ef16 Restaurant Weinbar

Our visit was, without question, one of the most memorable fine-dining experiences we have ever had. We chose the chef’s tasting menu accompanied by a carefully curated wine pairing, and each course showcased remarkable precision, creativity, and balance. The lamb ribs were the undisputed highlight — impeccably tender, deeply flavorful, and executed with masterful technique. The dessert that followed was a flawless finale, harmoniously composed and visually stunning. The wine pairing elevated the entire journey, each selection enhancing the nuances of the dishes with elegance and intention. A particular standout was Artner’s Portuguese Love, beautifully presented by our sommelier, Sascha, whose expertise and passion brought the pairings to life. The ambiance combined sophistication with warmth, creating an atmosphere both refined and inviting. Every detail — from service to presentation — reflected an unwavering commitment to excellence. We left deeply impressed and eagerly anticipate our next visit to once again experience this exceptional level of culinary artistry.

Wow. Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish (agreed by a group of 5). We think this is the best Wiener Schnitzel in the city. As a vegetarian, the pumpkin gnocchi was one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. Additionally, we hadn’t booked a table and staff did their upmost to fit us in, whilst we waited we were served a stunning sparkling wine, again, one of the best I’ve ever had. The interior and atmosphere felt cosy, traditional and had the perfect balance between sophistication and soul.

Even though the restaurant was packed, they kindly found us a table since we were really hungry. We had beef tartare and beef gloush — both were absolutely delicious and worth trying. The restroom amenities were also impressive, with items like cotton buds, makeup remover pads, and toothpicks. Highly recommended!

HIDDEN GEM OF VIENNA. Beautiful and cozy restaurant. Everything there was delicious and magical. Many many many thanks to our waiter Sascha. He did that night even more special. For sure we will go back here when in Vienna.

People with allergies, beware! I had high expectations given the numerous good reviews across the board. However my experience was to the contrary. It did start off as a lovely evening. We had the 4-course chef's choice menu with wine pairing. Food was generally good throughout. Selection of wines was also good. It would have ended well, except for the following incidents. As I am a curious foodie, I tried to engage in quick conversation with the wait staff and enquired more about the concept and choice of dish, etc., but received not much information which isn't already on the website. I brushed this experience aside as it was a busy evening. When dessert arrived that was when all of us realised they had NOT asked us right from the start if we had any allergies. The dessert had a poppy seed filling, to which I am personally allergic to. When I told the waiter, he just said, "OK," and that was it! I didn't kick up a scene as it was our last night in Vienna and we wanted to leave peacefully. I just ate the dough surrounding the filling. I am appalled at the lack of care and concern, as well as responsibility toward their customers. It was a mistake that could have grave consequences. Further, as we got up to leave the restaurant none of them bothered to wish us good night or anything like that, even though the restaurant had only very few tables left occupied. I know we are tourists to Vienna and will probably never get a chance to dine at ef16 again (and my review will probably be drowned out by a barrage of other great reviews), but, that is really not the way to treat your customers, especially for such a well regarded restaurant.

A real culinary gem with great food and great service. I have been here 3 times this past year in different seasons. The menu is always changing and always fresh. You can feel that there is a real chef in the kitchen. Food is at the same time unpretentious and highly sofisticasted. We were five at the table and tried at least 10 different dishes- all impecable. Our waiter was knowledgeable and proud of the restaurant and his enthusiasm was contagious.

Another great dining experience in Vienna. Highly recommend. My pappardelle was outstanding! The other 2 entrees were excellent also. Would definitely go back on a future visit to Vienna!

We had an incredible dinner here tonight. The food was delicious and the ambiance was beautiful. Our server Sascha was very knowledgeable about the menu and made us feel comfortable right away! He even sat us at a more private table and put little cut out stars on the table for our anniversary. Can't recommend ef16 enough!

This place was wonderful. Every dish was beautifully presented, and the waitstaff did a great job of explaining each one in detail. The atmosphere was cozy and romantic. The only downside for me was the dessert. I was told it was a traditional Austrian treat--or an interpretation of one--but it didn't quite hit the mark. It was heavier than expected, not very sweet, and didn't feel like the right way to end such a rich and flavorful meal.

