When you think of budget food destinations, Vienna, Austria might not be the first place to pop into your mind. However, Vienna is surprisingly rife with inexpensive eating options.
In addition to the ubiquitous döner kebab that is always a reliable choice, you’ll find cheap pizza, traditional Austrian food at excellent prices and more than a few vegetarian options.
Our cheap picks run the gamut from cozy pub grub to pay-what-you-wish Pakistani fare. Here are five of our favorites to keep in mind for your next trip to Vienna.
Related: Our favorite budget hotels in Vienna
5 cheap eats in Vienna
1. Tunnel
Florianigasse 39
Neighborhood: Josefstadt
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If it’s an unabashedly young and laid-back vibe you’re after, look no further than Tunnel. This restaurant-live music hybrid offers a large menu with very reasonable prices.
The menu includes sandwiches, pastas, soups and vegetarian dishes ranging from €5 and up. Tunnel’s drink list is equally expansive, with juices, beers and cocktails all about €4. You’re guaranteed to hear a live band nightly (at 9 p.m.), though there is often a cover charge.
2. Esterházykeller
Naglergasse 9
Neighborhood: Innere Stadt
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More than your average charming Austrian restaurant, the Esterházykeller offers the added bonus of historic significance. Opened in 1683 and named after the Esterházy noble family, the place was famously frequented by Joseph Haydn.
The restaurant serves typical Austrian cuisine (think plenty of meat) though vegetarian options are available as well. Meals start around €6, and you can order a fine wiener schnitzel for around €11. Wine from the Esterházy vineyard is on the menu, along with apple strudel and other sweets, most under €5.
3. Der Wiener Deewan
Liechtensteinstraße 10
Neighborhood: Alsergrund
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Der Wiener Deewan puts a Pakistani twist on one of our favorite restaurant concepts: Take a hip, colorful atmosphere, add a buffet with a pay-what-you-wish policy, and you have yourself a wi(e)nner!
A buffet is served all day with a mix of meat and veggie curries that also comes with fresh nan bread and salad. And yes, you decide the price at the end of the meal. Just pay the cashier on the way out. The restaurant also offers takeaway boxes and drinks are also available, though these come at fixed prices. Stop by on Monday evenings to catch some live music.
4. Pizzeria Mafiosi
Reindorfgasse 15
Neighborhood: Mariahilf
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If you want a cheap slice of pizza or a hefty portion of lasagna, this Italian eatery is a safe bet. The topping selection is impressive, and the prices are quite low; nothing on the food menu costs more than €6, and they have a handful of pizzas under €4.
A beer will set you back €2, while a glass of wine can be had for the super cheapo price of only €1.20. The Pizzeria Mafiosi is located south of the city center near the Schönbrunn Palace.
5. Kent Restaurant
Brunnengasse 67
Neighborhood: Ottakring
A local favorite in Josefstadt, the Kent Restaurant has a sprawling menu of Turkish entrees. Choose from variety of salads, kebabs and Middle Eastern sandwiches. They’re all very tasty and very affordable.
A complete breakfast is available for around €5, and desserts (including baklava) are also served. They also have two other locations in Vienna.