Last Updated: March 2024, Last visit to Vienna: February 2024, Number of Visits: 2
Having just returned from a business trip to Vienna, it seemed like a good time to update this guide to the city that I first published in 2017. This was my second visit to the city, having previously visited with friends in the summer of 2017. For this trip, my friend and I met one of our other friends out in Vienna who was there on business and extended her trip by a couple of days for some sightseeing so ultimately that was the reason for picking Vienna – all in the name of a girly catch up.
For my first trip, one of my friends looked up gluten free options in Vienna before I’d even had a chance to and sent me the Road Affair blog link as she was very pleased to see that I would still be able to indulge in cake (not as pleased as I was!) and not only that but the city looked at though it was gluten free heaven! Who knew?!
As both my trips have been fairly short this is not a comprehensive guide of gluten free in Vienna but highlights the excellent places that I found to help you get started on a city break.
Where to Stay: Vienna Marriott Hotel
For the trip in 2017, as there were three of us we tried to find a Central, comfortable hotel that would accommodate three of us in the one room. Based on this and location we didn’t have many options and the Marriott looked the best of the choices. We didn’t eat at the hotel, although we did make use of the lovely bar in the evening. The hotel was central, had comfy beds and good facilities and were were presented with a refreshing elderflower wine when we checked in so we had a very enjoyable stay. However there was no wifi included or water in the rooms. The location really was ideal though and easily walkable from Wien Mitte where the airport train arrives into.
Ibis Styles Wien Messe Prat
For our recent business trip, we needed to be less Central so that it was easier to be picked up by car so we opted for this hotel. It’s reasonably priced and comfortable, near the large ferris wheel, Wiener Riesenrad and a ten minute walk from one of my favourite gluten free restaurants in the city, Gasthaus Nestroy.
Breakfast/Lunch
Most of the options for breakfast are also suitable for brunch and lunch stops as well. I’m also not the biggest breakfast eater and can easily get by with a breakfast bar on the go!
In 2017, I was only in Vienna for one breakfast so we had to choose between Blue Orange for a bagel breakfast or for something from Allergiker Cafe. The bagel option won with my friends and we walked to Blue Orange.
They have cross contamination controls in place and for the first time in a long time I enjoyed a breakfast bagel! There were lots of vegetarian options to chose from too so everyone was happy. Bagels can be fitted into most itineraries as they can be eaten at all times of the day so I would recommend giving them a try!
Cafe Gruner Salon – 100% Gluten Free
I visited the 100% gluten free Cafe Gruner and it’s such a cute place. I would highly recommend visiting here. I came and had a coffee and a slice of cake but I definitely need to return for breakfast!
I visited this bakery and picked up some pastries to go for breakfast – see the bakery section below. However, it does look like you can eat in too with a lovely follower sending me this photo of their breakfast here.
Lunch/Dinner
McDonalds on Arrival
What can I say? I used to scoff at the idea of eating McDonalds when on holiday, I just couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to eat there over all the local food! How things have changed when I made McDonalds my first stop in 2017. The reason – McDonalds in many countries in Europe are absolutely brilliant at catering for coeliacs. I had a cheeseburger and fries, ordered at the counter to make sure I definitely ordered gluten free and so quickly I was presented with my meal. It was fantastic and so nostalagic tucking into something I no longer eat! There’s always so much debate over why McDonalds in the UK can’t do this, and for good reason as here they made it look so easy as I watched my burger be prepared on a different counter to all the other burgers. Located upstairs in the shopping centre at Wien Mitte where you get off the CAT (the city airport train that is the easiest form of transport from the airport to the city centre) it is in an ideal location to make it your first stop if like me you’re hungry from your flight, and/or craving Maccy D’s!
On my recent trip, we didn’t use the airport train to arrive into the city and were staying in a different area but I did still have a McDonalds during my week in Austria! This time however, I could only have teh cheeseburger and the fries weren’t safe (I assume because they had curly fries as a special on the menu that were being cooked in the same fryers). What was gluten free was clearly marked on the screens to order though.