So landed in Vienna on the last leg of Eurotrip 2019 and was pretty excited to be back in the city after my last visit being 5+ years ago. I was excited for the city, the culture, and of course the food and who cant think of schnitzel when it comes to cuisine here. I did a quick search as I was not looking for a tourist trip where outrageous prices would have to be paid and the food would be subpar. After a bit of searching, I found this joint and saw that it was towards the borders of the city line where the trolley line circulates the city. Made our way over from the Hotel Imperial which is where we were staying and it was a pleasant walk allowing us to explore the city and see the beautiful buildings and architecture. We made reservations in advance as I wanted to skip any possibility of not being seated for a relaxing dinner and was glad I did as there was a moment where people were having to wait or get turned away as the night progressed. The restaurant itself is a nice cozy feel and has nice arches to allow the feel that you are transported into another world. The service here is impeccable and quite friendly and the waiter was able to make jokes and make us feel at home within a matter of minutes. After quickly perusing, we decided to go with the classic schnitzel and the veal cheeks. The veal cheeks were absolutely tender and well made and the potatoes that sat below soaked all the sauce that was topped on the veal. The schnitzel was really well made and did not taste greasy and as crazy as it sounds, it was light and fluffy while capturing the crunch on the outside. It looked like a lot but it was very delicious and the potato salad it came with was absolutely legit. Delicious and addictive offering the perfect balance to the schnitzel itself. This place was spot on for me. It felt "local" and offered great eats in a slightly "upscale" feel without being pretentious. Really solid food and impeccable service offered a wonderful first meal in Vienna

Came by to experience Austrian food based on TripAdvisor high rating. I ordered the Austrian classic "Wiener Schnitzel" and she ordered the Gegrilltes Wolfsbarschfilet (sea bass). Food was just okay and comparable with German tastes which is not our favorite cuisine. Service was good based on European standards. Ambience and decor were very nice. A very cozy restaurant. Food: 3 Decor and ambience: 4.5 Service: 4

Amazing service, food and charming atmosphere. Our server Tom was accommodating and all his suggestions were on point. We ordered the buffalo cheese, scallops with black rice, beef cheeks, steak (melt in your mouth and exploding with taste!), dumplings, and meat loaf. Ended the meal with dessert platter. The bill came out a bit hefty which also included wine and beer but it was worth it. The only complaint was the lack of air condition.

We were looking up reviews for a good dinner and wine and we found this place. We walked in early enough to be seated without a reservation. The waiter did tell us that we had an hour and a half before all of the tables were reserved. We were so lucky to walk in at the time we did because everyone who came after us were not seated without reservations. I can definitely see why this restaurant was completely booked out. The food, wine, and service were spot on. The starter which was bread with truffle butter and curry butter left you wanting more. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and melted in your mouth. The truffle gnocchi was some of the best I've had. This is a very romantic date night restaurant.

Best meal ever (almost)! For starter we had a small portion of the Parmigiano potato dumplings (vegetarian main course). Very tasteful. As main course I had the duck and my hubby had the schnitzel. Both were delicious. Our waiter was really nice and picked an excellent wine for us. No room for desserts. Unfortunately... To get a table you have to book in advance. This is an extremely popular restaurant.

Our hotel was located smack dab in the city center/shopping area of Vienna which was good and bad. Good because things were accessible , bad because most the restaurants were soo touristy. I found Elf16 and reviews seem to not deem it a tourist trap. So we made reservations and headed on over. It has a mom and pop feel to it. Looks like a nice date spot and there were several"couple" like people dining here. The decor again is very cozy. I had the Creamy soup of hokkaido pumpkin with grilled prawn, and Deer ragout with wild mushrooms, cranberry pear and bread dumpling. Not sure if the menu changes often. Through my stay in Vienna, I over indulged in pumpkin soup. So darn good. The Deer ragout was rich and filling. Loved the dumplings. After the meal, I just wanted to be rolled to my bed. Sadly we had no room for dessert. If you are tired of same ol'menu everywhere come here for something a bit different.

