Discover Vienna’s Best Schnitzel: A Local’s Guide to an Authentic Wiener Schnitzel Experience

Visiting Vienna without tasting an authentic Wiener Schnitzel is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower—it’s simply unthinkable! But if you want to avoid the tourist traps and enjoy the city like a true local, you’ll need to know where the best Schnitzels are hiding. As a native Viennese, I’ve curated **The Ultimate Wiener Schnitzel Guide** just for you. With this guide, you’ll know where the locals go to savor this iconic dish, along with some fun facts about Schnitzel culture in Austria. Get ready to discover the true essence of Wiener Schnitzel, and perhaps more importantly, where to find the best ones in town!

What Makes Wiener Schnitzel So Special?

The Wiener Schnitzel is a symbol of Austrian cuisine and culture, and its name literally means “Viennese cutlet.” It’s traditionally made from veal, which is pounded thin, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. The result is a tender, juicy inside with a perfectly crispy exterior. Served with classic sides like potato salad or parsley potatoes, it’s a simple dish that has captured the hearts of Austrians for generations. While veal is considered the original, the reality is that only 21% of Schnitzels in Vienna are made from veal. The majority are made from pork (60%), while chicken or turkey Schnitzels make up the remaining 19%.

Veal Schnitzel is typically more expensive, but don’t let that deter you—both pork and chicken Schnitzels can be just as delicious, depending on where you go. The real key is in the preparation, and in Vienna, every restaurant has its own unique take. From the type of oil used for frying (clarified butter is a favorite) to the perfect breading-to-meat ratio, these small details can make all the difference. And don’t forget the traditional side dishes—potato salad with a light vinaigrette or parsley potatoes are common, but you’ll also find more modern options like French fries or rice. Whatever you do, **never** put ketchup on your Schnitzel—it’s considered a cardinal sin!

Fun Facts About Wiener Schnitzel

To truly appreciate the Schnitzel, it’s helpful to know a few fun facts about Austria’s favorite dish:

• Wiener Schnitzel is the **most popular dish in Austria**, followed by goulash and pasta.
• Each Austrian eats an **average of 30.6 Schnitzels per year**, which equates to around 42 kg of meat.
• An average Wiener Schnitzel weighs around 200 grams and has about 400 calories. Despite its simplicity, it’s a hearty meal.
• Austria consumes a whopping **260 million Wiener Schnitzels each year**, which shows just how beloved this dish is.
• In 2011, a 550 kg Wiener Schnitzel earned a spot in the **Guinness World Records** as the largest ever made.

And here’s a quirky bit of trivia: there’s even a **Wiener Schnitzel Day** on September 9th, a celebration of this culinary masterpiece!

Avoid the Tourist Traps

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Where can I find the *best* Schnitzel in Vienna?” Vienna is filled with restaurants that claim to serve the finest Schnitzel, but not all are created equal. For example, Figlmüller is one of the most famous Schnitzel spots in the city, especially among tourists. Located in the heart of Vienna, Figlmüller serves oversized Schnitzels that hang off the edge of the plate. While it’s certainly a bucket-list stop for many visitors, it’s also crowded with tourists, and locals tend to avoid it. At  more than 20 € for a pork Schnitzel, it’s not the most budget-friendly option either.

Instead, if you want to eat like a true Viennese, you should seek out more authentic and less touristy places. My guide includes ten local favorites where you can enjoy a Schnitzel in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by Viennese regulars rather than busloads of tourists.

Where the Locals Go for Schnitzel

Here are some of the top recommendations from my **Ultimate Wiener Schnitzel Guide**, featuring authentic spots where locals love to eat their Schnitzel:

1. Café Anzengruber
Located in the 4th District near Naschmarkt, Café Anzengruber is a cozy, traditional pub known for its great atmosphere. It’s a popular hangout for writers and intellectuals. You’ll feel like a local here, especially when you dig into their perfectly cooked pork Schnitzel,
Address:* Schleifmühlgasse 19, 1040 Wien

2. Am Nordpol 3
Nestled in the 2nd District, Am Nordpol 3 is a hidden gem known for its charming pub garden and friendly atmosphere. The pork Schnitzel here is priced at 18.80 €, but the peaceful location next to the Augarten park makes it worth every penny.
Address: Nordwestbahnstraße 17, 1020 Wien

3. Automat Welt
For those who want their Schnitzel fried in **clarified butter**—just like grandma used to—this is the spot for you! Automat Welt serves a veal Schnitzel and offers a nostalgic dining experience that you won’t soon forget.
Address: Rueppgasse 19, 1020 Wien

4. Skopik & Lohn
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Skopik & Lohn in the 2nd District offers a refined take on the classic Schnitzel. With white tablecloths and a chic atmosphere, it’s a great place for a special night out.
Address:** Leopoldsgasse 17, 1020 Wien

5. Schwarzes Kameel
One of the oldest and most famous Viennese institutions, **Schwarzes Kameel** is perfect for those who want to combine great food with people-watching. It’s a bit pricier for a veal Schnitzel, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Address: Bognergasse 5, 1010 Wien

Fine Dining or Casual Pub – There’s a Schnitzel for Everyone!

Whether you prefer a casual pub atmosphere or an upscale restaurant, Vienna offers countless options to suit your taste. From bustling city-center eateries to quiet neighborhood spots, the variety of Schnitzel-serving venues is truly impressive. The only thing that’s consistent is the quality—you’ll find that no matter where you go, Schnitzel in Vienna is always cooked to perfection.

Ready to Taste the Best Schnitzels in Vienna?

If you’re ready to experience the true taste of Vienna and discover where locals go to satisfy their Schnitzel cravings, download my **Ultimate Wiener Schnitzel Guide** today. This comprehensive guide includes the full list of my top 10 Schnitzel spots, along with insider tips, price comparisons, and everything you need to make the most of your Schnitzel experience. Skip the tourist traps and dive into the authentic flavors of Vienna!

 

**Download Now: The Ultimate Wiener Schnitzel Guide**
Get your hands on the guide and start your culinary journey through Vienna’s most iconic dish.