6 romantic restaurants in Vienna for the best date night

Vienna, the capital of Austria, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of romance. But maybe it should be. Admittedly, arriving in the rain at Vienna Airport isn't the kind of experience that stirs the heart. But once you make your way into the historic heart of the city and see the stunning architecture that rivals cities like Paris, you'll understand that this ancient city is actually one of the most romantic places in Europe.

If you're looking for good ideas for date night in Vienna, a romantic dinner and a gourmet restaurant are hard to beat. Drop off any bags you don't need at a Bounce luggage storage in Vienna, and check out some of the best romantic restaurants this beautiful city has to offer.

Anna Sacher - Restaurant Grune Bar

Located in the Hotel Sacher Wien, this restaurant is named after Anna Sacher, a legendary hotel owner and a member of Vienna's famous Sacher family - perhaps most fondly remembered now for the cake named after them, the Sachertorte. Jealous you don't have a cake named after you? You should be.

Just steps from the beautiful Wiener Staatsoper building, this restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Take in an opera or concert at the opera hall, and have dinner here before or after for a luxurious evening in traditional Viennese style.

The vibe here is most definitely old-school opulence, with the carefully matched green carpets and wallpaper lit up by hanging chandeliers that probably cost more than your house. Velvet drapes and white tablecloths all contribute to the luxurious experience, and the food is befitting of one of the most romantic places in the city.

This isn't the only restaurant in this historic hotel. The facilities here are color-coded, so as well as the Grune Bar or green bar, there is the Rote Bar or red bar, which serves more traditional Austrian food, and the Blaue Bar, which is more of a cocktail lounge. But the Grune Bar is where you'll find more creative twists on Austrian and middle European classic dishes. What's on offer here is always changing, so the best thing to do is put yourself in the hands of the talented chef and enjoy the tasting menu that will take you on a whirlwind tour of Austrian cooking traditions with a contemporary twist. Wash it all down with a few glasses of famous Austrian sparkling wine, and you'll be enjoying some of the very best food the city has to offer.

Our recommendation:

This is an easy one: Sachertorte. Pay tribute to the family behind this hotel and restaurant by indulging in this rich, dense, and delicious chocolate cake, first created all the way back in 1832 by Franz Sacher.

Location:

Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien

Price level:

$$$$

Le Ciel

Awarded a Michelin Star for its culinary excellence, Le Ciel is just the other side of the Wiener Staatsoper, so it's also an excellent option for date night. Located on Vienna's famous Ringstrasse, Le Ciel occupies the seventh floor of the Grand Hotel Wien, which dates back to 1870. And you'll understand where the restaurant gets its name, which means 'sky' in French when you see the bright blue ceilings and white walls that give this classic restaurant an understated yet airy atmosphere. In warmer weather, a terrace offers outdoor seating under a real sky with a great view over Vienna's First District. It's not hard to see why this is one of Vienna's most romantic restaurants.

The menu here changes on a monthly basis, and you can order à la carte or try the tasting menu. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try the Surprise Menu, where you'll be served the best seasonal food the restaurant has to offer. This menu has to be ordered for the whole table, but if there are only two of you, it's a great option to sample what the chefs here are capable of.

As one of the best-rated restaurants in Vienna, Le Ciel also has an exceptional wine cellar. Let the sommelier guide you to pair the best wine with your meal, and you'll have a truly luxurious experience in this beautiful setting.

Our recommendation:

Don't skip dessert. In the best Viennese tradition, the desserts on offer here are the best part of the meal, and while they often change based on what's in season, they are never anything short of absolutely delicious.

Location:

Kärntner Ring 5-7, 1010 Wien

Price level:

$$$$

Amerlingbeisl

Fine dining is all well and good if that's what you're into, and if your budget stretches that far. But sometimes, you may find yourself wanting something a little less stuffy and a little more down to earth. Amerlingbeisl offers delicious food in a more laid-back atmosphere that's still one of the most romantic restaurants in the city.

Inside, this bright and cheery restaurant offers a casual vibe that makes it feel more like a hip café than one of the best romantic restaurants in Vienna. But the real standout here is the courtyard garden, which is the perfect place to sit out on a sunny day in the shade of the trees and enjoy an atmosphere that re-creates the best of the famous wine taverns of the Austrian capital.

Amerlingbeisl takes an eclectic approach to the food on offer. They serve classics of Austrian food like organic pork schnitzel right alongside more cosmopolitan fare like vegan tortillas and sweet potato coconut ginger soup. The simple food is carefully designed to let the quality of the ingredients shine through, and the vegetarian options make it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. If you're looking for more of a casual café vibe while enjoying romantic restaurants in Vienna, this is a perfect option for a memorable date night that's sure to leave you planning a return visit.