Traditional Austrian cuisine with an international twist. A very good performance from ef16 - the food is 4.5 stars and I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice meal in Vienna's 1st district. Bread - they serve homemade bread with two spreads and black olives in extra virgin olive oil. The spreads are spectacular - a truffle ricotta spread and a pumpkin seed spread. I couldn't get enough if this. 5 stars. Soup - wild garlic foam soup. Also very good and very mild. I wish that the soup texture was a little smoother and creamier, but nonetheless I enjoyed this dish. 4.5 stars. Tagliatelle with veal stew, truffle oil and parmesan - excellent. The veal stew sauce is creamy, and it has a great texture since the veal chunks are a little bigger. The tagliatelle are home made and cooked to a nice al dente. The hint of truffles and parmesan comes through just enough to make this dish one of the highlights of the evening. 5 stars. Veal cheeks - very good. Cooked for hours and very soft and tender. The sauce it comes in is also excellent. Although I highly recommend ordering this dish, the only reason I give it 4 stars is since it is one of my absolutely favorite local dishes, I demand a total perfection. Sea bass with asparagus risotto - 4.5 stars. Both the fish and the risotto were excellent. Risotto was al dente and the fish melts in your mouth. Again, since this is an upscale restaurant, I would have liked the risotto to be a little runnier. Beef filet strips with wild garlic mash in a peppercorn sauce - 4 stars. The highlight of this dish is the sauce. Wow and excellent come to mind. I loved it. The side of wild garlic mashed potatoes was interesting, however I would have wanted a little smoother texture. The beef was good, but I would have preferred it it wasn't pre-cut in strips. The service is excellent, so 5 stars for that!

Simply outstanding but book ahead. This place is only a few meals from a Michelin star in my view. Excellent food wine and an exceptional pleasant service. The best meal we had in Vienna by far

excellent service, the waiter didn't write a single thing down and the order was 100% correct - impressive! I had a great rosé and ravioli which were amazing! make sure you reserve a table as the place is quite small. Great find in the heart of Vienna!

This place was exceptional. The food was the best we had in Vienna. Steffan was kind and knowledgeable and we felt right at home for our Christmas dinner. The food and service were amazing as well for a busy busy day. If you are looking for a nice dinner without the heavy meat/ fried everything often attributed to Austrian food you must dine here! Make a reservation. They turn people away due to popularity. They were booked through 1/3 as of Christmas Day

The food is amazing! You must have reservations though. We walked in early on a Saturday (6) and even though their were only 2 tables seated, they said the rest were held for people with reservations. We were able to come back on Monday and it didn't disappoint. The staff is so friendly and helped with recos when I couldn't decide. You start with the best ever home made bread - not too light and not heavy. They served it with truffle butter and raspberry butter. Took every ounce of control not to lick the plate. The burrata cheese was as amazingly gooey and decadent as it should be and the shrimp 3 ways was phenomenal (one with mango, one with avocado purée, the other as a salad). They had a special with goose and we also tried the duck. Melt in your mouth tender with a beet risotto. The only slight misstep was they pushed the local schnapps which really tasted like gasoline. I've only had the super sweet kind so this was a bit much for me. Other than that, a beautiful intimate location with fantastic food!

I had dinner in the garden and the ambiance was really nice. The service was very correct and excellent. I had the porc filet that was served with grilled vegetables. The meat was tender and the meal was served nicely. I had beef tartar as appetizer and I found it had no specific taste although the substance was good and it was served with toasted bread with some mustard, chili and chopped onions. They had an extensive wine list with excellent Austrian wines. Overall from what I observed the meals are of excellent quality and the portions have the right size. I can really recommend this location.

I really wanted to love this place. The menu is so unique and interesting which is what drew us in. The food was good but it was missing a little something. I ordered the duck breast and my husband ordered the filet. If both had a nice sear on them, I think it would have made the meal excellent, there was just a bit of texture lacking. The gnocchi tasted very potatoey and they were not the light fluffy clouds gnocchi should be. Service was great.. food was almost there for me too, it just missed the mark by a little bit. Love that it was not a tourist trap! Super cute and cozy restaurant. Reasonably priced for what you are getting.

