The Best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna and a Truly Dog Friendly Dining Experience

Introduction: Where to Eat in Vienna When Food Really Matters

Vienna is a city that takes food seriously. From grand coffee houses to traditional taverns and elegant restaurants, knowing where to eat in Vienna can feel overwhelming, especially during the festive Christmas season when everywhere is busy and queues are part of daily life.

I am in Vienna this Christmas with my friend Pam and her Shih Tzu Daisy, and when we travel together, dog friendly restaurants are non negotiable. Pam runs a full time Daisy focused blog and is incredibly organised when it comes to choosing cities where dogs are genuinely welcome, not just tolerated.

I am happy to say that Vienna has completely exceeded expectations. It is one of the most dog friendly cities we have ever visited. Dogs are welcome on public transport, in cafés and in many restaurants, making it an ideal destination for travellers who do not want to leave their four legged companions behind.

After a couple of days exploring Vienna and enjoying some excellent meals, we stumbled across a restaurant that delivered one of the best dining experiences of the trip. Completely by accident. And those are always the ones you remember most.

This is our full, honest and detailed review of Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper, a restaurant famous for serving what many consider the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna. Yes, it is part of a small group of restaurants, but please do not let that put you off. This place delivers outstanding food, exceptional service and one of the warmest welcomes we experienced in the city.

Finding Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper by Chance

One thing we quickly learned during our Christmas trip is that Vienna is busy at this time of year. Very busy. If somewhere is popular, you will queue. We queued for lunch the day before for over half an hour, and by day three we had pretty much accepted that queuing was simply part of the Vienna dining experience.

On this particular afternoon, our goal was simple. Find a place for lunch that was dog friendly and served excellent food without a long wait. Easier said than done.

We came across Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper completely by fluke while wandering near the Vienna State Opera. From the outside, it looked polished, modern and inviting. It had the kind of presence that immediately makes you curious.

As soon as we stepped inside, it felt a little more high end than some of the traditional taverns we had passed, but still warm and welcoming rather than intimidating. Bright lighting, beautiful wood finishes, a stylish bar to the right as you walk in, dining rooms towards the back and a proper cloakroom. The design felt modern Austrian rather than rustic, elegant but relaxed.

Arrival, First Impressions and a Fully Booked Setback

We approached a waiter and asked for a table for two. He disappeared for a couple of minutes and returned with that look travellers quickly learn to recognise during peak season. Fully booked.

At this point, this was our fourth attempt of the day. Everywhere we had tried was full, and we were starting to feel a little disheartened. We thanked him and were preparing to leave when he offered us an alternative.

He suggested we sit at the bar.

Pam and I looked at each other and immediately said yes. Without hesitation.

This turned out to be one of the best decisions of the entire trip.

Outstanding Service That Sets the Tone

We were seated at a perfect two seater bar spot, ideal for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the restaurant. Almost immediately, our waiter Ivan came over and introduced himself.

From the very first interaction, his warmth and professionalism stood out. He was personable, attentive and genuinely interested in making sure we enjoyed our experience. There was no rushing, no pressure, just calm confidence and hospitality.

He asked what we were looking for, and when I asked for recommendations, his pride in the menu was clear. He suggested the traditional veal Wiener Schnitzel, casually mentioning that it had been voted the second best schnitzel in Vienna. He also recommended the traditional onion roast made with Angus sirloin beef, served with mashed potatoes and pickled gherkin.

Then came the suggestion that truly elevated the experience.

He offered to bring both dishes and suggested we share them.

This is the kind of service that transforms a meal from good to memorable. Not upselling, not pushing, simply guiding us towards the best possible experience.

We ordered two glasses of rosé and settled in, already feeling like we had made an excellent choice.

The Wiener Schnitzel That Lives Up to the Hype

When the food arrived, we were genuinely surprised by the portion sizes. These were generous, proper plates of food. The veal schnitzel alone could easily have been shared between two people.

The schnitzel arrived perfectly golden, crisp and beautifully presented. Lightly breaded, evenly cooked and clearly made with care. It came with traditional accompaniments including cranberry sauce and Austrian potato salad.

If you are searching for the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, this is exactly what you hope to be served.

The veal was tender and delicate, the coating crisp without being heavy, and every bite was balanced and satisfying. It was classic, comforting and expertly executed.

