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Austria

Recommended restaurants in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague

Budapest
Alabardos, Orszaghaz u. 2

This stylish restaurant in a medieval house in the Castle District is the best place to eat in the neighborhood. The cuisine is nouvelle Hungarian. The courtyard is the perfect spot for lunch on a nice day.

Phone:	214.3814 Reservations required
Hours:	Monday through Saturday from noon to 4PM and 7PM to midnight
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main courses from:	6.10EUR
Fixed price menu from:	7.75EUR

Bagolyvar, Állatkerti ut 2

Located next to Gundel and under the same ownership, Bagolyvar offers top-quality, home style Hungarian cooking at very affordable prices. Located in a faux castle in City Park, the restaurant has an attractive terrace too. Save room for dessert.

Phone:	321.3550
Hours:	11AM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V
Main Courses from:	4.90EUR

Beckett's Irish Bar, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky ut 72

With live entertainment nightly and a summer terrace, Beckett’s is jumping all week long and mobbed on weekends. Voted the best bar for ex-pats, Beckett’s is home away from home for English speakers in Budapest. The restaurant serves nachos, chicken wings, jerk chicken and a little of everything else until around 11PM.

Phone:	361.311.1033
Hours:	Noon to 1AM weekdays; Noon to 3AM weekends
Credit cards accepted:
Main Courses from:	4.50EUR

Belgian Brasserie, Bem rakpart 12

Serving the best Belgian beers and Moules mariniere, this congenial pub is a beer lover’s heaven.

Hours:	Noon to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:

Cafe Miro, Zri u. 30

This hip little bistro is a pleasant spot for lunch in the Castle District. Decorated using the color palette of its namesake artist, Café Miro offers salads and lighter than average fare in addition to the usual.

Phone:	175.5458
Hours:	9AM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:

Cosmo, Kristof ter 7-8

Under the same ownership as Cyrano downstairs, this stylish, modern trendsetter was voted Best Resturant in Budapest in 1998. Popular with Hungarian movers, shakers, and filmmakers, Cosmo serves nouvelle continental cuisine with a vaguely French feel. Try the Rack of Lamb on spinach and pine nuts.

Phone:	266.4747
Hours:	Noon to 4PM and 4:30PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V

Cyrano, Kristof ter 7-8

Named for the chandelier in the lovely dining room that was used in the movie Cyrano, starring Gerard Depardieu, Cyrano is a popular choice near Vaci Utca. The food is inventive, and the atmosphere is very pleasant, particularly on the fountain-splashed terrace.

Phone:	266.3096
Hours:	Noon to 3PM and 5PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC

Gerbeaud's, Vorosmarty ter 7

Stopping at Gerbeaud’s for pastries is as much a Budapest institute as a dip at the Gellert. It’s been in business since 1858, and it’s pastries are among the best in town. The beautiful Art Nouveau surroundings and location at the start of Vaci Utca are as much of a draw as the food.

Phone:	118.1311
Hours:	9AM to 9PM daily
Credit cards accepted:

Gundel, Állatkerti ut 2

Hungary’s best restaurant opened in 1894 and was taken over by American restaurateur George Lang in 1992. Dine in the beautiful City Park dining room or in the well-tended garden on updated versions of Hungarian classics. The ambience, service, Zsolnay porcelain and boffo wine list all add up to a memorable dining experience. Dress up and take money.

Phone:	322.1002
Hours:	Noon to 4PM and 7PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	9.60EUR

Lou Lou, Vigy1zo F. u. 4

In central Pest near the Parliament building, Lou Lou is attractive and inviting. There’s a great wine list. You’ll find things on the menu you won’t find elsewhere. And service is generally professional

Phone:	312.4505
Hours:	Noon to 3PM and 7PM to midnight Monday through Friday; 7PM to midnight Saturdays
Credit cards accepted:	DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	3.70EUR

Muzeum, Muzeum korut 12

Founded in 1885, this café next to the National Museum has a huge menus. If you can’t find something to eat here, you’re just not trying. Service is good, and the Art Nouveau atmosphere is great.

Phone:	267.0375
Hours:	10:30AM to 1:30AM Monday through Saturday
Credit cards accepted:	AE

Onkiszogalo, Hess Andras ter 4

This self-service cafeteria is okay for a quick bite when you’re sightseeing in the Castle District. Nothing great. But a reliable alternative when everyplace else is packed. To find it, go into the courtyard across from the Hilton Hotel and climb the stairs.

