Styrian & Austrian cuisine

Styrian cuisine is characterised by fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients. Among its best-known specialities are Styrian pumpkin seed oil, Styrian scarlet runner beans, Grazer Krauthäuptel lettuce, Styrian horseradish, as well as premium wines and fruit products from Styria. In Graz, traditional recipes are served both in their classic form and with modern interpretations.

Some of the region's most popular dishes include Styrian fried chicken (Backhendl), scarlet runner bean salad with pumpkin seed oil, Styrian boiled pork (Wurzelfleisch), a traditional Brettljause (cold cuts platter), pumpkin cream soup, and regional wines such as Schilcher. Seasonal dishes featuring asparagus, mushrooms or game are also highly recommended. For dessert, don't miss classics like Kaiserschmarrn, apple strudel, or other traditional Austrian pastries.

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil is one of Styria's most famous culinary specialities. Made from roasted pumpkin seeds, it adds its distinctive nutty flavour to salads, soups and many other dishes. Often referred to as the "black gold of Styria," tasting this unique oil is an essential part of any visit to Graz.

Numerous traditional inns and restaurants throughout Graz serve authentic Styrian cuisine. Many of them are Foodie City Partner Restaurants, committed to using regional ingredients, seasonal produce and the highest quality standards. An up-to-date overview can be found in the Graz Tourism Restaurant Guide.

Yes. Styrian cuisine offers a wide variety of vegetarian specialities. Popular options include seasonal salads with pumpkin seed oil, scarlet runner bean dishes, chanterelle mushrooms, pumpkin-based recipes and traditional Austrian desserts. Many restaurants also offer creative vegetarian and vegan interpretations of classic Styrian dishes.

Styrian cuisine pairs perfectly with wines from the region's renowned vineyards, including Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon (Chardonnay), Gelber Muskateller, and the distinctive rosé Schilcher. Regional fruit juices, cider and locally brewed beers also complement Styrian specialities beautifully.

Yes. Graz offers a variety of culinary walking tours where visitors can sample traditional Styrian specialities while exploring the city's historic centre. These tours combine local history, culture and gastronomy for a truly memorable experience.

As the Foodie City of Austria, Graz combines traditional Styrian hospitality with innovative gastronomy. Close cooperation between restaurants and regional producers ensures that fresh, seasonal ingredients from across Styria find their way directly onto the plate. This makes Graz one of the best places to experience authentic Styrian cuisine.

Since being named the Foodie City of Austria in 2008, Graz has become one of the country's leading culinary destinations. The Styrian capital boasts an exceptional concentration of restaurants, cafés and traditional inns that are committed to regional ingredients, seasonal cuisine and sustainable dining. At the heart of this success is the close partnership between local chefs and regional producers, ensuring that fresh ingredients from the surrounding gourmet regions are served directly and authentically on every plate.

In Graz, culinary tradition meets contemporary creativity. While traditional inns serve Styrian classics such as Styrian fried chicken (Backhendl) and scarlet runner bean salad, a new generation of chefs delights visitors with innovative interpretations of regional cuisine. The certified Foodie City Partner Restaurants stand for outstanding quality, authentic regional flavours and full transparency regarding the origin of their ingredients.

A wide range of culinary experiences - including guided food tours, the popular Truffle Festival, food tastings, children's cooking classes, and BÜHNEN GRAZ Gourmet - bring the city's culinary culture to life while combining gastronomy with history, culture and memorable encounters.

With its remarkable diversity, passion and authenticity, Graz has earned its reputation as one of Europe's most exciting culinary destinations - a true hidden gem for anyone seeking outstanding food, regional specialities and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.