The Lusthaus in the Vienna Prater was once an imperial hunting lodge and at the time of Emperor Franz Joseph a popular meeting place, where the Emperor himself also dropped by on occasion. Today, the charming inn serves its guests traditional Old Viennese cuisine, a selection of seasonal dishes and Viennese wines. Guests can sit in the garden beneath chestnut trees and look at the green main avenue of the Prater. The Hermes Café Restaurant Labstelle in the Hermesvilla in the Lainz Game Reserve also looks back over an imperial past. The nature conservation area was once used as a hunting ground for the emperor. The Hermes Villa was a gift from Emperor Franz Joseph to his wife, Elisabeth, the legendary Sisi. Today, the restaurant uses the herbs from the palace’s own garden for its regional cuisine.

Schönbrunn Zoo is the location of another of the city’s idyllic restaurants. Used as an opulent breakfast salon in the days of empire, the Café Restaurant Kaiserpavillon now serves classic Viennese cuisine and international favorites. The Gloriette Café in the park of Schönbrunn Palace once served as a breakfast room for Emperor Franz Joseph I. The Gloriette, with its spectacular views over Schönbrunn Palace, was used as a dining room until the end of the monarchy. Today visitors can enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) here just like in imperial times. Anyone wishing to dine in Schönbrunn Palace itself can do so in the Joseph II Palace Restaurant. Named after Joseph II, the son of Maria Theresa, the Schönbrunn Palace Restaurant serves up typical Viennese cuisine.

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