After the Naschmarkt and the creative Neubau district Vienna’s pub, bar and art scene has now discovered the Karmelitermarkt in the Second District. The Schöne Perle restaurant has made a name for itself as something of a culinary pioneer. The kitchen in Leopoldsgasse in the former Jewish quarter has been putting a new spin on traditional Viennese cuisine since 2002.

Recently the Karmelitermarkt, which dates back to 1671, has enjoyed a culinary renaissance: Danmayr serves up southern Italian specialties — antipasti, fine wild boar mortadella and delicate prosciutto while the wine list features a selection of quality Italian and Austrian quality wines. And, when the weather plays a long you can sit outside and enjoy a cup of luxury Venetian Caffè del Doge espresso in the sunny café garden.

Directly opposite is Madiani which takes you on a voyage of discovery through Georgian cuisine. Diners can choose typical national dishes such as Khinkali, filled pastry pockets. The delicious Russian and Georgian breakfast varieties are highly recommended, with tea straight from the samovar — or there is also the traditional Viennese version with a bread roll and honey. The breakfasts at café bar Einfahrt on the fringes of the market are just as sumptuous – and are served until way past noon on Saturday. In addition to regular exhibitions in the bar, there are jazz concerts every Wednesday with singer Sandra Rose.

Just a stone’s throw away in Grosse Sperlgasse, you can catch a glimpse of Vienna’s dark underbelly. The Seifensiederhaus — first mentioned in 1685 — now houses the Kriminalmuseum which gives an insight into the city’s criminal history, covering everything from infamous poisoners to the attack on the young Emperor Franz Joseph.

Karin Krank and Ulrike “Biene” Janitschek’s shop, Kabine , in Karmelitergasse is devoted to the brighter side of life. The range includes innovative fashion from young designers and cheeky t-shirts alongside more unusual everyday objects from o.k.-Versand. In Hollandstrasse on the way back towards the First District the large shop window at habres+partner gallery presents contemporary art ranging from painting, video works and mixed media installations.

Schöne Perle

2., corner Leopoldsgasse/Grosse Pfarrgasse
tel. +43–664–243 35 93
www.schoene-perle.at

Danmayr

2., Karmelitermarkt 37 + 39
tel. +43–664–345 71 13

Madiani

2., Karmelitermarkt 21–24
tel. +43–664–456 12 17

Einfahrt

2., Karmelitermarkt / Haidgasse 3
tel. +43–1–942 68 86
www.einfahrt.at

Wiener Kriminalmuseum

2., Große Sperlgasse 24
tel. +43–1–214 46 78
www.kriminalmuseum.at

Kabine

2., Karmelitergasse 6
tel. +43–699–117 530 57

habres+partner

2., Hollandstraße 7
tel. +43–1–522 64 65 22