11 Best Restaurants in The Altstadt, Salzburg

Known simply as "The Bosna Grill," this tiny sausage stand has become a cult destination for locals and international travelers. Find the long line of hungry people in the tiny passageway between the busy Getreidegasse and the Universitätsplatz to try this Bulgarian-inspired, Salzburg-born specialty: two thin, grilled bratwurst sausages in a toasted white bread bun, topped with chopped onions, fresh parsley, and a curry-based seasoning mixture that's been a secret since the owner, Zanko Todoroff, created it more than 50 years ago.

In winter, join the locals by taking your warm Bosna next door and enjoying it with a cup of the famous Punsch (orange liquor-spiked punch) from Sporer, the Austrian specialty liquor shop.

This inn opened its doors in 1705 as an example of that newfangled thing, a Wiener Kaffeehaus (Vienna coffeehouse), and was an immediate hit. Enjoying its 11 types of coffee was none other than Mozart's beloved, Constanze, who often dropped in, as her house was just next door. The Tomasellis set up shop here in 1850, becoming noted Chocolatmachers. Feast on the famous Tomaselliums Café (mocha, Mozart liqueur, and whipped cream) and the large selection of excellent homemade cakes, tarts, and strudels. Inside, it's all marble, wood, and walls of 18th-century portraits. In summer the best seats are on the flower-bedecked terrace and at the pretty "Tomaselli-Kiosk" on the square.

Regionally sourced, top-quality ingredients elevate the traditional Austrian dishes in this inviting Wirtshaus, just north of the Old City. Since 1663, locals have shared mugs of beer from the neighboring Augustinerbräu brewery in these warmly lighted, wood-paneled rooms, adorned with traditional Salzburg-style heating ovens and cushioned benches. Request a table in the cozy main-floor side room and enjoy the juicy Backhendl (breaded, fried chicken), Wiener schnitzel (veal or pork), cheesy Kasnocken, or beef goulash with a “bear-sized” dumpling. Seasonal specialties highlight springtime Spargelzeit (asparagus) and the fall wild-game hunt. Sip homemade schnapps before enjoying Kaiserschmarren (a fluffy pancake shredded, panfried with roasted plums, and topped with powdered sugar).

In a 500-year-old building with vaulted ceilings and windows looking out onto the bustling Getreidegasse, the restaurant of the Blaue Gans Hotel offers innovative, modern interpretations of traditional Austrian cooking. The fresh flavors are evident in dishes like the house-smoked Lachsforelle (salmon trout) and perfectly prepared beef carpaccio. There are always vegetarian choices, too. Ask your server for suggestions from the expertly selected Austrian and German wine list. The modern elegance extends to the setting, and the service is top-notch. Peer into the building's history through the dining room's glass floor, which reveals an old cellar; this was the site of the oldest inn in Salzburg, mentioned in documents from the 15th century.

Named after the former Italian owner of this historic house (note the beautiful small archway passage), this is a top spot for tasting Marzemino, the red wine Don Giovanni drinks in Mozart's opera. But there are plenty of other goodies here: some of the best Italian coffees in the city; outstanding Austrian Apfel oder Topfenstrudel (apple or cheese pie); and one of the the best Salzburger Nockerl.

With white-linen tablecloths, candles, flowers, and windows opening onto the street, this is one of Salzburg's most pleasant restaurants. Menu selections consist of local fish, mouthwatering steaks, traditional Austrian dishes, and game in season. The cellar is called the Freysauff but don't be misled; it may mean "free drinks," but you definitely need to pay.

This cozy Old City restaurant offers some lovely Italian and Mediterranean specialties on its extensive (and expensive) menu. Try the roasted veal chop with truffle ravioli. To save some money, consider coming for lunch when there's a good value three-course set menu (€28). The setting is unique too, with a vaulted rock ceiling at the back of the restaurant, and the "Almkanal"—a subterranean aqueduct—flowing right through the room.

Legends swirl about this famous Altstadt beer cellar: locals claim that Mephistopheles met Faust here, others say Charlemagne dined here, and some believe Columbus enjoyed a glass of its famous Salzburg Stiegl beer just before he set sail for America in 1492. But there is no debating the fact that this place—first mentioned in a document dating from 803—is Austria's oldest restaurant. Choose between the stately, dark-wood-panel Prälatenzimmer (Prelates' Room) or one of several less formal banqueting rooms. Elegantly presented Austrian standards and international dishes made with top-quality ingredients fill the menu.

See and be seen among the Salzburg Festival glitteratti in Triangel's large outdoor seating area, or cozy up in the intimate dining room of this organic-farming-focused Austrian restaurant. The endless pounding coming from the kitchen tells you that the Wiener schnitzel is a popular choice, but if you have to pick one dish, make it Oma's Schweinsbraten; owner Franzi's grandmother's roast pork belly recipe.

This spot allures with rustic wooden furniture, old folio volumes, antique weapons, and open fireplaces. Tables gleaming with white linen are set in wonderful nooks and crannies reached by odd staircases and charming salons. Generous portions of traditional dishes and quality service consistently satisfy travelers, who make up the majority of the guests. Many ingredients, including herbs, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and fish, come from the owners' farm.

Here you'll find a true time-tinged feel of an old Salzburg Gasthaus, right down to a huge ceramic stove next to wooden chairs that welcomed generations of locals as they tucked into enormous plates of Bauernschmaus (Farmer's Feast): roast pork, ham, sausage, sauerkraut, and a massive dumpling. Pair it with a frothy-headed mug of the hometown "liquid bread"—Stiegl beer—from the oldest private brewery in Austria. The "Wild Man's" namesake fountain statue originally stood at the top of the Griesgasse, and can now be found in the small grassy park across from the Festival Hall—his cheeky portrait still welcomes guests at the restaurant's entryway. When this inn opened its doors in 1884 it became one of the most important burgher houses in the Altstadt, and it continues to be a popular choice for the lederhosen crowd.