Steirereck is considered the best restaurant in Vienna, Austria. It has a laundry list of awards that includes being on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and two Michelin stars. Is it worth the hype?
Steirereck is the brain child of Chef Heinz Reitbauer. The restaurant opened in 2005 and it’s in Vienna’s city central park. At night, it’s covered by the trees and the darkness; but, the restaurant’s lights create an oasis in the park. Steirereck has a gain a list of achievements throughout its years. Here are its recent awards: Steirereck Vienna.
- 2 Michelin stars
- #10 on the 2017 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- #9 on the 2016 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- #15 on the 2015 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- #16 on the 2014 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- #9 on the 2013 San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants
With those accomplishments, Steirereck has become the premier gourmet destination in Vienna, Austria. The restaurant’s minimalist decor with its light wood finish and large windows gives it a luxurious atmosphere. In addition, the thoroughly trained wait staff anticipating patrons every need with pure observation and proactively making sure each patron leaves satisfied. Steirereck Vienna.
Steirereck offers an à la carte menu along with a tasting menu. The menu is composed of local Austrian ingredients as its main theme is a culinary journey through the country. The Viennese Cuisine is the only cuisine named after its own city. It’s meant to be harmonious with the flavors and traditions of Vienna. Here were my favorites: Steirereck Vienna.
- Milk Fed Piglet – The crispy grilled piglet with celeriac, pear and eucalyptus. The caramelized celeriac paired with the eucalyptus braised sweet potatoes had a nice flavor to them; the milk-fed piglet texture was complex with its tender meat and crispy skin; the piglet’s flavor boosted by the pool of natural gravy made with pear and eucalyptus oils. Steirereck Vienna.
Milk Fed Piglet - Romaine Lettuce – The romaine lettuce wrapped itself around sweet potatoes, meadow mushrooms, meyer lemon, bone marrow and rye. It was topped with Viennese sturgeon caviar. The caviar added saltiness to the other ingredients; the potato-watercress sauce added a comforting appeal to the dish. Steirereck Vienna.
Romaine Lettuce - Schwarzauer Trout – The trout was served raw. The gamy texture contrasted well with the seasonal fruits. The trout was lightly seasoned with lime salt then laid next to raw honey-dew; the combination gave it a very clean and vibrant taste. It’s definitely different from how the Japanese treat their sushi. Steirereck Vienna.
Schwarzauer Trout
Overall, Steirereck is the premier destination for Viennese Cuisine. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere is among the best in the world; its service executed with precision. However, I didn’t find the dishes exceptional in terms of flavors and textures. The flavors were uninspiring and a bit lackluster. With that said, I don’t regret dining at Steirereck and I thought the overall experience was worth the trip. Steirereck Vienna.
Need restaurants to eat at while in Vienna? Check out our review of Saigon Restaurant and Happy Vietnam. Also, check out Stephansplatz and Stephensdom when you’re there. Steirereck Vienna. Steirereck Wien.
Big Bus Vienna
- Service - 9/109/10
- Presentation - 8/108/10
- Flavors - 5/105/10
- Decor - 8.5/108.5/10
- Ambiance - 7.5/107.5/10
Summary
Steirereck is considered the best restaurant in Vienna, Austria. It has a laundry list of awards that includes being on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and two Michelin stars. The service is exceptional. However, I didn’t find the dishes to be unforgettable.