Hours:	11:30AM to 2:30PM Monday through Friday
Credit cards accepted:
Main Courses from:	0.50EUR

Robinson’s, Varosliget, to-sziget (in City Park)

The location, on an island in a small lake in City Park, is terrific. And we enjoyed a pleasant meal here. But recent reviews indicate quality may have slipped somewhat. Our advice would be not to come if you’re in a rush, and to be careful what you order.

Phone:	01.343.0955
Hours:	Noon to 4PM and 6PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V

Ruszwurm Cukraszda, Szentharomsag u. 7

Although there’s much to like about this charming café in business since 1827, its Castle District location means it’s often mobbed with tourists. If you can find a seat, great. But don’t hold your breath.

Phone:	01.175.5284
Hours:	10AM to 7PM daily
Credit cards accepted:

Udvarhaz a Harmashatarhegyen, Harmashatarhegyi ut 2

There’s not a better view in Budapest than from the lovely dining rooms or terrace of this elegant restaurant in the Buda Hills. In addition to well prepared Hungarian and continental dishes, you’ll also enjoy music with your dinner.

Phone:	01.188.8780
Hours:	Tuesday through Sunday from 11AM to 11PM; Closed weekdays for lunch off season
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	5.30EUR

Prague
Avalon Bar & Grill, Malostranská nám. 12

After a few weeks of Slavic cooking, the California cuisine served at Avalon is a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere is light and hip. Service is friendly. And the food, which includes guilty pleasures like Buffalo Wings, is a welcome change.

Phone:	02/530.276
Hours:	11AM to 1AM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V
Main Courses from:	4.10EUR

Bellevue, Smetanovo nabrezi 18

Arguably the best restaurant in Prague, the immaculately prepared food here is rivaled by the views of Prague Castle. Comfortably ensconced in the space formerly occupied by Parnas, Bellevue is owned by the Blue Moon Group, which owns several great spots in Prague. This is their flagship, and you won’t find a better dining experience in town. Try anything with lamb. There are 24 tables on the terrace.

Phone:	02.2422.7614 Reservations required
Hours:	Noon to 3PM and 5:30PM to 11PM daily; Sunday brunch from 11AM to 3PM
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	12.30EUR
Fixed Price Menu from:	27EUR

Circle Line, Malostranske namesti 12

Downstairs from Avalon off the main square of the Little Quarter, Circle Line is another of Prague’s best restaurants. Service is well above the norm. Seafood is impeccably fresh are prepared with French influences. And the cruise ship interior was recently refurbished. Save room for dessert.

Phone:	5753.0023
Hours:	6PM to 11PM Monday through Saturday
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V
Fixed Price Menu from:	34.10EUR

Francouska Restaurace, Namesti Republiky 5 (in Municipal House)

Enjoy French food at this drop-dead gorgeous Art Nouveau palace. Fancy yourself enjoying café life at the turn of the century. And save room for dessert. If your meal is only half as delicious as the ambience, you’ll be satisfied.

Phone:	2200.2777
Hours:	Noon to 3PM and 6PM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V

Kampa Park, Na Kampe 8b

Nestled beneath the Charles Bridge, the riverside terrace at Kampa Park is one of the loveliest places to dine in Prague. Fresh seafood and Scandinavian dishes are a specialty here. There’s even a Smorgesbord on Thursday nights. The bar is jumping and the terrace is a great spot for lunch too. Order anything barbecued on the grill.

Phone:	5731.3493
Hours:	Noon to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC
Main Courses from:	12.50EUR

Opera Grill, Karoliny Svetle 35

With its overstuffed armchairs and elegant furnishings, the tiny dining room – there are just seven tables – is more like a cozy salon than a restaurant. The menu is small, but everything on it is great. The wine list is very respectacle. And service is very good. This is a very romantic spot in Old Town.

Phone:	265.508 Reservations required
Hours:	7PM to 2AM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V

Reykavik, Karlova 20

Fresh seafood is the name of the game at this restaurant leading to the Charles Bridge. The Icelandic owners fly the seafood in and it’s surprisingly reasonable given the quality. There’s seating outside and in a loft above the main dining room.

Phone:	2422.9251
Hours:	11AM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	6.50EUR

Segafredo, Na Príkope 10

When you’re ready for Italian - and you will be - head for Segafredo. Under the same ownership as Kampa Park, Segafredo has killer pasta. The atmosphere is hip and lively. And during summer, there are tables on the sidewalk.

Phone:	02.2421.0716
Hours:	11AM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE. MC, V
Main Courses from:	6.20EUR

U Maleho Glena, Karmelitska 23

Good pub popular among locals as well as tourists. Acceptable pub grub. Good margaritas. And occasional jazz and reggae bands.

