Das 1090
Located, as its name suggests, in the 9th district (all Vienna postcodes start with 10 + the number of the ‘Bezirk’), this restaurant is a real crowd pleaser, with a big selection of simple, modern dishes, and a pretty outdoor terrace. Reasonably priced and typically friendly Austrian service. Great for a casual weeknight dinner!
Karma food
With various locations around the city, these little lunch bars are ideal for good food on the go, opening only in the middle of the day on week days, they seem designed to rival convenience options with a more wholesome alternative. With a choice of two hot dishes each day, they everything from daal and curry to quinoa and salad bowls, and it’s mostly meat-free.
Miznon
If you’re getting déjà -vu, it’s because this Jewish street-food restaurant also has a branch in Paris, and their offering of various roast vegetables (and meat for those who want it) and pitta bread was just as delicious a second time round. Lots of character and very casual, it’s tasty food at its simplest - definitely worth a visit in any European capital.
Spazio
Mid-way into my walk to the language school every morning, this cafe and restaurant had been on my list for a while before I tried it out. I’d been expecting more of a drinks and sweets place, but their savoury options were extensive, with everything from breakfast waffles to green oat burgers, with a good smattering of plant-based options. Hearty portions and tasty combos, it might not be the healthiest of options, but it was well worth it, and the interior is really well decorated. Not one I’d return to often, but definitely nice for an occasion.
Neni
With two locations in Vienna, and an own-brand hummus you can get in supermarkets, Neni is something of an institution, and it very much lived up to its name. We visited the Naschmarkt branch (see below) on an otherwise dreary stormy evening, and were welcomed more warmly than the weather. They have a great range of meat, fish, and plant-based options, with mezze dishes starting at low prices, all the way to full-sized dishes, still at a very reasonable price. If you like good hummus and good flatbread, it’s absolutely the place to be.
Naschmarkt
Reminiscent of the Viktualienmarkt in Munich, this permanent market has everything from fresh fruit and veg to herbs and spices to tea shops and street-food. It spans a good stretch along the Wien (Vienna’s original and less famous river), and is a mix of market stalls and sit down restaurants. The best thing is that you can get something like 50 falafel for 5 euros, alongside an amazing selection of flatbreads, hummus, and dips. Whether you just want to wander through and take it all in, or stock up on supplies for a picnic, it’s an absolute must-do.
Thanos Taverna
A 3 minute walk from our apartment, we were kindly treated to a meal here by Leo’s dad when he came to visit for his birthday. The service was exceptionally friendly and you could tell the place was the product of genuine enthusiasm and love. As far as I could tell it was very authentic, my salad was beautifully balanced and the homemade dressing was divine. The shared mezzes served with homemade corn flatbread were also incredible, and with a little twinkle-lit terrace, it made for a very comfortable evening.
La Grèce
Another Greek find, this tucked-away little deli was a recommendation from Francesca, who lives just round the corner, and is an absolute hidden gem. Authentic Greek antipasti to buy by the kilo, alongside various specialities, and hot sandwiches to go (served on warm flatbread, packed with falafel, grilled aubergine, or halloumi) for less than 4 euros a piece, it really is a one-stop for all kinds of Mediterranean goodness, and all served with a huge bouncy smile by the owner.
La Spiga
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and even as a vegan it’s still one of my favourite things, but I have one condition - it has to be Napolitan. That’s when you get the perfectly pillowy chewy crusts, and not too much cheese. La Spiga is Napolitan, and one step up again. Clearly owned by Italians (as Francesca’s conversation in dialect with the waiter confirmed), not only did they have the perfect base, but the selection of toppings was truly mind-boggling and the ingredients were absolutely top notch, in true Italian style. Their impressive selection of vegan options involved no compromise or downgrade, using an artichoke or walnut cream as the base, with a selection of veg and olives. Utterly divine and exactly what pizza should be, right in the heart of the trendy 8th district.
Sous Bois
In a particularly cafe-packed area of time, Sous Bois stands out with its stylish French vibes and aesthetic outdoor terrace. A simple menu of classic drinks, plus matcha and chai, they also serve both sweet and savoury snacks, with a fusion of French and North African cuisine. Their vegan habibi was everything a sandwich should be: fresh French baguette, a masterful combination of beans and olives, and plenty of flavour. An ideal place to meet for a coffee or wile away the day with a book.