Culinary Corners

The “Ikarus” by the Salzburg airport is a highlight for gourmets. Chef Roland Trettl’s concept is as easy as it is ingenious: each month a famous international guest chef creates the menu in the restaurant overlooking the antique planes in Red Bull's Hangar-7. A unique dining experience is guaranteed here! www.hangar-7.com

In the modern and cutting-edge Carpe Diem Finest Finger Food in Salzburg’s Getreidegasse everything is served in savory cones brought to the table. The chef Jörg Wörther was awarded 4 Gault Milleau toques for his outstanding culinary talent. www.finestfingerfood.com

The “Steirereck” in Vienna is considered to Austria’s best. With its move to Meierei in the Stadtpark, the Steirereck found a location worthy of its status as a culinary temple. Besides its restaurant the new Steirereck now also boasts the “ess.bar” and a “light” restaurant for those in-between cravings. www.steirereck.at

Though not prize-winning, the Silberwirt is a very popular restaurant frequented by simple workmen, councilors and the mayor of Vienna alike. Patrons come for the honest and time-honored Viennese food including fried chicken, schnitzel variations and hearty salads served in the courtyard of the Biedermeier house on Margaretenplatz, 5th district. www.schlossquadr.at

“Lichtblick” in Innsbruck’s Maria-Theresien-Straße is the best example that Tirolean cuisine has more to offer than dumplings and roast pork. The young chef’s culinary creations are trendy and international. Located on the 7th floor, the Lichtblick affords fantastic views of the city. www.restaurant-lichtblick.at

Most restaurants in Tirol are still dedicated to traditional cooking. The restaurants have a delightful Tirolean ambiance and serve a traditional fare that has been adapted to modern palates. The distinguished “Europa” for instance is renowned for its fine dining. The multi-prize winning restaurant serves creative regional cooking. For a list of Tirolean restaurants and inns click: www.tiroler-wirtshaus.at.

Carinthia’s most beautiful restaurant is located in Klagenfurt, right on the shores of Wörthersee: although not prize-awarded, the “Maria Loretto” is your best bet for excellent food and cozy dining with fantastic views from the lakeside terrace on the first floor. www.maria-loretto.at

The Dolce Vita on Heuplatz near the City Arkaden has been honored with three Gault Mileau toques and serves refined Italian and international cuisine. This is probably Austria’s best Italian restaurant. To book a table call +43 (0) 463/ 554 99.

The “Oscar” on St. Veiter Ring is another fine dining choice in Klagenfurt. Chef Gerald Lohner has been distinguished with a toque for his inspiring and fresh cooking. www.restaurant-oscar.at

For more dining tips visit the homepages of the host cities Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck und Klagenfurt .