Nestled along the Danube River, Linz offers a vibrant culinary scene that beautifully blends traditional Austrian flavors with innovative international cuisine. Whether you’re a visitor exploring this cultural hub or a local seeking new dining experiences, our carefully curated guide showcases the most exceptional restaurants in Linz. From Michelin-starred establishments to cozy local favorites, we’ve sampled the best the city has to offer to help you discover unforgettable gastronomic adventures in Austria’s third-largest city.
Restaurants in Linz: Location Overview
Most of Linz’s finest dining establishments are concentrated in the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and along the Danube. This map highlights our recommended restaurants to help you plan your culinary journey through the city.
Fine Dining Experiences in Linz
For special occasions or when you’re seeking culinary excellence, these fine dining establishments offer exceptional gastronomic experiences with impeccable service and atmosphere.
Rossbarth
This Michelin-starred gem in Linz’s Altstadt celebrates regional ingredients with creative flair. Chefs Marco Barth and Sebastian Rossbach craft innovative dishes that honor Austrian culinary traditions while introducing surprising contemporary elements.
Must-try: The 7-course tasting menu showcasing seasonal Austrian ingredients
Price range: €€€ | Location: Klammstraße 7, Altstadt
Perfect for: Special occasions and fine dining enthusiasts
VERDI
Perched on Gründberg hill, VERDI offers breathtaking panoramic views of Linz alongside exceptional cuisine. This family-run establishment, now in its third generation, masterfully blends regional and Mediterranean flavors in a sophisticated setting.
Must-try: Seasonal tasting menu with wine pairings
Price range: €€€ | Location: Pachmayrstraße 137
Perfect for: Romantic dinners with spectacular city views
Muto
This intimate restaurant in Linz’s Altstadt has quickly gained a reputation for its inventive cuisine and warm atmosphere. With limited seating, Muto offers an exclusive dining experience where each dish is crafted with artistic precision and bold flavor combinations.
Must-try: 5-course surprise menu with seasonal ingredients
Price range: €€€ | Location: Altstadt 7
Perfect for: Food enthusiasts seeking innovative cuisine
Traditional Austrian Cuisine
Experience authentic Austrian flavors at these restaurants that celebrate local culinary traditions and regional specialties from Upper Austria.
Die Huberei
Located in the charming Pfarrgasse in Linz’s Altstadt, Die Huberei offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend’s home. The kitchen specializes in elevated Austrian comfort food with daily changing menus that showcase the best seasonal ingredients.
Must-try: 4-course surprise menu or traditional Tafelspitz
Price range: €€ | Location: Pfarrgasse 18, Altstadt
Perfect for: Authentic Austrian dining experience
Göttfried
Housed in a historic building with thick stone walls and wooden paneling, Göttfried embodies traditional Austrian hospitality. The menu features classic Austrian dishes with modern refinements, complemented by an impressive wine list featuring over 350 selections.
Must-try: Wiener Schnitzel or seasonal game dishes
Price range: €€ | Location: Altstadt, Linz
Perfect for: Traditional Austrian dining in historic surroundings
Pöstlingberg-Schlöss'l
Set in a beautiful Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) building atop the Pöstlingberg hill, this restaurant offers stunning views of Linz alongside classic Austrian cuisine. The elegant interior and panoramic terrace create a memorable setting for enjoying traditional dishes.
Must-try: Linzer Torte and coffee on the panoramic terrace
Price range: €€ | Location: Am Pöstlingberg, Linz
Perfect for: Combining sightseeing with traditional Austrian dining
International Flavors in Linz
Linz’s culinary landscape extends far beyond Austrian borders, offering exceptional international dining experiences that showcase global flavors and techniques.
Goscinna Chata
This charming Polish restaurant brings authentic Eastern European flavors to Linz. Famous for their handmade pierogi (Polish dumplings) with various fillings, Goscinna Chata offers a taste of Poland in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a lovely summer garden.
Must-try: Pierogi with various fillings and Barszcz (beetroot soup)
Price range: € | Location: Hafenstraße 4, Linz
Perfect for: Casual dining and exploring Eastern European cuisine
Royal Bombay Palace
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine at this popular restaurant in Linz. Royal Bombay Palace offers an extensive menu of authentic dishes from across the Indian subcontinent, with options ranging from mild to spicy to accommodate all palates.
Must-try: Butter chicken and freshly baked naan bread
Price range: €€ | Location: Landstraße, Linz
Perfect for: Flavorful Indian dining experience
Cook
As Austria’s first Scandinavian-Asian fusion restaurant, Cook offers a unique culinary experience in Linz. The passionate chef combines Nordic techniques with Asian flavors, creating innovative dishes using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Must-try: Tuna with fried vegetables and Asian-inspired sauces
Price range: €€ | Location: Central Linz
Perfect for: Adventurous diners seeking innovative fusion cuisine
Casual and Trendy Spots
For a more relaxed dining experience or quick meal, these casual yet high-quality restaurants in Linz offer excellent food in laid-back settings.
