Where to Eat in Salzburg Food Guide: The Best Austrian Dishes to Try!

Where to eat in Salzburg

Panorama Restaurant at Hohensalzburg Fortress

If you’re visiting Salzburg for the first time and you’re looking for a memorable meal in an iconic site, I would recommend dining at the Panorama Restaurant which is located inside Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Some may say this place is touristy, but the location is unbeatable, the views are spectacular, and the food was really good.

We opted to dine al fresco on their terrace and were treated to spectacular views of the Alps!

We ordered the Schweinebraten, a traditional oven-roast pork served with bread dumplings and Sauerkraut.

And we also got the Wienerschnitzel with Pommes, one of the staples of Viennese cuisine. Schnitzel is made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried cutlet – typically veal, though at this restaurant you can order pork or turkey.

Like most dishes in Austrian cuisine, these two meals were hearty, filling, and absolutely delicious!

Panorama Restaurant also serves typical Austrian desserts like Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake filled with a thin layer of apricot jam and covered in dark chocolate icing; and Apfelstrudel, a layered pastry stuffed with an apple filling.

Address: Mönchsberg 34

Goldene Kugel

Another restaurant we enjoyed in Salzburg was Goldene Kugel. This place is steeped in history as it dates back to 1327 when it was run as Guglbräu, Salzburg’s second-largest brewery.

The brewery closed in 1868 and the inn followed in 1875, however, since 2013 this place has reopened its doors to visitors and you can choose between dining in the restaurant, in the cellar, or al fresco.

We ordered Gröstl, a traditional Austrian dish that’s especially popular in Tyrol. It’s hearty, filling, and makes sense for the cooler Alpine climate.

The dish consists of a potato fry-up with bacon, onions, meats and a fried egg on top. The idea is to try and use up the previous day’s leftover meats and turn them into a filling mountain lunch.

Another dish we tried at Goldene Kugel was the Kasnocken. This is a noodle dish fried in a pan with cheese and topped with crispy onions.

Kasnocken is the Austrian version of Germany‘s famous Käsespätzle. So if you’re travelling in the region, know it’s a very similar dish by a different name.

Address: Judengasse 3

Café Mozart

Café Mozart is perhaps the most famous café in all of Salzburg and its food makes it worth a visit!

The world-famous cafe sits on Getreidegasse in the heart of the old town near Mozart’s birthplace.

What brought us here was their iconic dessert, the Salzburger Nockerl, however, before that, we ordered a few other dishes from their menu.

They had some nice seasonal dishes on their menu and since we were there in autumn, we tried the Kürbiscremesuppe, a pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil and roasted pumpkin seeds. Perfect for the cooler temperatures!

We also ordered the Schwammerl in Rahmsauce mit Semmelknödel, another autumn dish featuring bread dumplings with a creamy mushroom sauce.

For dessert, we ordered the aforementioned Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé made with egg yolk, flour, sugar, and vanilla.

This dish is meant to resemble the mountain peaks that surround the city of Salzburg.

Also, it is large enough to be shared between two people or more.

We paired the dessert with a Mozart Melange, a coffee with whipped cream and chocolate liqueur. Delicious!

Aside from the Salzburger Nockerl, if you’re looking to try some of the café’s signature dishes, opt for the Mozart Symphonie Becher or the Mozart Symphony Sundae which has ice cream with chocolate, nougat, pistachios, Mozart liqueur, chocolate chips and whipped cream.

And for some classic Austrian desserts, you can try the Kaiserschmarrn, shredded pancakes; Topfenstrudel, a cheese strudel; or Apfelstrudel, the apple strudel which you can order with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Address: Getreidegasse 22

Cafe Konditorei Fürst

This next place isn’t a restaurant, but rather a chocolate shop. Salzburg’s old town is full of chocolatiers and the chocolate of choice for first-time visitors is the Mozartkugel.

The Mozartkugel is a chocolate ball filled with a marzipan and pistachio core, wrapped in nougat, and dipped in dark chocolate.

Local Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst was the creator of the now world-famous Salzburger Mozartkugel in 1890. His chocolates are attributed as the Original Salzburger Mozartkugel and you can buy them at Cafe Konditorei Fürst.

There’s even a sculpture of a golden sphere in Salzburg’s main square which is nicknamed the Mozartkugel, though its real name is Sphaera.

However, we bought our chocolates at Braun because it was the first chocolate shop we stumbled across, but there are countless to choose from!

Also, nowadays there are many adaptations of the Mozartkugel. You can get it with dark chocolate or milk chocolate, with marzipan or without marzipan, or you can get a mixed bag.

Not to mention all the bonbons, truffles, pralines, and marzipan confections. Stock up on sweets and take them back home as souvenirs that are sure to please your friends and family!

Address: Brodgasse 13

Salzach Insel Bar

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy cocktails in Salzburg, check out the Salzach Insel Bar.

This is a floating bar on a boat that sits on the Salzach River which flows through Salzburg’s old town. The name translates to ‘Salzach Island Bar’.

This is a really nice place to enjoy the sunset and watch the city turn to dusk.

When in Austria, the cocktail of choice is the Hugo. This is an aperitif that originates in South Tyrol, and is made with prosecco, elderflower syrup, seltzer and mint leaves.

I wouldn’t come to this bar for the food – snacks are limited and so-so. But the drinks are good and the sunset views are even better!

Address: Franz Josef Kai / Pier Amadeus Salzburg

Goasn Wirsthaus

If you’re wondering where to eat in Salzburg on a day trip to Gaisberg, I’d recommend Goasn Wirsthaus.

Gaisberg is a popular day trip for hikers that’s just a short 30-minute bus ride from Salzburg’s old town. The mountain stands 1,288 meters above sea level and offers numerous hiking trails.

