand; the oldest in Vienna and good quality.
Prosi Indian
Vienna is home to some of the best Indian food I’ve had in Europe. Their dosas- South Indian savoury pancakes made with lentils and rice are fabulous and great value (€12.90) and I love their vegetarian thali where you get an assortment of dishes- this is real Indian food.
Garbanzo and other cheap eats in Brunnenmarkt
There are cheaper places to eat a falafel sandwich in Brunnenmarkt but the classic falafel wrap (€8.30) here is outstanding and I’m saying this as someone from Berlin. They also have a nice range of unique sauces from pesto to chili plus their Za’atar fries (€4.20) are delicious too.
If you are looking for something a bit cheaper but also really good quality, I highly recommend Al Shami Imbiss also in the market, plus the Turkish bakery on Yppenplatz. Bäckerei Ahi does great delicious spinach cottage cheese Burek pies for a few euros. Also Watani Tandoor Boot does great soups along with the famous tandoor bread.
Der Wiener Deewan
This has to be the best deal for food in Vienna- an all-you-can-eat Pakistani buffet but with a twist- there is no fixed price and customers pay what they think is a fair price.
The buffet has five main dish options—three vegetarian which are also vegan: vegetable curry, potato-vegetable curry, dhal; two meat, which are also halal: chicken or beef. The dishes change several times a day. Furthermore, there is basmati rice, mixed salad, four different sauces (yogurt, hot green chili sauce, red sweet chili sauce), pita bread and desserts.
Mr Miao
Gersthofer Markt Stand/4, 1180 Wien, Austria
If you are looking for no frills but good honest Chinese food, then Mr Miao located in the 18th district is a safe bet, their star dishes include Gonbao chicken with rice (€6.50) or their chili beef. Portion sizes are generous too!
Zum Figmuller
Home of the Wiener schnitzel! The prices are not cheap but this restaurant goes against the grain with its un-Viennese cheerful service, the food is fabulous (I love the Kartoffel salad they serve with the schnitzel) and of course the lovely interiors (they have several locations but I recommend the Bäckerstraße location which has a wonderful nostalgic quality about it)
Kleines Café
My favorite café in the world—service is super slow, typically Vienna-style but the setting in the square in front of the fountain, the interior—such a beautiful café. Features in Before Sunrise – I might be a bit biased, but oh, this place! Sacher torte is excellent
Cafe Sperl
Vienna has many great coffee houses but this is my favourite. Love the booths, the old world charm- time seems to stand still here. Perfect place to linger with a coffee.
Combine Sperl with coffee/drinks at Phil bookstore—vinyl, books, and coffee—I love this place!
Cafe Bendl
Proper old school Viennese bar – you can still hear the stories and feel the magic.
Stehbeisl Bar
Probably my favorite Vienna bar- dimly lit, walking in here feels like a portal to a different universe—there’s always something jazzy or soulful music in the background. Lovely service, untypical of Vienna, wine and drinks are very well priced and affordable by Vienna standards
