Sushi fest continued

Unkai - Yet another post about sushi? You might ask yourself if this is indeed a blog about Vienna. But I assure you it is, and the beauty of Vienna is it comes with a bit of a cosmopolitan air. Just think of Naschmarkt, which is a mini world of sensory and cultural abundance in its own right. And then there is sushi. Viennese have a penchant for foreign cuisine and despite its geographic drawbacks as a landlocked place, Vienna does boast a handful of "haute" sushi eateries. The epitome of which is reputed to be Unkai, the famous Japanese restaurant on the top floor of the prestigious Ana Grand Hotel.
Upon entering the restaurant floor, the interior design vies with the restaurant's view for diners' attention, but the winner remains the food nonetheless.


At 30€ per person the sushi brunch is not exactly budget fare, but if you arrive starved (for sushi and maki), you will have the time of your life, sampling your way through various standard and not so standard types of fish, scallops and other seafood beautifully assembled and presented. In addition to the all-you-can-eat sushi and maki, the brunch comes with a delicious miso soup (one of the best I have ever had), a small appetizer and a cup of green tea.
The service is superb, as is the quality and assortment of sushi and maki.
Although this may be more of an occasional treat, sushi brunch at Unkai is definitely worth your money.
Kärntner Ring 9
1010 Vienna
phone: 01 515 80 - 9110

Vienna's tropical secret

Palmenhaus - In keeping with the theme of fine dining I recently revisited a summertime favorite of mine. This resto/bar/café with a view of the Burggarten draws a large crowd when the days get warmer, but I have now discovered its indoor charms too.

Imagine sipping a glass of wine selected from the epic wine list, all the while being surrounded by palm trees. Ok this may seem a bit preposterous in a place like Vienna, where you are more likely to find yourself drinking hot gluhwein against a backdrop of winter wonderland these days. But with a little imagination, you could make yourself believe you have just stepped into a lush tropical locale.
Beckoning with its befitting name, the Palmenhaus offers artfully composed dishes that will leave both an impression on your palate and your other senses.

I tried the seasonally inspired pumpkin ragout, which was as divine as it promised to be, and topped it off with some delicious chestnut mousse.

Portions are generous without being overwhelming and the verdant setting evokes dreams of remote island getaways. The decor is tasteful without distracting from the dining experience.
To round out your tropical escape, you could also explore the Schmetterlingshaus (butterfly house) next door, where colorful butterflies fly around in a balmy indoor environment flanked by lush vegetation.
Burggarten 1, 1010 Vienna,  01 533 10 33

A fusion of flavors

Livingstone- After exploring cheap eateries where quantity still prevails even if quality can be had as well, it is time to turn the page and take a closer look at fine dining.
Vienna boasts some excellent choices even for the most choosy gourmet.
It's been a while since I ate here, but the freshness and flavor of the carefully composed dishes still tickles my palate when I think back.
Dishes tend to be more fusion than anything else, and I am not sure how much the resto really lives up to its self-proclaimed Californian label. But if you think fusion and a mix of flavors is typical for the region, then Californian fits as well as any other label.
What stood out aside from the intricate presentation was the freshness of the food; the salad was not one bit wilted or drenched in vinegar (the latter can be an annoying Austrian habit I found). Instead I was greeted by nicely balanced flavors, spiced just right to enhance the taste without being overpowering, against a backdrop of traditional greens mixed with tints of red and yellow.
As main course I opted for an Asian themed pasta dish and was not disappointed again.
Other pluses include the nice decor - in summer the outdoor seating area is quite charming - and the portions which are generously sized for a more upscale place.
The staff was friendly and accommodating, the only downside was that at the time of my visit smoking was allowed outside and this can be a bit of a downer if you happen to sit next to a busy table of smokers. So make sure to reserve accordingly. Diners are an interesting mix, especially on weekdays, when business people, mid-sized groups of friends and couples on a romantic outing sit side by side.
After dinner you can head to Planter's next door to round out a lovely evening at one of the best coktail bars in town.

Zelinkagasse 4
1010 Vienna
Phone: 01 533 33 93
Every day 5 pm to 1:30 am