I’d read a few blogs about Vienna before I came and Gasthaus Nestroy seemed to come recommended. I emailed them in advance for a booking and could only get a 9pm reservation (I could get earlier in a smoking area) hence the McDonalds stop to keep me going! Therefore I definitely recommend booking in advance.
We arrived to a table outside and we were able to comfortably sit outside for a 9pm dinner reservation in May. They had a gluten free menu and I had to have schnitzel, my only real decision was whether that was to be pork, chicken or veal. I had the veal and the meal was really delicious comfort food and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
They did have pancakes on the menu and I really wanted them but they seemed to be wrapping up for the night so we didn’t stay for dessert. We instead headed back to the hotel for some bellinis in the hotel bar that went down rather well!
One thing to note was that there were no vegetarian options on the menu and that was the gluten free and normal menu which I hadn’t realised at the time of booking. However, my friend was offered an asparagus risotto when she asked about veggie options so they could cater. There is a chance that the risotto would have been gluten free but we didn’t ask, so you may require some extra research if you’re gluten free and vegetarian before choosing this restaurant.
We then revisited this restaurant in 2024, it was an easy option for us near the hotel that provided both gluten free and normal schnitzels. I had the Wiener schnitzel again, and this time also managed to order the plum jam filled pancakes in a breadcrumb coating and they were so delicious but I was defeated and couldn’t finish them all. I highly recommend this restaurant, but would still be wary if you’re also vegetarian or vegan. The vegetable risotto seemed to now be on the permanent gluten free menu but that was the only option. The daily specials had gnocchi dish but I don’t know if that was available gluten free.
Gasthaus Zum Wohl – 100% Gluten and Lactose Free
I really want to try this dedicated gluten free restaurant in Vienna, but have always opted for Gasthaus Nestroy for the normal options for those that I’m travelling with. On a longer trip I would have tried to just go to both, as this gluten free and lactose free restaurant serving local cuisine including schnitzel, gluten free beer on tap and pancakes looks incredible. If you’re nervous about eating out as a coeliac this would also make this the top choice for an evening meal in Vienna. A lovely follower sent me photos on Instagram with permission to share.
This restaurant was top of my list to eat at on my recent trip but unfortunately they were closed on the Monday night and fully booked for the other night we could eat in the city. Therefore I advise making a reservation as this restaurant is conveniently located and has a gluten free menu including local cuisine.
I’d seen Pizza Scarabocchio recommended several times through my research and on the trip with friends we made a lunch time reservation although the restaurant wasn’t full. I think it would be at night as it seemed popular so I would recommend booking so that you don’t miss out.
This place has to be tried if you’re Coeliac, despite it not being traditional Austrian cuisine as the pizza is amazing. Literally despite all my gluten free pizza eating I think this is the best one ever. A bold claim to make, but it was just that incredible!
First up were starters, one of my friends had a caprese salad and the other had proscuttio and melon. I really wanted proscuttio and mozzarella, so asked if this was possible. The result was a proscuttio topped caprese and it was extremely good, and they were all large portions which was a worry with a pizza on the way for the main as this would have been enough for lunch alone!
When I ordered the waiter asked if I wanted some gluten free bread with my starter, so I agreed without giving it much thought. However, I was stunned when a gluten free pizza bread turned up for me! Never before has this happened and topped with rosemary it was awesome and I couldn’t stop eating it! Epic win (although they did charge me €4.90 for it).
Next up was pizza – simplicity sometimes is best and despite the thirty or so Pizza options I went for the pepperoni. Just look at this pizza that turned up. It was extremely good but I couldn’t eat it all, the Coeliac in me couldn’t send it back though so it was boxed up to take away. Don’t judge me but it made great food for the airport whilst waiting for my plane!
They also had gluten free tiramisu on the menu but sadly and reluctantly I had to pass on dessert from being far too full!