Gelbes Krokodil
Located in Linz’s cultural quarter near the Moviemento cinema, this hip and cozy restaurant is perfect for a pre-movie dinner. Gelbes Krokodil (Yellow Crocodile) offers an equal balance of meat and vegetarian/vegan options, making it ideal for mixed dining groups.
Must-try: Seasonal vegetarian specials and craft beers
Price range: €€ | Location: OK Platz, Cultural Quarter
Perfect for: Casual dining before cultural events
paul's
Situated in the heart of Linz next to the impressive Mariendom Cathedral, paul’s offers a relaxed atmosphere with excellent burgers, creative vegetarian options, and an impressive selection of Austrian and international craft beers.
Must-try: Veggie burger with avocado cream and sweet potato fries
Price range: € | Location: Near Mariendom Cathedral
Perfect for: Casual lunch or dinner with craft beer
Josef
Josef puts an Austrian spin on the tapas concept, offering small plates perfect for sharing in a lively atmosphere. The restaurant features an in-house brewery, making it a great spot for beer enthusiasts who want to sample local brews alongside delicious bites.
Must-try: Austrian tapas selection with house-brewed beer
Price range: €€ | Location: Central Linz
Perfect for: Social dining with friends and beer tasting
Cafés and Sweet Treats
No visit to Linz would be complete without sampling the city’s famous desserts and coffee culture, particularly the legendary Linzer Torte – the world’s oldest cake recipe.
Café Traxlmayr
This traditional Viennese-style café has been a Linz institution since 1847. With its elegant interior and classic atmosphere, Café Traxlmayr is the perfect place to experience authentic Austrian coffee culture and sample the original Linzer Torte.
Must-try: Original Linzer Torte with whipped cream
Price range: € | Location: Promenade, Linz
Perfect for: Traditional Austrian coffee experience
Jindrak Konditorei
Founded in 1929, Konditorei Jindrak is famous for its authentic Linzer Torte made according to the original recipe. This beloved pastry shop offers not only the city’s signature dessert but also a wide range of other Austrian pastries and excellent coffee.
Must-try: Original Linzer Torte to take home as a souvenir
Price range: € | Location: Multiple locations in Linz
Perfect for: Coffee and cake break, souvenirs
Café.Restaurant.Bar CUBUS
Located in the striking Ars Electronica Center, CUBUS offers not only excellent food but also one of the most spectacular views of Linz and the Danube. The modern architecture and panoramic windows create a unique setting for enjoying coffee and desserts.
Must-try: Sweet potato fries and seasonal desserts
Price range: €€ | Location: Ars Electronica Center
Perfect for: Coffee with a view, modern atmosphere
Seasonal Dining Tips for Linz
Summer Dining
During the warmer months (May-September), Linz’s restaurant scene extends outdoors with beautiful garden terraces and riverside dining options. Many restaurants along the Danube offer special summer menus featuring lighter, seasonal dishes.
Winter Specialties
In the colder months (November-February), Linz restaurants embrace hearty Austrian cuisine and festive specialties. The Christmas market season brings unique culinary experiences throughout the city center.
Practical Dining Information
When should I make reservations?
For fine dining restaurants like Rossbarth and Muto, reservations are essential and should be made 2-4 weeks in advance. For casual dining, reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. Most restaurants in Linz accept online bookings through their websites.
What are typical dining hours in Linz?
Lunch is typically served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service usually begins at 6:00 PM, with most kitchens closing around 9:30 PM. Cafés are generally open throughout the day, from morning until early evening.
Is tipping customary in Linz restaurants?
Service is typically included in the bill, but it’s customary to round up or add about 5-10% for good service. Simply tell the server the total amount you wish to pay when settling the bill.
Are there good options for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, most restaurants in Linz now offer vegetarian options, with Gelbes Krokodil being particularly vegetarian-friendly. For vegans, call ahead to confirm options as traditional Austrian cuisine tends to be meat-heavy.
Exploring Linz Through Its Cuisine
Linz’s dining scene offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, from centuries-old recipes like the Linzer Torte to cutting-edge fusion cuisine. Whether you’re seeking fine dining with panoramic views, authentic Austrian flavors in historic settings, or casual international fare, this cultural capital of Upper Austria has something to satisfy every palate.
As you explore the city’s architectural landmarks, museums, and cultural attractions, let these recommended restaurants in Linz enhance your journey with memorable culinary experiences that showcase the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and creative spirit.
