What Food To Try in Salzburg and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Salzburg for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Salzburg cafes and restaurants
$16.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $12.01
$65.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.58
$10.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.82
What to Try in Salzburg
Must-try Dishes
Weisswurst - White Sausage - This traditional Bavarian sausage is made from minced veal and pork, flavored with parsley and lemon. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, served with sweet mustard and freshly baked pretzels.Leberknödelsuppe - Liver Dumpling Soup - A hearty soup featuring flavorful liver dumplings and rich beef broth. It's a popular choice for lunch among locals, often found in cozy gasthaus to warm up after a chilly morning.
Schweinsbraten - Roast Pork - Tender roast pork, usually served with crispy crackling, dumplings, and sauerkraut. On Sundays, families gather around the table to share this comforting dish together, making it a true local favorite.
Schnitzel - Schnitzel - A thin cutlet of meat (typically pork or veal), breaded and fried until golden. It’s often enjoyed by locals on casual weeknights served with potato salad or fries, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Kasnocken - Cheese Noodles - Soft, eggy noodles pan-fried with cheese and topped with crispy onions for added texture. Locals savor this dish often as a late-night snack after social gatherings or a filling lunch.
Marillenknödel - Apricot Dumplings (seasonal) - These sweet dumplings, made with potato dough, enclose fresh apricots and are dusted with sugar. They’re especially popular in summer and often enjoyed as a delightful treat during festivals.
Brettljause - Snack Board (surprising combination) - A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables arranged on a wooden board. This is a typical evening snack, best shared with friends over a casual gathering, showcasing local flavors.
By the way, don’t be surprised when locals often eat serious meals at any time of day, as the dining customs here embrace hearty flavors anytime!
Desserts & Drinks
Melange - Melange (coffee blend) - A luscious espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with a frothy layer, Melange is Salzburg's go-to coffee for a cozy afternoon. Locals often sip it leisurely while catching up with friends in quaint cafés, especially on chilly days.Almdudler - Almdudler (herb lemonade) - This refreshing herbal soda blends alpine herbs with lemon-lime flavors, served chilled over ice. It's a popular summer drink enjoyed often during outdoor festivals, where locals love to swap stories under the sun.
Radler - Radler (beer lemonade) - A radler is a local favorite; it combines beer, usually a pale lager, with lemon soda for a tangy, refreshing blend. It's commonly found at sunny beer gardens, traditionally enjoyed after cycling or hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Salzburger Nockerl - Salzburger Nockerl (fluffy soufflé) - This iconic dessert features a light and airy meringue made with egg whites and sugar, baked to a golden perfection. Served warm, it's often enjoyed as a celebratory treat during family gatherings or special occasions.
Sachertorte - Sachertorte (chocolate cake) - A decadent layer cake filled with apricot jam and coated in dark chocolate icing, Sachertorte is a staple dessert worthy of any café visit. It's typically enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream, especially during festive seasons like Christmas, when gatherings are abundant.
Food and Groceries in Salzburg
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.55 |
| Oranges | $3.59 |
| Potatoes | $2.33 |
| Apples | $2.78 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.79 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.32 |
| Imported Beer | $1.67 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $7.64 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $13.2 |
| Cigarettes | $5.43 |
| Rice | $1.91 |
| Local Cheese | $21.55 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through the bustling streets of Salzburg during lunchtime reveals a rhythmic hustle as locals squeeze in their meals between work. Most folks prefer to eat between 12:00 and 13:30, with many restaurants filled to the brim with office workers enjoying a hearty lunch before heading back. One common misconception that visitors often have is thinking they can easily get a table without a reservation, especially during these peak hours. The truth is, the local dining scene values efficient service, and places can get quite crowded!
When it comes to popular dining hotspots, the areas around Getreidegasse and the nearby St. Peter's District are particularly lively. Expect to pay anywhere from €10 to €20 for a filling lunch at casual bistros, with prices climbing in more upscale places—you could easily spend €30 to €50 if you fancy an elaborate dish. One frustrating aspect is that some restaurants add a service charge (usually around 10%), which can catch newcomers off guard when calculating their total. As for tipping, locals round up their bills or leave about 5-10% based on the level of service received, but it’s not strictly expected.
A charming local eating habit is the practice of dining standing up at certain street stands, particularly during the warmer months. You might see locals munching on a quick snack like a Leberkäse roll—often available for about €4—while chatting with friends. This brings a sense of community that makes food here even more enjoyable.
On the flip side, tourists sometimes make the mistake of ignoring the early dinner hours. Local dining usually starts around 18:00, but places can be noticeably less busy until about 20:00 when the dinner rush kicks in, which often leads to longer wait times if you’re not prepared. Therefore, making reservations, especially for popular eateries, is a wise idea to ensure a spot during peak meal times.
As seasons change, you can also see shifts in the dining landscape; for example, outdoor dining becomes a sought-after experience in spring and summer. In these months, prices at certain café terraces can increase slightly, considering the beautiful views. However, many locals continue to enjoy traditional dishes regardless of the season, often opting for seasonal specialties that offer great value.
Keeping in mind the blend of seasonal influences, local habits, and the bustling dining schedule is key to navigating Salzburg’s vibrant food culture. It offers a delightful glimpse into the soul of this charming city through its culinary practices.
When it comes to popular dining hotspots, the areas around Getreidegasse and the nearby St. Peter's District are particularly lively. Expect to pay anywhere from €10 to €20 for a filling lunch at casual bistros, with prices climbing in more upscale places—you could easily spend €30 to €50 if you fancy an elaborate dish. One frustrating aspect is that some restaurants add a service charge (usually around 10%), which can catch newcomers off guard when calculating their total. As for tipping, locals round up their bills or leave about 5-10% based on the level of service received, but it’s not strictly expected.
A charming local eating habit is the practice of dining standing up at certain street stands, particularly during the warmer months. You might see locals munching on a quick snack like a Leberkäse roll—often available for about €4—while chatting with friends. This brings a sense of community that makes food here even more enjoyable.
On the flip side, tourists sometimes make the mistake of ignoring the early dinner hours. Local dining usually starts around 18:00, but places can be noticeably less busy until about 20:00 when the dinner rush kicks in, which often leads to longer wait times if you’re not prepared. Therefore, making reservations, especially for popular eateries, is a wise idea to ensure a spot during peak meal times.
As seasons change, you can also see shifts in the dining landscape; for example, outdoor dining becomes a sought-after experience in spring and summer. In these months, prices at certain café terraces can increase slightly, considering the beautiful views. However, many locals continue to enjoy traditional dishes regardless of the season, often opting for seasonal specialties that offer great value.
Keeping in mind the blend of seasonal influences, local habits, and the bustling dining schedule is key to navigating Salzburg’s vibrant food culture. It offers a delightful glimpse into the soul of this charming city through its culinary practices.