Figlmüller Vienna: Home of the World-Famous Schnitzel

After arriving in Vienna from our alpine adventures in Bad Ischl, we were absolutely starving. There was only one place we wanted to be: Figlmüller, the legendary restaurant that claims to have invented the Wiener Schnitzel back in 1905. This historic Viennese institution has been serving Austria’s most iconic dish for over a century, and walking through its doors felt like stepping into culinary history. Here’s everything you need to know about dining at Vienna’s most famous schnitzel house.

Overview:

• Location: Bäckerstraße 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Price Range: €€-€€€ (Mid-range to splurge)
• Our Bill: €58.75 for 2 people (approximately SGD 89.02)
• Best For: Traditional Wiener Schnitzel, historic Viennese dining, special occasions
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner

Table of Contents

1. Why Figlmüller Is a Vienna Must-Visit
2. What We Ordered & Full Review
3. Prices & Value for Money
4. Practical Information
5. What to Order: Our Recommendations
6. Final Verdict

Why Figlmüller Is a Vienna Must-Visit

Since 1905, Figlmüller has been synonymous with Wiener Schnitzel. This isn’t just marketing hyperbole, the restaurant genuinely claims to have perfected the dish that defines Viennese cuisine. Five generations of the Figlmüller family have maintained the same commitment to quality, traditional preparation methods, and that signature schnitzel that literally hangs off the edges of the plate.

The moment you enter, you’re surrounded by history. The multiple dining rooms spread across historic buildings feature dark wood paneling, vintage photographs covering every wall, cozy booths, and that unmistakable atmosphere of a restaurant that has been serving satisfied customers for over a century. This is authentic Viennese dining culture, not a tourist trap despite the crowds.

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What We Ordered & Full Review

The Original Figlmüller-Schnitzel with Potato Salad & Lingonberry Jam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is what you came for, and it absolutely delivers. The schnitzel arrived looking exactly like every photo you’ve ever seen of Figlmüller, a massive, paper-thin piece of breaded pork that extends far beyond the plate’s edges, draped elegantly over the sides.

The breading was absolutely perfect. Golden-brown, incredibly crispy, not greasy at all despite being fried in clarified butter, each bite delivered a satisfying crunch. The pork underneath was remarkably thin yet remained tender and juicy, pounded to perfect thinness without being dry.

The potato-field salad with pumpkin seed oil was unlike any potato salad we’d had before. Instead of the typical vinegar-based dressing we encountered elsewhere in Austria, this version had a unique texture and flavor that’s hard to describe but absolutely delicious.

The lingonberry jam is the essential traditional pairing. The tart, slightly sweet jam provides perfect flavor contrast to the rich, fried schnitzel. Don’t skip this, it’s part of the authentic Viennese experience and transforms each bite.

Homemade Spinach Dumplings with Brown Butter and Parmesan ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The unexpected star of our meal. These weren’t just good, they were genuinely exceptional. Light, pillowy spinach dumplings (Spinatknödel) arrived beautifully plated with nutty brown butter and generous shavings of quality Parmesan.

The dumplings were incredibly tender with vibrant green color indicating generous spinach content. The brown butter sauce was perfectly executed, nutty and rich without being heavy. The Parmesan added sharp, salty complexity. This dish showcased that Figlmüller isn’t just about schnitzel, their traditional Austrian cooking across the menu is excellent.

Soup of the Day ⭐⭐⭐

We started with the soup of the day, a comforting traditional Austrian soup that warmed us perfectly after walking Vienna’s streets. While we can’t recall the exact variety, it was well-prepared and satisfying, exactly the kind of starter you want before diving into that enormous schnitzel.

Prices & Value for Money

Our Total Bill: €58.75 (Approximately SGD 89.02)

Figlmüller sits in the mid-to-upper range for Vienna dining, but you’re paying for history, location, quality, and that legendary schnitzel perfected over 120 years. At €21.90, the schnitzel is pricier than average Vienna restaurants, but the size, quality, and experience justify the cost.

For approximately SGD 89 for two people including soup, schnitzel, dumplings, and traditional accompaniments, this represents excellent value for a special meal in Vienna’s historic center. Perfect for celebrating your arrival in Vienna or treating yourself to iconic Viennese cuisine.

Practical Information

Pro Tip: Figlmüller has two locations in Vienna. The original at Bäckerstraße 6 (where we dined) is more historic and atmospheric. The second location at Wollzeile 5 is larger with shorter wait times. Both serve identical food with the same legendary schnitzel. Book at least 2-3 days in advance for weekend dinners, or arrive right at opening (11 AM for lunch, 5 PM for dinner) to minimize wait times.

What to Order: Our Recommendations

Figlmüller is legendary for their schnitzel, but the entire menu showcases excellent traditional Viennese cooking. Here’s what to order:

Recommended Items:

1. The Original Figlmüller-Schnitzel — We ordered this, absolutely unmissable! The dish that made this restaurant famous
2. Potato-Field Salad with Pumpkin Seed Oil — We ordered this, uniquely delicious and unlike any potato salad we’ve had
3. Homemade Spinach Dumplings with Brown Butter and Parmesan — We ordered this, genuinely exceptional
4. Viennese Boiled Beef in the Pot with Chive Sauce, Apple Horseradish and Browned Potatoes (Tafelspitz) — Classic Viennese specialty, highly recommended by locals

Pro Tip: The schnitzel is enormous! Share one between two people, especially if ordering appetizers and sides. Always add the potato salad and lingonberry jam for the complete traditional experience. If you want to try another Viennese classic beyond schnitzel, the Tafelspitz (boiled beef) is the dish to order.

Final Verdict

Overall Rating: 9/10

Figlmüller delivered exactly what we expected and exceeded it in unexpected ways. Yes, the schnitzel is as good as the reputation suggests, massive, perfectly crispy, and genuinely delicious. But those spinach dumplings were revelation-level good, and that unique potato salad was surprisingly memorable, showcasing that this restaurant’s expertise extends well beyond their famous signature dish.

The atmosphere captures authentic Viennese dining culture, service was professional and efficient despite the crowds, and prices were reasonable for the quality and location. This isn’t just a tourist attraction trading on reputation, it’s a genuinely excellent restaurant that happens to be famous.

Would we return? Absolutely! Next time we’d try the Tafelspitz to experience another Viennese classic, and definitely order those spinach dumplings again.

Have you dined at Figlmüller? Share your experience in the comments below!

Planning your Vienna trip? Bookmark this review and make that reservation! Figlmüller’s legendary schnitzel is worth building your itinerary around.

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