Vapiano a chain restaurant that I’ve had a mixed experience with. In London they’ve been terrible with no options and I never go there but in Brisbane during my trip to Australia I was able to get gluten free gnocchi cooked in fresh water, and the experience was amazing and the food excellent. I also ate there twice during a trip to the Netherlands, it really does vary by country and possibly even branch. I would have tried Vapiano in Vienna given more time but do make sure you ask the right questions and that the branch you visit does cater safely.
A restaurant with gluten free pizza on the menu that was near our hotel on our business trip. However, I wouldn’t recommend eating here. They couldn’t tell me their cross contamination measures and just said that lots of gluten free people ate there so I didn’t feel comfortable. I can’t speak German though so it may have been a language barrier and you may be able to understand more fully what they do to prepare gluten free orders if you can.
Bakeries
Gluten Free X – 100% Gluten Free
I always love visiting gluten free bakeries and was pleased to be able to visit the new gluten free bakery, Gluten Free X on my recent trip. I ordered three pastries, but honestly didn’t love them and they were in tough competition after my recent trip to H.U.G in Copenhagen which I do absolutely love.
I ordered a cinnamon roll, which I wouldn’t recommend as it was a bit dry and bready, and lacked cinnamon. More cinnamon and icing would definitely have helped. I ordered the blueberry cheesecake pastry which was nice enough where the topping was but the outside with no topping was pretty plain and I could take it or leave it. My favourite of the three was the chocolate pastry, which I ate the next day at home and it meant I could put it in the microwave to refresh it and melt the chocolate.
I may have made an error going for three pastries though, and if I had ordered a baked treat or some of the fantastic bread I may have preferred some of those options. I would still probably revisit for the novelty though, and hope they just have to find their feet a bit more post opening, or I just ordered wrong opting for all pastries. The bread and cheesecake looked amazing, there were plenty of gluten free products that you could also buy and the staff were really friendly and welcoming so I really want to love everything when I return and I am hoping the pastry was just having an off day.
Cafe Gruner Salon – 100% Gluten Free
I visited Cafe Gruner for coffee and cake, and they had a counter with cakes on display. I originally wanted to order the Sachertorte Torte but I was afraid I would be disappointed as it didn’t look too chocolatey, so after visiting the city of Linz on our travels I decided to opt for the Linzer Torte.
Having googled what a Linzer Torte should be I would say this was more a slice of cake representing those flavours and it was nice, but definitely gluten free and a bit on the dry and crumbly side. I was glad that it wasn’t too sweet as I’d also ordered a caramel latte that came topped in cream and caramel sauce too!
In 2017, it didn’t take us long to come across this cafe which I had seen recommended on many Vienna blogs as we walked passed one on the way to the hotel. Clearly after McDonalds and checking in at the hotel we needed a cake stop!
There were many gluten free choices and between the three of us we had a chocolate torte and a nutty chocolate mousse cake. Both were so delicious and really light that actually we could easily have managed a third piece as we were sharing due to a late lunch. The torte had an amazing shiny glaze and was filled with chocolate mousse. The nutty one was layers of cake and mousse with a light walnutty taste and both really were excellent. If you have time this was located near Wien Mitte so could be a last stop over too for cake on your way back to the airport very easily.
It needs to be noted that normal cakes are also made here. The gluten free cakes are stored on separate plates and the cakes have a plastic film along the edges. I’d also seen them on blogs by other coeliacs so knew others had safely eaten them, and I too wasn’t sick but you will need to make your own choice about any potential risk of cross contamination.
Speaking of cross contamination I did email Cafe Sacher about gluten free options as understandably it was high on my friends list of things to do in Vienna. However they replied that although they do a couple of gluten free cakes if I wanted cakes free from cross contamination they do not advise them and said I should stick to fruit salad. I’m glad they were honest but seriously who would want fruit salad whilst their friends are eating cake?!
