The Naschmarkt is a must for connoisseurs. In the neighboring Freihausviertel, small designer shops, modern galleries and a lively scene deliver urban flair. Schleifmühlgasse is an especially popular place for many galleries and trendy dining establishments to set up shop. On the corner of Schleifmühlgasse/Naschmarkt is the cozy Café Amacord. The Amacord is not only a café, but also a really good restaurant serving classical dishes of Viennese cuisine. For many artists and creative types based in the district, it is an extension to their living rooms.

The next stop in Schleifmühlgasse is a real institution: the legendary Café Anzengruber serves a mix of Viennese and Croatian cuisine, is famous for its good beer and enchants with its austere charm. The goulash and the Wiener schnitzel at the Anzengruber are among the best in Vienna. Next door is Szigeti Sektcomptoir. Bubbly from Burgenland's sparkling wine producer Szigeti is poured in the bar.

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You'll feel completely at home at the Vollpension as it looks just like a grandmother's living room - only a bit cooler. The vintage furniture, floor lamps and pictures create a comfortable atmosphere. The Vollpension is a generational café: Grandma also stands behind the stove and serves home-baked cake and home-cooked dishes such as roast pork and Austrian 'Krautfleckerl' while telling you her life stories.

The Breakfast Club serves nothing but breakfast, and closes at 2.00 pm. A bit further along at Point of Sale, there's something on throughout the day and evening, although here as well they specialize on breakfast, which is offered on weekends up to as late as 5.00 pm. Babette's is actually a special shop for cook books, herbs and spices, but also serves a menu at lunch time.

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From Portugal to the Balkans

Another culinary highlight awaits in Schleifmühlgasse: the Kikko Bā is a Japanese-inspired tapas bar with delicious delicacies. There is also a classic Viennese bistro, or 'beisl', in the vicinity. Everything is agreeable at Ubl: the Viennese cuisine, the atmosphere, the furnishings and the service. Classic Viennese cuisine is also available at Schlawiener. Exposed brick walls and paintings create a slightly different inn ambience.

The Lisboa Lounge brings the flavor of Portugal to Vienna. The pretty restaurant serves up great Portuguese cuisine with lots of fish and seafood. Iberian tapas ranging from cheese to the typical "Pata Negra" ham are served at the bar. The Pastel de Nata, the legendary Portuguese puff pastry tartlets with a vanilla filling, are a hit.

At El Burro, there are delicious tacos and burritos. If you're looking for the exotic, head for Beograd. This rustic establishment serves Balkan dishes, and visitors can even expect live music on some days during the week. It's an experience with a fantastic atmosphere. The specialty on the menu is the "Burning Hun Sword".

The Freishausviertel also has something to offer night owls: The Schikaneder Bar, with daily changing DJs, is connected to a regular cinema and is a popular meeting place for a colorfully mixed crowd.

There are also exhibitions and cooking events in the fashionable restaurant Zweitbester. The cooking here is done sometimes by Grandma, sometimes by the DJ, with occasional concerts in the bathroom. There's always a big crowd at the chic concrete bar.

Pizza Randale serves a few classics as well as sophisticated pizza creations you won't find anywhere else. With roast beef and lemon oil, or with black pudding and apple. Not only can Bud Spencer be found larger than life on the wall but he also lends his name to the pizzas Bud and Spencer. When the kitchen closes, the DJs take over.