A diminutive but cheerful robin’s egg blue sign announces Balthasar’s place on the Praterstrasse in the Leopoldstadt (2^nd district), but the happy groupings of locals—at the outdoor tables or by the cozy windows—gives this place away from a distance. The adorable neighborhood hipster coffee bar features bright and cheerful décor with hanging lightbulb fixtures, wide-plank hardwood floors and contemporary Scandinavian furniture. Coffee, unsurprisingly, is excellent, as are the pastries (including a delicious apple strudel, or apfelstrudel). Wine, beer and Champagne are also on offer.

You won’t get locals to agree, as most have a favored spot in their respective neighborhoods, but Bitzinger is widely regarded as the city’s best wurst (sausage) purveyor. It is also the most convenient for travelers, as it is located right outside the entrance to the Albertina (and even features a bright-green version of the museum’s iconic pink bunny statue). Bitzinger is a first-class fast-food stand, serving the most flavorful and satisfying Wūrste you’ll ever have; the cheese-stuffed variety is a must-order.

Like the Hansen, breakfast is the meal du jour at this fanciful café located above the Kunsthalle in the MuseumsQuartier. It is served from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., and includes everything from bagels to a typically Austrian spread of cold cuts, cheeses, muesli and hard-boiled eggs. Situated in the Emperor’s Loge of the former riding hall, the multilevel space has stucco ceilings, flowing gauze curtains and specials written on large chalkboards (the menu changes weekly). If you’re visiting the MQ’s museums, this is a nice place to refuel.

In Vienna’s trendy Neubau neighborhood, Cafe Kandl is a coffee house by day and wine bar-cum-restaurant by night. It has become one of Vienna’s buzziest tables to snag, with a laidback atmosphere and a small menu. The natural wine list is impressive and extensive.

When you grow tired of schnitzel and goulash, head to this trendy Chinese restaurant and bar, which has a simple, elegant interior and offers al fresco dining in warm weather. The menu specializes in Sichuan cuisine and is heavy on spicy flavors in its dishes like pork with sweet potatoes and peanuts.

For those craving a break from Austrian fare, Ella’s is an elegant and delicious Greek option in the city center. Located on a quiet street corner, the restaurant serves Mediterranean classics in a swanky, stark-white dining room. The menu consists of small plates like octopus salad and beef tartar, plus heavier entrees and a variety of Greek and Austrian wines. Especially lovely is the outdoor seating area, which is perfect for people watching with tapas and a glass of wine.

A five-minute walk from Stephansplatz, this gastro pub serves some of Vienna’s best Schnitzel and beer in its casual and intimate dining room.

Note: this restaurant is cash only.

Hidden at the back of the Museumsquartier up a daunting flight of cement stairs, Glacis Beisl is a secret find, featuring a romantic garden space complete with twinkling lights, a diverse crowd and a modern philosophy of dining. Traditional dishes like goulash, Schnitzel and boiled beef are paired with a specially curated list of draft beers, brandies and premium Austrian wines. It’s an excellent choice for lunch al fresco when visiting the museums, or a cozy dinner for a group of friends in the buzzy interior.

Widely hailed for having the best sourdough in Vienna, this bakery has revitalized artisan bread and baked goods in the city. While it is not a traditional Viennese cafe, it is a lovely spot for an easy breakfast, lunch or snack. The pastries, bread and sandwiches are outstanding, with coffee from Coffee Collective in Copenhagen.

There are multiple locations of Joseph Brot across Vienna.

Though it is both a patisserie and restaurant, Kussmaul feels like one big eatery, thanks to its open plan layout and kitchen sitting in the center of the space. The restaurant serves delicious modern cuisine, and the patisserie is open all day and offers smaller dishes, including a great breakfast.

R&Bar is a hip, intimate and cozy wine bar specializing in natural wines. The generous sommelier will pour as many wines as it takes to ensure guests find a perfect fit, and there is also small menu serving great bites. R&Bar only has a few tables (and small groups will gather around them), so it can get quite crowded.

Centrally located in the historic heart of Vienna, Fuhrich was opened almost three decades ago by Petra Fuhrich, who still welcomes regulars and visitors almost daily. The two-story restaurant has a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere and specializes in Viennese traditional cuisine. (They serve an excellent Wienerschnitzel, of course, and a delicious chocolate souffle.) The restaurant is also known for catering to those with allergies, so it is a great choice for people who are gluten or lactose intolerant.

Locals adore this no-frills former Gasthaus (tavern) in the residential second district (a short taxi ride from the center of Vienna). Chefs Horst Scheuer and Alexander Mayer are drawing foodies to this quiet location, thanks to a daily changing, seasonally inspired menu that is expertly prepared and takes cues from Viennese and classic French cuisine. If you are tired of running into other tourists in the centrally located eateries of Vienna, this is a spot where you will most definitely mingle with locals. The wood-paneled dining room with a cool black-and-white painted ceiling is not fancy, but the food and laid-back ambience have developed a following since Scheuer and Mayer took over. Reservations are recommended.

An offshoot of the more formal Tian restaurant, this bistro in the trendy Spittelberg neighborhood offers delicious vegetarian dishes. Popular options include Tian’s take on “steak” tartare, burgers and goulash. Locals love the breakfast options here, particularly the homemade granola and avocado toast with cashew butter. The ambience is so lovely that many come for a late breakfast and stay through the early afternoon.

This all-day eatery serves an excellent breakfast until mid-afternoon on weekends, and a regular set lunch service during the week. Creative dishes can include potato and string bean strudel served with dill sauce and pepper salad (Wednesday’s vegetarian lunch option) or an egg sandwich with grilled gouda, crispy bacon, spinach, tomato relish and red onion (available daily for breakfast). The neighborhood favorite has a buzzing vibe thanks to its popularity so reservations are recommended.

Vinifero Weinbar is a quiet and laidback wine bar with an excellent wine list focused on biodynamic and natural wine. There is a small bites menu here serving specifically vegetable-centric dishes.

Austrian cuisine isn’t exactly known for its vegetarian options, so this minimalist-chic bistro that features veggies is a rare find. Chef Christian Wrenkh creates beautiful and sophisticated dishes with seasonal ingredients and many options on the often-changing menu are vegetarian (though meat and seafood lovers will also be happy here). A pioneer of vegetarian cuisine in Vienna, Wrenkh also offer cooking classes at his restaurant. The central location, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and shopping street Graben makes this an easy place for a lunch or relaxed dinner.

In a peaceful courtyard sits the adorable Zum Finsteren Stern (“to the dark star”) a restaurant that boasts a seasonal menu based upon the availability of ingredients. Charming and cozy, the eatery turns out wholesome, thoughtful dishes like roasted goat cheese in phyllo dough with a radish salad. There is outdoor seating available in warm months.

With a homey, relaxed atmosphere, Zur Herknerin is the ultimate cozy neighborhood spot for traditional Austrian cuisine. Many of the ingredients in dishes like homemade spinach dumplings and pumpkin lasagna come from chef/owner Stefanie Herkner’s family’s farm. Herkner is highly involved in the day-to-day of the restaurant, and a highlight of visiting the eatery is meeting her. She also hosts the occasional dumpling-making cooking classes.