Karmeliter district

After the Naschmarkt and the creative Neubau district Vienna’s pub, bar and art scene has discovered the Karmelitermarkt in the Second District. The Schöne Perle restaurant has made a name for itself as something of a culinary pioneer. The kitchen in Leopoldsgasse in the former Jewish quarter has been putting a new spin on traditional Viennese cuisine since 2002. Schöne Perle is an example of the accomplished new eateries, with an unfussy interior, interesting guests and good cooking. The latest place to open in the area is Skopik & Lohn which owes its appeal to its welcoming and restrained interior, garden, and classic Viennese fare with an international twist.

The Karmelitermarkt, which has existed since 1671, is also constantly having new dining establishments added to it: Zimmer 37 is a delicatessen shop and restaurant combined. The owner offers vegetarian Five Elements cuisine. Fine weather can be enjoyed in relaxation in the sunny sidewalk café. 

Directly opposite is Madiani which takes you on a voyage of discovery through Georgian cuisine. Diners can choose typical national dishes such as Khinkali, filled pastry pockets. The delicious Russian and Georgian breakfast varieties are highly recommended, with tea straight from the samovar — or there is also the traditional Viennese version with a bread roll and honey. The breakfasts at café bar Einfahrt on the fringes of the market are just as sumptuous – and are served until way past noon on Saturday.

Already well established is the ambitious Marktachterl. The charming establishment has a fish restaurant called Fischvierterl next door and is currently the culinary highlight on Karmerliterplatz. New on the square is Tewa, which already has an outlet on the Naschmarkt and also offers modern trendy cooking on Karmelitermarkt. Right next door is Kaas am Markt: a mix of delicatessen and restaurant, with excellent organic and slow-food products and snacks.

A bit farther, around the corner from the Karmelitermarkt, is the cake shop Fett+Zucker. A small shop with cute vintage furniture and a cozy atmosphere offering all kinds of cakes to lift your spirits.