Restaurant
Steirereck im Stadtpark
Heinz Reitbauer's three-Michelin-star restaurant in a steel-and-glass pavilion in the Stadtpark, serving creative contemporary cooking built on Austrian produce.
Plachutta Wollzeile
The old-town branch of the Plachutta family's restaurants, best known for Tafelspitz, Vienna's traditional boiled beef, served with its broth and classic sauces.
At a glance
- Type
- Viennese boiled beef restaurant
- Area
- Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:30–23:30
- Official site
- plachutta.at
Good to know
- Online reservations
- Group bookings
- Takeaway
Why we recommend it
Plachutta is the name most Viennese associate with Tafelspitz, the boiled beef that was famously a favourite of Emperor Franz Joseph and remains one of the city's signature dishes. The Plachutta family runs several restaurants in Vienna, including the original house in Hietzing near Schönbrunn, but the branch on Wollzeile, a few minutes from St. Stephen's Cathedral, is the most convenient for visitors staying in the centre.
The way Tafelspitz is served is part of the fun. The beef is simmered slowly in a rich broth and, in the Plachutta tradition, brought to the table in its pot. Traditionally you start with a bowl of the soup, often with noodles or other garnishes, then move on to the meat with roast potatoes, creamed spinach and the classic sauces: apple and horseradish, and a chive sauce. If marrow bone is served, the marrow is spread on toasted bread as a starter. Plachutta also serves other cuts of boiled beef, Wiener Schnitzel and seasonal Austrian dishes, and its desserts include Viennese favourites such as apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn.
The dining room is smart and comfortable rather than formal, with plenty of tables, and the service is practised at explaining the dishes to first-time visitors. It suits couples, families and business groups alike, and it is a reliable choice for anyone who wants to try one of Vienna's defining dishes in a setting that specialises in it.
The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 23:30, so it works for a late lunch as well as dinner. Booking through the website is recommended, especially in the evening and at weekends, and groups of 15 or more are asked to send an enquiry through the group booking form. Takeaway is available for collection during the day. Portions are generous, so come hungry or share a side dish.
Wollzeile runs east from Stephansplatz towards the Ring. The nearest underground station is Stubentor on the U3, about a minute's walk away, and Stephansplatz (U1, U3) is around five minutes on foot. The Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), the Stadtpark and the shops and cafés of the old town are all close by.
Plachutta Wollzeile FAQs
What is Plachutta famous for?
Tafelspitz, Vienna's traditional boiled beef, served with its broth and classic sauces.
What are the opening hours of Plachutta Wollzeile?
Daily from 11:30 to 23:30.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended, especially for dinner and at weekends. Groups of 15 or more should use the group booking form.
How is Tafelspitz eaten?
Start with the broth, then eat the beef with potatoes, creamed spinach, apple and horseradish and chive sauce.
Are there other dishes?
Yes, including other cuts of boiled beef, Wiener Schnitzel, seasonal Austrian dishes and desserts.
Is there takeaway?
Yes, takeaway is available for collection between 11:30 and 21:00.
How do I get there?
Take the U3 to Stubentor, a minute's walk away, or walk five minutes from Stephansplatz.
Are there other Plachutta restaurants?
Yes, including the original Hietzing house near Schönbrunn and a branch in Nussdorf.