What is in season in Vienna. and what to order when the market changes.
Spring
- Spargel (white asparagus): Marchfeld white asparagus lands at the Naschmarkt and Karmelitermarkt from mid-April to late June. Most Beisl run a Spargel-Karte during the season.
- Baerlauch (wild garlic): Baerlauch foraged in the Wienerwald hits markets through April and May, sold in big bunches and turned into pesto, soup and dumpling fillings across the city.
- Spring lamb: Easter lamb from the Niederoesterreich farms appears on the Beisl carte through April. Most fine-dining rooms run a lamb tasting course around Easter.
Summer
- Marillen (Wachau apricots): The Wachau apricot lands in early July, and within a week the Konditoreien and Kaffeehaeuser are pouring Marillenknoedel, Marillenkuchen and Marillenmarmelade. Demel and Kurkonditorei Oberlaa both run a Marillen-Karte.
- Erdbeeren (strawberries): Strawberries from the Marchfeld and the Wienerwald arrive in June. The Naschmarkt and Karmelitermarkt stalls run them by the kilo through the end of July.
- Kuerbisbluete (zucchini flower): Stuffed and fried zucchini flowers appear on Italian-leaning Vienna kitchens like Pizza Mari from late June. The Naschmarkt grocers have them through August.
Autumn
- Sturm (new wine): Sturm, half-fermented new wine, pours at Heuriger taverns in Grinzing and Stammersdorf from late August to early October. Pair with a Brettljause for the canonical autumn afternoon.
- Maroni (chestnuts): Roasted Maroni stalls appear on Vienna's street corners from late September, and run through to Christmas. The aroma is the city's autumn signal.
- Wild and game: Game from the Wienerwald hits Beisl cartes through October and November: Hirsch, Reh, Wildschwein. Steirereck's autumn tasting leans into the season.
Winter
- Punsch and Gluehwein: The Christkindlmaerkte at Rathausplatz, Spittelberg and Schoenbrunn pour Punsch and Gluehwein from mid-November to 24 December. Bring back the souvenir mug for the deposit.
- Karpfen (carp): Fried carp is the canonical Vienna Christmas Eve plate, sold at the Naschmarkt and Karmelitermarkt fish stalls through Advent. Backerei and Konditoreien run breaded fillets to-go.
- Krapfen (jam doughnuts): Krapfen, filled with apricot jam, take over the bakery counters from New Year to Faschingsdienstag (Mardi Gras). Demel and Kurkonditorei Oberlaa run the canonical apricot-jam fillings.
Seasonal in Vienna, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Vienna?
Peak food season in Vienna is year-round.
What time do people eat in Vienna?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Vienna?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Vienna?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Vienna rewards trust.