Phone:	535.8115
Hours:	10AM to 2AM daily
Credit cards accepted:

U Maltezskych rytiru (The Knights of Malta), Prokopska 10

For romantic ambience and good food, it’s hard to beat the Knights of Malta. Game is a speciality in this street-level dining room and stone-walled Gothic cellar.

Phone:	536.357 Reservations required
Hours:	11AM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC
Main Courses from:	5.60EUR

U medvidku, Na Perstyne 7

This historic pub has been packing them in for centuries. Great beer, good atmosphere, and hearty, cheap food. Be sure to go to the right, not the left, when entering.

Phone:	2422.0930
Hours:	11AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday; 11AM to 10PM Sundays
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V
Main Courses from:	2.75EUR

U Patrona, Drazickeho namesti 4

Yet another winner from the Blue Moon Group, U Patrona has much to commend it. Great views of the Charles Bridge from the terrace. Two charming little dining rooms. And food that’s consistently good.

Phone:	531 497
Hours:	11:30AM to 2:30PM and 5:30PM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V

V Zatisi, Liliova 1, Betlemske namesti

Owned by the Blue Moon Group, V Zatisi is another great choice for a special dinner. Service here is faultless. The kitchen does terrific things with seafood, pasta, and beef. And the ambience is elegant yet relaxed.

Phone:	2422.8977
Hours:	Noon to 3PM and 5:30PM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, MC, V

Vienna
Alter Klosterkeller im Passauerhof, Cobenzigasse 9, Grinzing

One of Grinzing's better Heurigen, this wine tavern has good, traditional food and music nightly.

Phone:	0222.320.63.45
Hours:	4PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:
Meals from:	10.90EUR
Drinks from:	2.20EUR

Altes Presshaus, Cobenzlgasse 15, Grinzing

With one of the nicest terrace gardens in Grinzing, this is a very popular heurige. It's the oldest in town and the country atmosphere is charming.

Phone:	0222.32.23.93
Hours:	4PM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:
Meals from:	10.90EUR
Drinks from:	2.20EUR

Augustinerkeller, Augustinerstrasse 1

This lively tavern is one of the best places in Vienna for tasting wine. Beer lovers will enjoy this friendly, casual tavern too. Try the spit roasted chicken or roast pork. Live Austrian music nightly.

Phone:	0222.533.10.26
Hours:	11AM to midnight daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	8EUR
Glasses of Wine from:	2.04EUR

Figlmuller, Wollzelle 5

This 500-year-old restaurant is the place for weiner schnitzel. Share a bench at one of the long tables and expect whatever you order to be bigger than the plate.

Phone:	0222.512.61.77
Hours:	11AM to 10PM daily; Closed August
Credit cards accepted:	No
Main Courses from:	6.55EUR

Fuhrgassl-Huber, Neustift am Walder 68, Neustift and Wald

Another good wine tavern in Neustift am Wald.

Phone:	01.440.14.05
Credit cards accepted:

Grinzinger Hauermandl, Cobenzlgasse 20, Grinzing

This heurige is popular with the Viennese. Food is hearty and reasonable and the atmosphere is congenial.

Phone:	0222.32.30.27
Hours:	5:30PM to midnight, Monday through Saturday
Credit cards accepted:
Meals from:	6.90EUR
Wine from:	2.20EUR

Mayer, Am Pfarrplatz 2, Heiligenstadt

The most historic of the heurigen, Mayer is the house where Beethovem composed his Ninth Symphony. For this reason, you may need reservations. The music's good, there's a courtyard and a garden, and there's a nice cold buffet.

Phone:	0222.37.33.61
Hours:	4PM to midnight Monday through Saturday; Sundays 11AM to midnight
Credit cards accepted:
Meals from:	14.60EUR
Wine from:	2.04EUR

Sacher Hotel Restaurant, Philharmonikerstrasse 4

One of Vienna's most romantic restaurants, the Sacher is famous for its tafelspitz and legendary Sacher Torte. It's formal and expensive, so dress up and take money.

Phone:	0222.514.560
Hours:	Noon to 2:30PM and 6PM to 11PM daily
Credit cards accepted:	AE, DC, MC, V
Main Courses from:	18.20EUR
Fixed Price Menu from:	42.20EUR

Zimmermann, Mitterwerzergasse 20, Neustift am Wald

This traditional heurige is one of the best choices in Neustift am Wald.

Phone:	01.440.1207
Hours:	Monday through Friday 3PM to midnight; Weekends noon to midnight
Web:	www.weinhof-zimmermann.at
Credit cards accepted: