Graz
Austria's Capital of Delight
Graz received this official accolade for the wonderful catering skills of its restaurateurs, who rely on their own regional produce paired with the courage to be creative. The partner restaurants of the Capital of Delight serve seasonal cuisine, drawing on the freshest ingredients from the Styrian regions of delights. Some of these even feature truffles from Graz’s Leechwald forest! Accompanied by Styrian beer, Styrian wine, Styrian fruit juices and Styrian spring water – simply the very best quality, you can taste it.
But what exactly makes Graz Austria’s Capital of Delight?
Is it the southern flair? The mild climate in which fruit, vegetables and wine thrive? Or maybe the many farmers’ markets with the freshest produce? Or the excellent chefs? It is probably like with any great recipe: a little bit of everything and not too much of any. Simply delicious.
Wonderful dining & a relaxed atmosphere in the Capital of Delight
There’s outstanding cooking at the partner companies of the Capital of Delight, Graz. The range extends from award-winning restaurants to traditional inns. All share a love of regional produce, coupled with the courage to try creative variations. Here it’s simply about seasonal cuisine and the very freshest ingredients from the Styrian Regions of Delight – with indication of origin of course.
Good to know
The partner companies of the Capital of Delight are indicated by the logo of the Capital of Delight, Graz.
The Capital of Delight: Top events
Graz truffle festival: 10/22 - 10/31/2025
Graz can boast a small culinary sensation, which is the crowning glory of Graz the „Capital of Delight“: seven different types and varieties of truffles have been discovered in the city forests of Graz! The truffle is considered to be a culinary treasure and a diamond in the kitchen. According to tradition, these mushrooms, which grow underground and are extremely difficult to detect, were already very popular in ancient Egypt. Even the burgundy truffle, coveted by gourmets, has been harvested in Graz. To mark this, a truffle festival will take place again in autumn 2025.
The Graz Truffle Festival is the great autumn festival to honour the exquisite gourmet truffle. From the programme:
- International truffle market with specialities and high-quality truffle creations in the Paradeishof
- Guided truffle hikes in the Leechwald forest on the outskirts of Graz
- The partner companies in the Capital of Delight offer a whole host of sophisticated culinary highlights – with the „Graz Truffle“ of course!
Bühnen Graz Gourmet
Let your evening turn into an unforgettable event and enjoy the Bühnen Graz Gourmet Menu as accompaniment to your performance visit, with a choice of a total of 10 partner restaurants.
Long table of Graz
The Capital of Delight‘s highlight of the year is undoubtedly the Long Table of Graz: a wonderful late summer‘s evening, a stunningly laid table, superb culinary delights, top regional wines and the magical backdrop of the Schlossberg, clock tower and town hall – these are the ingredients for an incredibly enjoyable evening! More than 750 totally satisfied and happy guests who have the pleasure of this unforgettably beautiful time; standing ovations for the chefs and their teams, the organisers and music ensembles. Take a seat and enjoy a delicious open air dinner in the Old Town of Graz!
As with the „Long Table“, the topic of sustainability is one of utmost importance at all partner businesses in Graz, the Capital of Delight. The event also meets the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events.
The next Long Table is scheduled for 08/22/2026. A decision on this will be made by November 2025 at the latest.
Photo review: Long Table 2024
Graz - Austria's Capital of Delight
The buzzword on many people’s lips today is regionality. In Graz, it is a promise and reality. The chefs and hosts in our Capital of Delight are proud of the food and produce from their farmers. Because ultimately it is the authentic taste of an entire region that characterizes us as a city. A “Made in Graz” accolade guaranteed by the Capital of Delight. The restaurants and cafés in Graz exemplify this every day. And of course, there are numerous top culinary events.
Currently, there are 37 Austria's Capital of Delight partner restaurants in Graz. They range from fine-dining restaurants to traditional Austrian inns. What they all have in common is a focus on seasonal cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients sourced from Styrian agricultural production - with clearly stated origins. Since 2021, all partner businesses have been AMA certified and are therefore subject to the strict quality controls of the AMA (Austrian Agricultural Market). You can immediately recognize Austria's Capital of Delight partner restaurants by their distinctive logo.
In 2008, Graz was officially awarded the title Austria's Capital of Delight.
Graz charmingly combines culinary diversity with a genuine commitment to sustainability – and that’s exactly what makes the city a hidden gem for conscious food lovers. Regional products take center stage here: whether at farmers’ markets, in innovative fine-dining restaurants, or in cozy inns – especially at the 37 partner businesses of Austria's Capital of Delight, the cuisine is seasonal, fresh, and crafted with great attention to detail. At the same time, Graz impresses with a dense network of bike paths, sustainable accommodations and shops, as well as attractions that are mostly within walking distance. In Graz, pleasure and environmental awareness are not contradictions - they go hand in hand: authentic, creative, and full of Styrian warmth.
Graz stands out as a European travel destination thanks to its unique blend of culinary richness, lived sustainability, and exceptional quality of life. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and City of Design, Graz seamlessly merges tradition with innovation - evident in its diverse culinary scene, vibrant farmers' markets, and creative local culture. Numerous family-run hotels and businesses certified with the Austrian Eco-Label offer authentic, environmentally conscious hospitality. Whether you're strolling through the historic old town, savoring regional products, or visiting sustainable establishments, one thing becomes clear: in Graz, mindful living and indulgent enjoyment go hand in hand.