Collina am Berg — Restaurant in Vienna

I’m not one to leave negative reviews easily, but after reading the recent reviews about Collina, I felt compelled to share a similar experience.

To begin with, the food was decent — nothing extraordinary, but perfectly fine. We had an aperitivo, a bottle of wine (not the cheapest), starters, mains, and an extra glass of wine each. Afterward, we felt like having a digestif, and we were told, "Of course, a digestif will be brought to your table." The waiter arrived with a large bottle of schnapps, offering a long explanation about how special it was. I declined, but my two companions each had a glass (I opted for limoncello).

When the bill came, it totalled 380 EUR. We paid and left a tip, though it was clear from the waiter’s expression the tip wasn’t enough (no thank you whatsoever!). Something didn’t sit right, so we checked the bill and noticed a charge of 2x 45 EUR. Upon asking for clarification, we learned that the 90 EUR charge was for two small glasses of schnapps!

We were shocked for several reasons: 1) If you’re offering something this expensive by the glass, you should inform the customer upfront; 2) It’s troubling to see such an approach taken by a restaurant; 3) Even though we were generally satisfied with the evening, this incident really soured the whole experience. What surprised me further was the waiter’s lack of remorse — he simply avoided eye contact. When the manager came over, I expressed how I felt, and he responded with, "Let me speak before you start crying." This is not how a customer should be treated.

While we did get the 90 EUR refunded, it’s clear this isn’t genuine hospitality — it’s about upselling and making money. At first, everyone seemed very pleasant, but this incident revealed a different side of the restaurant.

Another thing that stood out, though it would have gone unnoticed had the schnapps issue not occurred: they charged 17 EUR for a glass of red wine — no warning or choice given. You don’t expect a glass of red wine to be 17 EUR as a standard.

All in all, it was a unique experience, but unfortunately, not one I’d...

Overall, a great experience! We opted for the 5-course menu with wine pairing, and were impressed by the attention to detail. Right from the start, we were asked about any allergies or intolerances, and the dishes were thoughtfully adapted to accommodate them.

The open kitchen concept adds a sense of calm to the dining atmosphere — it’s fascinating to watch the chefs work with such quiet focus. The service staff were friendly and attentive throughout the evening. However, one downside was the overall duration: the entire experience took around three hours. Especially at the beginning, the pauses between courses felt a bit too long. This could have been due to it being a busy Friday evening, but it still affected the pacing.

Another small critique: while the chefs seemed composed, you could sense a bit of stress on the service side. Also, all dishes came as a surprise (were delicious), we weren’t informed in advance about what would be served.

The portion sizes were just right — we left feeling perfectly satisfied, not overly full. The decor is stylish and cozy, and the background music was at a perfect volume, allowing for easy conversation.

One final point: during the wine pairing, the glasses were not changed between pours. It was particularly noticeable when red wine was poured into the same glass that had held white wine, and also we had to remind a few times about the wine pairing. That said, a fresh glass was provided for the dessert wine (paired with a lovely chocolate mousse), which was...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a truly remarkable restaurant where the ambiance was as delightful as the food. One of the most captivating features of this establishment is its open kitchen design, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry in real-time. Watching the chefs masterfully prepare each dish added a unique and engaging element to the dining experience.

Taste-wise, every bite was a testament to the skill and passion behind the kitchen doors. The flavors were harmonious, with each dish showcasing a wonderful balance of ingredients that spoke volumes of the quality and care put into their preparation. It’s rare to find a place where the taste lives up to the visual spectacle, but this restaurant managed to excel in both.

Furthermore, the value for money was exceptional. In an era where dining out can sometimes feel like a luxury, it was refreshing to enjoy such high-quality cuisine at a very reasonable price point. The combination of exquisite tastes, mesmerizing kitchen views, and excellent pricing makes this restaurant a gem worth revisiting.

I am already looking forward to my next visit, anticipating another memorable meal that will, no doubt, exceed my expectations once again. For anyone who appreciates the beauty of food preparation and wants to indulge in some culinary excellence, this is a must-visit...