Graz – Capital of Culinary Delights

When you hear gourmands rave about "Austria's delicatessen," they're talking about Graz, the country's gastronomy-wild southernmost city.

With its mild, almost Mediterranean climate, Graz inspires a close relationship with nature -- which, in turn, plays out happily in kitchens throughout the city. From its bars to coffeehouses, wine bars to inns to restaurants, you'll be invited to sample regional delicacies made with products -- cherries, apricots, summer mushrooms -- from the nearby Styrian regions.

Take a culinary stroll, starting at one of the two central farmer’s markets, still run by local farmers. (Your can't-miss souvenir: a tasty, dark-green pumpkinseed oil, made in Steiermark.) Southern light cooking dominates in summer, and the city flocks around the countless outdoor dining establishments. Winter brings traditional Alpine cuisine, the famed Christmas markets and Advent season, and some of the cozier meals you'll find in Europe.