5 Best Restaurants in Linz, Vienna Woods, Lake Neusiedler, and the Danube River

Tucked away inside the historic Kremsmünsterhaus, this elegant restaurant rocks a mod-retro look with cozy tables, muted lighting, and attractive stonework. The cuisine is Austrian with a touch of Asia, as evidenced by the selection of wok dishes and an excellent sushi bar. Main courses include mouthwatering variations of fish (the panfried tuna is a favorite) as well as meaty treats (the rib-eye steak is to die for). If the weather is nice, you can opt to sit outside in the inviting, enclosed courtyard. The bar is open late, often hosting famous DJs.

It may be some way out of town, but the exquisite food, intimate atmosphere, and gorgeous views at this fine dining restaurant make it worth a special trip. Passionate owner-chef Erich Lukas crafts clever, seasonal set menus that combine Austrian and Mediterannean influences to great effect. Unusually, it's also possible to order dishes from the menus individually. For budget conscious travelers, the neighboring Verdi Einkehr bistro shares the same kitchen but serves more standard Austrian fare. If you don't have a car, you'll need a taxi to get here as it's located close to Lichtenberg, about three kilometers (two miles) north of the town center.

One of Austria's grand old coffeehouses, this is the only one of its kind in Upper Austria. It's the perfect place to savor a cup of coffee, read the newspapers, and enjoy a light meal. Ask for the specialty, Linzertorte (almond cake with jam) with your coffee, or try the homemade apfelstrudel.

The atmosphere here is that of a spacious, contemporary Gasthaus, with a fabulous roofed garden filled with flowers. The varied menu of regional cuisine is reasonably priced and has a touch of the Mediterranean, with plenty of vegetarian options available. Nevertheless, the highlights are traditionally Austrian and meaty; the steak tartare, the Tafelspitz (boiled beef), and the size-of-your-head schnitzels. The place is easy to find; just look for the theater in the heart of the Altstadt.