Innsbruck
Your first impression of Innsbruck when it comes to the subject of dining out might well be that there are many more international establishments than traditional places to eat serving Austrian or even Tyrolean cooking. However, the range is actually broad; you only have to know where to look for the latter. In the gourmet category, there are the Europa Stüberl, the Altstadt Stüberl, Gasthof Kapeller or the Tiroler Stuben—these are also recommended for business lunches. Another restaurant of similar quality is the Gasthof Wilder Mann, perfect for a romantic dinner in rustic surroundings and situated a little off the beaten track.
Less expensive establishments offering good solid Austrian and Tyrolean food are, among others, the Stiftskeller next to the Old Town or the Ottoburg restaurant in its historic building.
A number of good inns can be found a little further out of town, popular with both tourists and locals for lunch, dinner or merely a little snack after a hike. Among these, Buzihütte or the Planötzenhof are worth mentioning. Finally, Restaurant Seegrube, situated about 1900m above sea level, can be reached very comfortably by way of the Hungerburg and Nordketten funiculars.
There are of course also many international culinary establishments in Innsbruck. First of all, the numerous self-service Italian restaurants, such as Salute; the Prendi branches on Innrain or in the viaduct are a good choice for a quick but hearty meal. If you have more time and are looking for an exceptional Italian meal, there's Innsbruck's more refined Italian, Da Peppino, situated close to the Old Town. What Da Peppino is among Italian restaurants, Thai Li is among Asian ones. This pleasant, pint-sized place does a good line in inexpensive lunches, is situated in the outer walls of the Old Town and has been singled out by Gault Millau in their restaurant awards. Papa Joe's and Chili's show what concept gastronomy taken seriously is like, with an American-Caribbean and an American-Mexican theme respectively. Eventually, the tip for national dishes and specialities from all over the world is the unpretentious Weltenbummler ('globetrotter').
Innsbruck is home to more than a handful of part-restaurant, part-café and part-bar establishments open all day and some throughout the night. A few prime examples of such places are Elferhaus or Hofgartencafé is similar in its concept and is one of Innsbruck's favourite spots on warm summer nights.
When it comes to a quick bite to eat the typical Austrian 'Wuerstelstandl' (sausage stands) are a good alternative to the many McDonalds branches littering the city. These are not to be underestimated; such small and often mobile stands offer simple snacks and drinks at great prices and customers dine standing up. You can get plain sausages, a hot dog, or its variant, the so-called Bosna (rather spicy and with a lot of onions). These stands are numerous; some of them in the centre can be found opposite the Golden Roof, on Maria-Theresien-Straße in front of the Kaufhaus Tyrol, at the triumphal arch, and a late-night address well known among locals, 'Franz' on the Südring.
Cafés are another characteristically Austrian institution. Café Café Central, next to the hotel of the same name, is similar, but much larger and even more rustic; warm meals are often served from the Central restaurant. A smaller and comparably simple variant is the Stadtcafé, Unicafé.
Finally, a broad range of bars await you for an evening drink. Toscana - a charming café-bar next to the Kellertheater. Uferlos or Babalon.
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