Enjoyment by the water (2024)

The Viennese love their water, first and foremost the Danube. So much so that they're quite prepared to forgo the sea and spend their vacation instead on Danube Island or at the lidos along the Old Danube. But what is absolutely essential is the food. The restaurants along the Old Danube in particular ooze a pure vacation vibe.

A classic is the restaurant Zur Alten Kaisermühle. Here you can sit on terraces right by the Old Danube, a side arm of the Danube. Swans and boats glide past, in the evening everything is romantically illuminated. Actually known for the sensational spare ribs, the restaurant Zur Alten Kaisermühle is generally worth recommending for its grilled delights.

Mediterranean flair can be enjoyed at the Ufertaverne. From the two-story terrace, there's a view of the boats of the affiliated Hofbauer Sailing School. The Ufertaverne thus almost gives the impression of being a typical port restaurant. The ambience on the Old Danube is picturesque. Here as well there's lots from the grill and delicacies from the water.

The new Bootshaus on the Old Danube is also worth a visit. The sport of rowing has been at home here for over 100 years. With the cozy fireplace room and Chesterfield sofas, old trophies, historic photos, and oars on the walls, the Bootshaus exudes the atmosphere of a rowing club. Here, on the idyllic terrace rights by the water's edge, you can dine on Mediterranean-inspired dishes – or simply just enjoy a sundowner.

From the Danube, it's just a short side trip to the little Hanslteich pond. You probably wouldn't expect to find a sophisticated terrace restaurant there. Which makes the surprise when you turn up at the restaurant Klee am Hanslteich all the bigger. Situated in natural surroundings, with reeds all around, you'll enjoy the best Austrian cuisine and light Mediterranean dishes here. A tip for the winter: there's a cozy atmosphere indoors, with lots of wood.

Vienna Marina is the city's harbor for yachts and powerboats. Those who arrive via the Danube are welcome to moor their boat here. The Maya Garden is located in the harbor on the banks of the Danube. It is both a restaurant and a beach club and is open to all visitors. The Maya Garden is laid out in a Bohemian style, while its culinary offerings focus on grilled dishes, salads, antipasti and co*cktails. The Donaumarina station on the U2 subway line is within easy walking distance. Superb terraces on the water’s edge with views out over the Danube in all its glory provide Mediterranean flair.

Also right on the banks of the Danube is the restaurant Waterfront Kitchen. Ships glide slowly past while the guests make themselves comfortable on the spacious terrace and enjoy the view of the Danube. Delicacies from sea and river are on the menu alongside Mediterranean and regional dishes.

Das Chadim offers high-quality Viennese cuisine by an idyllic lake in the Wienerberg recreation area. Where bricks were once quarried, a unique biotope for plants and animals has been created. We recommend combining a visit to the restaurant with a walk through the recreation area. In summer, you can go bathing in the brick pond and convivially round off the day in the outdoor dining area of the Chadim. By the way, the beef olive tastes especially good here.

And even in the heart of the city there are waterside restaurants because the Danube Canal winds its way along the boundary of the 1st district. A special tip here – with regard to both ambience and cuisine – is the Motto am Fluss. The restaurant lies on the bank like a sleek speedboat and affords a lovely view of the colorfully illuminated bridges over the Danube Canal especially at night, both from the terrace and from indoors. And when the kitchen also happens to serve up its fantastic dishes then everything's just perfect.