Great restaurant, friendly young staff, very good food. I had burrata, zweigeld red wine, and the traditional Wiener schnitzel. All fantastic. Compared to the tired, old, pompous cafes and restaurants in the touristic downtown, this is so refreshing. Highly recommended.

A very frustrating experience. Overall, mediocre-over-priced food and really awful service. I've been to this restaurant before and had a decent experience but this was not the case tonight. My colleagues and I will no longer be giving this restaurant our business. When we ordered our food I knew I would be getting the Austrian pancakes for dessert (which I have had before) On the menu it warns you that the pancakes take 20 minutes and the last time we had come here we ordered this dessert with our food so that it could be timed well (per the recommendation to do so). This time around we asked the waiter if we should also order the dessert with our food (since the Austrian specialty takes 20 minutes) he said yes. So we ordered everything. Meal finished and the waiter asked if we wanted something sweet, which we were a bit confused about. So we asked about our dessert and he said, "it was in the kitchen, but not being made yet"...which again was strange considering the dessert we wanted takes 20 minutes so we werent sure why they hadnt started it already. So we ordered the pancakes and decided to wait it out. The waiter then gave us an excuse about why they didnt start the pancakes yet, because "there were too many people" in the restaurant. Anyway, we order and 2 minutes later it came out. We were really surprised, how could a dessert with a warning about how long it takes only take TWO minutes? And then we tried them and learned why. They were extremely dry and barely warm (some pieces were COLD!) it had clearly been a reheated pancake drizzled with sauce. When I confronted the waiter he said it wasnt reheated and walked away. Instead of addressing my concerns,he dismissed them coldly. It was incredibly rude and unprofessional. To add to this our meals were mediocre at best (undercooked salmon, and average wiener schnitzel). A poor experience, not worth the money or time.

Walked in without a reservation, which we seemed lucky to be able to get seated. The staff was ultra friendly, and helped us pick out a nice bottle of local wine. The waiter brought two tastes for us to sample, after we explained our preferences - both of which were delicious; its too bad we could only select one. The beef tartare was very tasty, but I think they added some ketchup in there - which is different from what I'm used to. Our entrees were perfectly executed, from the duck to the veal and the gnocci. I wasn't a huge fan of the infamous pancake, but I think that might just be personal tastes. The restaurant was running quite warm, so dress lightly if you visit during the summer.

Amazing. That sums up my experience at Ef16. When you step into the restaurant, you are greeted by its warm ambiance. Candles adorn all the tables. We had to wait a bit for a table as we didn't make a reservation, but it wasn't too long and we had a beer down the street while we waited. Our server was professional yet light hearted. He gave us great recommendations for Austrian wine (which they have an amazing selection), and he made us laugh. They first brought us some homemade bread with truffle butter and pumpkin seed butter. My mouth did a happy dance with each bite. It was that good. I haven't had homemade bread like that in a long time. Next we had the grilled octopus. The best I've ever had. It was tender, practically melted in my mouth. We all had the schnitzel. Heavenly. I thought to myself "I'll never eat all of this." I had to refrain myself from licking the plate at the end. I topped it with the cranberry sauce. Yum!!! Last, we ended with what was translated to me as the "Emperors' Nonsense." It also was heavenly. The best way I can describe how it tastes is like a French toast donut. I want more now... You will not be disappointed if you come here. I'm planning on eating here again tonight!!!

Great food, quiet charming environment, incredibly attentive staff... And of course excellent food and wine!

My husband and I ate here tonight and I can't say enough about this restaurant. Firstly I showed up on time but a day late. Stephan took Care of us and made sure we had a corner table. After we looked at the menu we asked Stephan for his recommendations and surprisingly he suggested exactly what we were interests in! He brought us a wine spritzer which was refreshing in a hot evening. We shared the beef tartar which was really spicy just like I enjoy it. My husband ordered ox cheeks which were rich and luscious. I had the duck with gnocchi which was the best I ever had. Stephan suggested a dry white wine which I enjoyed. I would come back here in a heartbeat. Make sure you make a reservation and try to eat in the garden. A wonderful restaurant and well priced.