Our recommendation:

Beef goulash with dumplings is about as central European a dish as you could imagine, and it's a great way to experience the freshness of the mostly organic ingredients at this café/restaurant.

Location:

Stiftgasse 8, 1070 Wien

Price level:

$$

Lebenbauer

The leafy vegetation decorating this popular restaurant's outdoor seating area provides a clue to what's on the menu inside. Traditional Austrian cuisine, like most of central Europe, tends to be heavy on the meat, and while you will find some vegetarian options in the romantic restaurants of the city, they can be few and far between. However, Lebenbauer, which translates to life builder in English, focuses solely on vegetarian and vegan food, so it's the perfect date night choice if you or your partner avoid meat.

Inside, the restaurant offers an elegant low lit atmosphere with crisp white tablecloths adding to the luxurious feel. The food is just as carefully crafted as the surroundings, with plates bursting with color that look almost as good as they taste. As in all the best restaurants in Vienna, the menu here is always changing according to what's in season, but you won't have any trouble finding delicious treats to munch on when you order à la carte. Think marinated tofu with curry vegetables, spinach risotto, and pasta dishes that are as filling as they are healthy. The emphasis here is very much on health and nutrition as well as taste, so you'll leave feeling not only full but also feeling good about what you've eaten. For a healthier and more ethical option than the usual meat-and-heavy-cream fest that Austrian cuisine can sometimes be, Lebenbauer is a truly excellent choice.

Our recommendation:

If the weather permits, try to get a table in the outdoor seating area. The leafy patio is the perfect place to enjoy a summer's evening in Vienna, and it's a big part of what makes this one of the most romantic restaurants in the city.

Location:

Teinfaltstraße 3, 1010 Wien

Price level:

$$$

Cafe Diglas

Located in Austria's First district, Cafe Diglas is one of the city's legendary coffee houses. And don't let the name fool you. The cafés of Vienna are about as far removed from your neighborhood Starbucks as it's possible to get.

The coffeehouse scene is a major part of Vienna's culture and history, and Diglas celebrates that with a classic menu of light meals, all washed down with exceptional coffee. Sharply dressed waiters hurry between the bright red chairs that contrast with the white tablecloths, giving the whole place the feel of a luxury restaurant rather than a mere coffee shop. In the evenings, there's even a piano player to tickle the ivories while you dine, all adding to the incredibly romantic atmosphere in a historic café that dates back to the 1920s when Vienna was the intellectual heart of Europe.

The café opens early for breakfast and stays open until 10:30 at night, so you can visit at any time of day. But the evening is the best time for a romantic dinner. The menu changes by the day, but as well as cakes and sandwiches, the café offers a limited but excellent selection of more filling meals. Plus, the incredible pastry selection makes it the perfect choice for dessert.

Our recommendation:

With so many tasty pastries on offer here, it's hard to pick just one, but the banana slice is famous throughout the city, and for good reason. Finish your meal with a couple of these, and you won't regret making the decision to visit this historic place.

Location:

Wollzeile 10, 1010 Wien

Price level:

$$

Café Central

Sometimes, a little bit of history can add something to a romantic atmosphere. And Vienna's cafés don't come more historic or more legendary than this one. This café is where Sigmund Freud used to drink his coffee while working on his ground-breaking psychological theories. It's where Trotsky spent his days in exile, planning a revolution in Russia. The list of former patrons of this café reads like a Who's Who of the major figures in early 20th-century history, science, and art.

It's also absolutely gorgeous. The marble pillars and vaulted ceilings give this café an almost church-like feel that's guaranteed to elevate your dining, making it easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Vienna. As you might expect, the menu focuses on traditional Austrian food like fish dishes, schnitzel, and roast beef. And as you eat here with the echoes of history all around you, you'll be swept away by the unforgettable atmosphere of this famous café.

Our recommendation:

As is almost universally the case in the coffee shops of Vienna, the pastries are especially good. The Wiener Apfelstrudel is a must-try here, and many locals regard it as the best in the city.

Location:

Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien

Price level:

$$$

Conclusion

Vienna certainly isn't short of romantic restaurants. Whether you're looking for a luxurious Michelin-starred tasting menu or would rather grab some tasty street food from one of the best food trucks in Vienna, the city has romantic places to eat that fit every taste and budget. And if you're looking for the perfect finish to an unforgettable night, Vienna's best rooftop bars will give you incredible views over the city so you can soak up the atmosphere of this underrated gem.

Vienna may not be the first place you think of when you're planning a romantic trip. But with its rich history, incredible architecture, and excellent food, Vienna has everything you need for a great romantic trip. So drop off your bags at a convenient luggage storage and give some of these romantic restaurants a try for your next date night.