And the best part about hiking Gaisberg are the food options you have once you reach the mountaintop!

We ordered Marend, an Austrian snack that features a mix of mountain cheeses, cured meats, sausages, breads, and more.

Being high up on the mountains brought back nice memories from our time in Tyrol attending the Almabtrieb cow parade and visiting the Alpbachtal Valley.

Of course, we paired the meal with an ice-cold beer!

Aside from Marend, this restaurant also has plenty of hearty Austrian foods on the menu, ready for hungry hikers arriving at the peak.

You can expect to find dishes like Rindsgulasch mit Semmelknödel, beef goulash with bread dumplings; Kaspressknödel auf Sauerkraut, cheese dumplings on sauerkraut; and Linsenbällchen auf Erdäpfelsalat, lentil balls baked crispy and served with potato salad and cranberries (this is a gluten-free and vegan option).

Address: Gaisberg 30

Eat Smarter in Salzburg: A Local-Style Plan to Taste and Savor

Salzburg is one of those cities where you can wander from a rosy Baroque square into a wood-paneled tavern and feel like you’ve time-traveled. Then five minutes later you’re sipping a Mozart Melange beside the river. To help you go deeper (and eat better), here’s a practical, foodie-forward section you can bolt onto your itinerary.

• Anchor each day around one sit-down meal (lunch or dinner), plus cafes/markets for the rest.
• Always check seasonal menus for Eierschwammerl (chanterelles), Spargel (asparagus), and game.
• Book coveted spots (Bärenwirt, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, Café Tomaselli) 48–72 hours out.
• Carry cash; most places take cards now, but markets and beer halls still love euros.
• Ask for Leitungswasser (tap water) and expect to round up 5–10% for good service.

Build a Tasty Salzburg Day

Kaffeehaus Mornings: Historic Cafés and What to Order

Salzburg does café culture the old-world way. Think marble-topped tables, silver trays, and servers who’ve been perfecting the side-eye since the 19th century (with love). Start your day where locals actually linger.

• Café Tomaselli (since 1705): almond croissants, house jam tarts, balcony people-watching.
• Café Bazar: riverside views + soft-boiled eggs, Striezel (sweet bread).
• 220° Rösthaus & Café: specialty coffee, hearty breakfast plates, beans to go.
• Café Fingerlos: pastry case heaven—Topfentasche (curd cheese pastry) is the move.
• Konditorei Schatz: old-fashioned cakes and an unhurried vibe just off Getreidegasse.

Kaffeehaus Cheat Sheet

Markets & Quick Bites: Eat Like a Local at Lunch

When you don’t need cutlery (or a reservation), Salzburg’s markets and kiosks shine. The Grünmarkt at Universitätsplatz (Mon–Sat) has everything from smoked fish to farm cheese and is ideal for DIY picnics.

• Grünmarkt (Universitätsplatz): bread, cheeses, pickles, fruit; Mon–Sat till mid-afternoon.
• Schrannenmarkt (Thu): go early for the best pastries and roast pork buns.
• Balkan Grill Walter (Bosna): the OG spiced sausage in a toasted bun with onions + herbs.
• Leberkäsesemmel stands: hot “meatloaf” in a crusty roll; add sweet mustard.
• Pretzel & Krapfen stalls: giant pretzels and jam-filled doughnuts for dessert.

Market Bites

Alpine Hearty Plates: Where to Go for Classic Mains

Beyond the schnitzel you already tried, Salzburg’s taverns excel at crispy Backhendl (fried chicken), cheesy Kasnocken, and slow-braised Rindsgulasch that makes friends of fork and dumpling. Portions are generous. Sauce is sacred. A side of vinegary potato salad can rescue a rich plate from feeling heavy.

• Bärenwirt: legendary Backhendl, rustic rooms, book ahead for dinner.
• Zwettler’s Wirtshaus: reliable classics, friendly service, central but not “tour bus.”
• Die Weisse: Salzburg’s white-beer hall with hearty pan dishes and a shady garden.
• St. Peter Stiftskulinarium: splurge setting, historic monastery restaurant since 803(!).
• Triangel: pre-concert favorite near Festspielhaus; service is fast, food honest.

Hearty Mainstays

Sweet Tooth Circuit: Desserts, Chocolates & Coffee Pairings

You’ve met Salzburger Nockerl and Mozart Melange. But there’s a whole sweet circuit here worth the amble. Let’s indulge our sweet tooth.

• Café Konditorei Fürst: Original Mozartkugel since 1890—pack boxes for home.
• Café Mozart / Schatz / Fingerlos: Kaiserschmarrn and strudels done right.
• Eisl Eis: organic sheep-milk gelato (seasonal) near the river—creamy and light.
• Hotel Sacher Salzburg: Sachertorte in a quieter setting than Vienna’s.
• Nockerl tip: order at start of meal; it’s baked to order and takes 20+ minutes.

Sweet Map

Nightlife & Beer Halls: Breweries, Beer Gardens & Cocktails

When the light goes honey-gold, Salzburg’s beer halls and rooftop terraces come alive. For pure atmosphere, Augustiner Bräustuben Mülln is unbeatable. Prefer the river? You already met Salzach Insel Bar—double down at sunset.

• Augustiner Bräustuben (Mülln): self-serve steins, huge garden, food stalls galore.
• Stiegl-Brauwelt: brewery museum + guided tastings; restaurant on site.
• Die Weisse: house-brewed Weissbier, indoor hall + garden.
• Imlauer Sky Bar: cocktails + Alps/River panorama; smart-casual.
• Steinterrasse (Hotel Stein): classic terrace; book for golden hour outside.

Where to Raise a Glass

Where are your favourite places to grab a bite in Salzburg? Let us know in the comments below!