Zur Goldenen Kugel — Restaurant in Vienna

The Zur Goldenen Kugel restaurant on Lazarettgasse, near AKH, is a classic example of a Viennese restaurant that has been around since the era of Emperor Franz Joseph around 1909. The restaurant officially adopted the name “Zur Goldenen Kugel” in 1952, though its history dates back to a change in ownership in 1909, with subsequent changes until it was taken over by Christian Berger in 2001. The restaurant’s atmosphere is full of character: a warm traditional interior, courteous service, and a selection of classic Viennese dishes with a creative twist.

Culinary-wise, the restaurant offers a mix of classic and modern Viennese cuisine, with their Wiener Schnitzel being the most famous dish.

The Wiener Schnitzel at Zur Goldenen Kugel has an outstanding reputation and is often cited as one of the best in Vienna. The young beef used is praised for its high quality—tender, juicy, and free of any gamey odor. The breading and frying process is done with precision: the breadcrumb coating is light and crispy, puffing up perfectly as expected from an authentic Viennese schnitzel. The oil used is fresh and not overly greasy in the final result, giving it a crispy yet elegant texture in the mouth.

The portion size is also satisfying, often filling nearly the entire diameter of the plate. The dish is typically served with parsley potatoes and lemon slices, and can be paired with the famous creamy and slightly tangy Vienna potato salad (Erdäpfelsalat), providing a fresh contrast.

Zur Goldenen Kugel is also renowned as one of the few places in Vienna that upholds schnitzel etiquette, serving schnitzel without sauce, as sauce is believed to ruin the texture and subtlety of the perfectly crispy breading. This approach reflects their dedication to authentic Austrian classical cuisine—a tribute to a gastronomic heritage that is increasingly rare.

For dessert, Zur Goldenen Kugel offers classic Hausgemachte Marillenknödel made directly from Topfenteig, a quark-based dough, served warm with a sprinkle of Nussbrösel and a drizzle of braune Butter—a combination of soft, rich, and buttery textures that is truly indulgent. Each knödel (dumpling) is adorned with spiced, crispy nuts that absorb the melted brown butter, creating a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sensation. Many praise its homey charm and natural sweetness, making this dessert the perfect finale to a meal brimming with Viennese flavor.

In short, Zur Goldenen Kugel is a traditional Viennese culinary heritage that continues to thrive through quality and innovation. Both its classic ambiance and its culinary reputation—particularly its schnitzel and offal creations—make it a favorite among locals, visitors from AKH, and tourists alike, with consistently positive reviews from...

A typical Vienese restaurant. Food was delicious (Gansl) and the portions were big. Customer service mediocre: waiter took away an aperitiv glass that was not finished and when asked about it basically told the customer that she had finished it. We ordered a bottle of wine (following the waiter's recommendation). On receipt of the bill, the wine was charged at a price per #of glasses. We asked about this only to be told this is perfectly normal. (never experienced this and question how "normal" this can be) The end price would have been the same as a bottle... which we couldn't find on the menu. The overall price of the bill was high. The customer "is never correct" attitude is not for me. Will not be going back. Pity, because the food was good,...

The food was ok, but under the expectations based on the price. After seeing the menu we decided to try it out and have small portions so we could decide if we want to eat there. Cordon Bleu asparagus seemed like a good option but it's pretty common with a fast food feeling. You can eat this kind of a dish anywhere for a better price. Ravioli with asparagus were a bit too salty. Waiter was kinda friendly but rude at the same time. The atmosphere is nice for a common diner, but not for a pricey restaurant.

Enough to say that we decided not to continue dining here after our...