Before we headed home we did manage to find a last bit of space for some cake and that was at Cafe Mozart, located near the opera house (and next door to Cafe Sacher). They had lots of gluten free options and with one of my friends I shared two types of chocolate mousse cake and again they were light and yummy. My other friend had a gluteney cake as she really wanted to try the Mozart cake, a cream and chocolate mousse cake that she also thoroughly enjoyed. Despite only a short time in Vienna we didn’t try any bad cakes between us, the only problem was deciding which ones to pick so I was glad my friends were willing to share the gluten free options with me! This is also a mixed bakery so you will need to decide if you are comfortable eating here, and these options must be checked from their current cross contact processes.
Allergiker Cafe – 100% Gluten Free/Lactose Free/Nut Free/Soy Free
This is the place to visit if you require a cafe that caters for many allergies with it being 100% gluten free, lactose free, nut free and soy free and having other allergens clearly labelled such as egg free options. I haven’t managed to visit on either trip as have always picked places that can cater without making my friends and colleagues eat free from but I would love to try and go if I get a chance to head back to Vienna.
Lemon Sorbet Prosecco at Cafe Weinwurm
We sampled some amazing gluten free food and found time for several prosecco stops during my summer trip with friends. The best of these was the lemon sorbet prosecco that was so refreshing out in the sunshine, at Cafe Weinwurm located in Stephansplatz next to the cathedral.
Supermarkets
I visited a few Spar supermarkets throughout my week working in Austria and they all included gluten free options. However, the most exciting find for me were the gluten free Leibniz biscuits I found in larger supermarkets outside the centre of Vienna.
The convenience store, Billa Corso at Vienna airport before security also has gluten free options that you can pick up.
Permanently Closed
Simple Raw Bakery – raw and vegan bakery
Alla Salute – 100% Gluten Free Pizzeria
Sightseeing in Vienna
There are meant to be some amazing museums in Vienna but without a lot of time in the city and not wanting to rush around for the two days too much I saw the top sights of St Stephan’s Cathedral, the State Opera House and as it was near Pizza Scarabocchio, the City Hall. This turned out to be playing host to some sort festival so there were lots of stalls selling food and drink with people dressed in traditional dress. A total surprise but made a great stop, especially when we got to sit and have a raspberry spritz in the park!
We also enjoyed taking a ride on the Ferris wheel to take in the views of Vienna and there was even time for some mini golf.
Most of my sightseeing in 2024 was at night, but Vienna lights up a lot of the city and the cathedral was still open.
We also visited the Harry Potter themed bar 9 3/4 although do make a reservation as despite having free tables on a Tuesday night they didn’t seem particularly happy that we hadn’t booked online first!
I managed to cram a lot into my time but obviously in such a short trip I barely scratched the surface of a city that seems to cater extremely well for those with coeliac. I really want to return to Vienna with Paul for a longer trip to explore more as Vienna is an amazing city. There are also a lot of rooftop bars that I would like to try but these do need advance reservations.
Other Resources
My Gluten Free Guide to Vienna 2022
A Locals Gluten Free Guide to Vienna
For more blogs and websites on gluten free eating in Vienna and Austria please use my extensive guide to gluten free in Europe.
Austria as well as being very gluten free friendly, is also very clear for other dietary requirements too using a lettering system to mark up their menus for allergens. This means it is probably also an easy destination for those with multiple allergies. My only problem was I kept looking at the ‘G’s on the menus out of habit which actually referred to lactose! For gluten free you are looking for the options that do not have the letter A next to them!
The underground was easy to get around on and the CAT made it extremely quick and easy to reach the city from the airport for €21 return. (€19 if you buy online in advance). Never before have I seen such a well signposted airport train taking you so easily into the city (takes 16 minutes every half an hour). Another plus point for Vienna as some airport transfers can be time consuming or expensive but this was not one of them!
Most of the places I have eaten at in Vienna were not 100% gluten free so do remember to ask the relevant questions on cross contamination controls as you will need to make your own decision as to whether they are right for you, especially as menus, staff, ingredients and processes can change so quickly and my comfort level of eating out may not be yours.
If you visit Vienna – and you should – I hope you have a fabulous time eating and sightseeing your way around the city.
Happy Gluten Free Travels!
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The Sightseeing Coeliac 
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