I was in Vienna the other week and ate at the 2 starred Steirereck (
https://www.steirereck.at/) which is No. 9 on the Worlds 50th Best. It was amazing. Went for lunch, and had the tasting course. I've eaten in 11 Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Guy Savoy as well as a good handful of 1 stars. This was my first 2 star. I thought the food was better than anywhere I've been before. The service was great, very Michelin and you knew you were in Austria! Not particularly friendly, but efficient, knowledgeable and happy to help.
All in all, amazing. I particularly liked that for each course they put a little card in front of you (you can see them in some pictres) with information about the dish, and with the more unusual ingredients a little bit more info. I really enjoy getting a menu to take home, and these were a great little souvenir.
Here are some pictures:
The restaurant is situated in the middle of the Stadtpark, which has lots of statutes of famous composers. This is the most famous, Strauss.
Front Door:
Amuse Bouche, the bread on the right had Austrian black pudding through it, delicious!:
'Attersee' Lake 'Reinanke' with pickled Sungold Tomatoes, Celeriac and Pepper
Crayfish with Eggplant, Coconut and Schonbrunn Citrus Leaves:
Glazed Sturgeon with young Marchfeld Artichokes, Cape Gooseberries and Olive Herb (I was a bit eager to get into this one, as I have never eaten Sturgeon before so the picture is after me having a bit):
Pheasant with Salted Lemon braised Onions, Chard and Groundcherry
Cap of Alpine Beef Forerib with Kohlarbi, Poatoes and Lemon Savory
Cheese trolley
Me, quite merry at this point! I was a drink behind. Matched wines for each course, and two for the cheese. I was in heaven.
Milk and 'Hay' with Raspberries
After desert, they pushed this imitation beehive over and shared some honey with us. Great fun, and delicious end. Much better than a macaroon!
Coffee, obviously.