Nice, high quality food and service without a super high price tag. On the downside, they are popular with tourists and a bit loud. I recommend them.

This was hands down one of the best meals I've ever had! And the experience was even better thanks to our amazing waiter Wolfgang. The restaurant is candle lit and intimate. The menu has options for everyone- including gluten free, vegetarian, pescatarian. The food was prepared to perfection- I had the sea bass, my husband had the filet and it couldn't have been cooked any better. The wine, the food, and the service makes this a hands down must for anyone visiting Vienna. And Wolfgang was so knowledgeable about the wines and so friendly, he went above and beyond and we couldn't have been happier. Thank you Wolfgang!! Definitely go here if you're visiting or just looking for a fantastic meal.

Stumbled into this lovely place on my first night in Vienna. It was cozy, romantic, yet lively on a perfect summer evening. Our server Phillip was a delightful and handsome guy. The food was well presented and delicious. Very happy with my first meal in this wonderful city.

This restaurant was one of my favorite memories from our honeymoon. It was so romantic (without over the top or cheese factor) and the food was excellent. My husband loves a good drink and their bar was equally impressive. We were the last out and didn't feel the least bit rushed. What a memory of a perfect meal in a perfect city!!

Amazing food, amazing service. Make sure you get a reservation. The service is pretty slow unlike the states. The bread service was great. Ox checks and the shrimp past was to die for and the portions were perfect.

We got here around 7pm and we were lucky to get a table for dinner. We walked in. Reservation is recommended. It was packed! The place is tiny but has a cozy ambience. Very attentive and friendly staff. Their food is sumptuous but on the pricy side

Excellent food and service in a warm, cozy atmosphere. The schnitzel, pastas and rack of lamb were all superb. I recommend it highly.

Wow. I mean where do I start? This place is beautiful, elegant, delicious, and friendly. I was blown away by the food and service I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal and experience in Vienna.

the ef16 is a true insider in the viennese restaurant szene! the service is welcoming, not intrusive but caring. the waiters know their job, no matter if you ask them for food details or a wine recommendation. the food tasts really good, the portions are big enough and you find some creative and special things on the menu. You can also ask for special treatments - like one time we have a welcome punsch and roasted chestnuts in the winter for our group. The ambience is warm and there is enough space between the tables so even when its full it doesn't feel crowded. In the summer its wonderful to sit in the back yard! The menu is not really very big, so for really choosy people there might be a chance, that you find nothing, but then the waiter again is really forthcoming and willing to find a solution (that includes some food incompatibleness).

My daughter and I were visiting my son who is studying at WU. We went here our first night and had the best meal of our trip! Stefan was a delightful host from start to finish. The lovely dining room is cozy and lit by candles of all sizes. We started with beef tartare topped with a quail egg...beautiful presentation. I had the best wiener schnitzel of my life and my son's lamb was perfect. My daughter had the pasta which was equally delicious. Save room for the beautiful and tasty desserts and try the schnapps! Great way to end the night. We were glowing with happiness when we left!

A little off the beaten path but worth the find. The wait staff speaks English and are very accommodating. The food exceeded my expectations by pairing everything perfectly. A must go to in Vienna

A quiet and intimate restaurant serving excellent food at reasonable prices. That was all good but the highlight of my meal was that the (tasty) Wiener schnitzel was served on a Reuleaux triangle shaped plate. Highly recommended.

learned of this restaurant while perusing yelp/trip advisor and decided to give it a try. liked it so much we went back a second time. the menu is more european and less traditional austrian/german fare. first time we ate inside, second time ate outside in their small courtyard. both meals very good, attentive service with english speaking staff. good reasonably priced wine list. we would highly recommend seeking out this restaurant, especially if you'd like something other than the traditional schnitzel.

Fantastic. Delicious food, wonderful well chosen wine selection and excellent service. The ambience is lovely, intimate and romantic. All around one of the best restaurants I have had the pleasure of dining at.

Great little restaurant. In the winter, it is warm and cozy! the luncheon menu is a good deal and highly recommended. The quantity is not large, but the quality is superb. Best to reserve.