Before serving, the kitchen had already halved the schnitzel for us, another thoughtful touch that did not go unnoticed. Small details like this make a big difference.

Do Not Skip the Austrian Potato Salad

Now let us talk about the potato salad, because this deserves its own moment.

Austrian potato salad looks very different from what many of us are used to. It can appear a little sloppy, and I will admit that Pam and I had been underwhelmed by how it looked when we had seen it served at other tables around the city.

But when in Vienna, you have to try the local dishes properly.

And I am so glad we did.

This potato salad was rich, comforting and full of flavour. Silky in texture and deeply satisfying. I believe it is made with butter rather than mayonnaise, which gives it that indulgent, almost luxurious feel.

It completely changed our opinion of Austrian potato salad, and I would now actively recommend it to anyone visiting Vienna. Do not be put off by appearances. This is a dish worth ordering.

The Angus Sirloin Onion Roast That Complements the Schnitzel Perfectly

Alongside the schnitzel came the traditional onion roast made with Angus sirloin beef. And wow.

This dish was generous, hearty and absolutely delicious. Perfectly cooked beef, rich onion gravy, smooth mashed potatoes and sharp pickled gherkin to cut through the richness.

It was the ideal counterbalance to the schnitzel. Comforting, filling and exactly what you want on a cold winter day in Vienna.

We split it between us and even then it felt substantial. This is not small plate dining. This is proper, satisfying Austrian food that leaves you content and full.

Dessert That Is Worth Making Room For

Despite being very full, we could not resist dessert. When Ivan returned to check on us, we asked for his recommendation.

He suggested the traditional Kaiserschmarrn with homemade plum compote.

If you have never tried Kaiserschmarrn, it is best described as fluffy, torn pancakes served warm and generously. It may not sound glamorous, but trust me, it is incredible.

Traditionally it includes raisins, which Pam and I are not huge fans of, but there were not too many and they were easy enough to work around. The plum compote added the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness and was ideal for dipping.

It was comforting, indulgent and the perfect end to a memorable meal.

One of the Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in Vienna

One of the most important reasons this restaurant deserves such a glowing review is how dog friendly it is.

Daisy was welcomed without hesitation. Nobody questioned her presence or made us feel like an inconvenience. She settled calmly at the bar with us and was treated as part of the experience.

Without us asking, the staff brought over a water bowl for her. There was no pressure to rush, no awkwardness and no sense that dogs were merely tolerated.

If you are searching for dog friendly restaurants in Vienna, Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper should be high on your list.

Atmosphere, Comfort and Why This Place Works So Well

The atmosphere throughout the restaurant was warm, lively and relaxed. Despite being busy, it never felt chaotic or stressful. The bar seating allowed us to soak up the energy of the space while still feeling comfortable and looked after.

We were not rushed at any point. We could have stayed as long as we liked. This is the kind of restaurant where you feel welcome, whether you are there for a quick lunch or a long, leisurely meal.

It strikes the perfect balance between high quality dining and approachability, which is not always easy to achieve.

FAQs

Is Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper dog friendly?
Yes, it is one of the best dog friendly restaurants in Vienna. Dogs are welcomed warmly and water bowls are provided.

What is the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna?
Many locals and visitors consider Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper to serve one of the best Wiener Schnitzels in Vienna thanks to its quality veal and traditional preparation.

Do you need to book Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper?
Booking is recommended, especially during busy periods like Christmas. Bar seating may be available without a reservation.

Where should you eat in Vienna for traditional food?
Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper is an excellent choice for traditional Austrian dishes served at a high standard in a welcoming setting.

Another Vienna Food Spot Worth the Queue

If you do not mind a short wait, I would also recommend Zum Schwarzen Kameel. It is another Vienna institution and absolutely worth queuing for. Whether you stop in for a meal or just a bite and a drink, it offers a classic Viennese experience and pairs perfectly with a food focused itinerary.

Final Verdict: Is Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper Worth Visiting?

Without hesitation, yes.

If you are wondering where to eat in Vienna, especially if you want the best Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna and a genuinely dog friendly dining experience, Plachutta’s Gasthaus zur Oper delivers on every level.

Exceptional food, generous portions, warm and attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and dogs.

From the first glass of rosé to the final bite of Kaiserschmarrn, everything was thoughtfully executed and genuinely enjoyable.

It is places like this that turn a good trip into a great one.