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

Stylish bar, lounge and nightclub

Lutz - die bar

This chic lounge and bar sports a sleek and spacious interior with large picture windows. Exclusive leather and wood furnishing conspire to create an ambience where the young and beautiful come to mingle, see and be seen. By day this cafe-lounge is an excellent place to escape the bustle of Mariahilferstrasse, and sit back and relax for a while. On Sundays an exquisite brunch buffet can be had (reservations are strongly recommended; the best time to come is around noon when main courses and desserts are served in addition to breakfast fare). My favorite is the Asian bean spout salad with a hint of cilantro. 
Trade in hot coffee for superbly mixed cocktails as night falls - "Jazz Club" beckons with ginger beer, lime and a hint of fresh mint and is simply divine.

Thumbs up also for the state-of-the-art ventilation system that helps to appease smokers and non-smokers alike.

Nightclubs in Vienna are still a non-smokers nightmare. Completely smoke-free clubs remain a distant dream.
aeroSoul, a recently launched non-smoking clubbing event, offers a glimmer of hope though. Dance and breathe the night away at Lutz - die bar (dance club in the basement), when the dance floor remains strictly free of smoke, unless it comes from the smoke machine.

Mariahilferstrasse 3, 1060 Vienna, phone: 01 585 36 46

Organic brunch

Cafe der Provinz
Although many cafes, restaurants and bars in Vienna are still a favorite playground for smokers, here you can lean back and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea without disappearing behind plumes of smoke. This all-organic café is the perfect place for a relaxed Sunday (or Saturday) brunch. Sample the all-you-can-eat organic buffet for 10.90€, which also includes delicious buckwheat crepes (with or without sugar) and waffles, as well as a selection of (yeast-free) breads. Reserve ahead for weekend brunch.
Maria-Treu-Gasse 3, 1080 Vienna, phone: 01 944 22 72

Brunch in Vienna

Weekend brunch has become somewhat of an institution in Vienna. It is celebrated unlike any other meal and is drawing more and more worshippers every day. While brunch is not only about the food that is served - as it also offers a chance to socialize with old and new friends in a relaxed atmosphere and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the work week - the quality of the food and ambience does help to separate the wheat from the chaff.


Caffé Latte - Caffé Latte still offers one of the best all-you-can-eat brunch buffet deals in the city for only 9.90€ (drinks excluded) . The menu includes not only traditional breakfast fare, but also a variety of salads, soups, entrees and desserts. The quality of the food is constantly good and the staff friendly. Located in the heart of the trendy Neubau (7th) district, this cafe is a magnet for the young and hip. In summer the inner courtyard area offers the best choice of seating. Very popular, reservations strongly recommended. Due to its success Caffé Latte has recently opened a second location in the 17th district.
Neubaugasse 39, 1070 Vienna, phone: 01 523 55 09





Tunnel: Not strictly brunch, but the breakfast selection here is one of the best values in the city. Choices run the gamut from Spanish to Greek, Italian, Continental and Arabic breakfast, as well as muesli for only 3€.
My personal favorite is the Arabic breakfast with hummus, stuffed vine leaves, olives, feta, baba ghanoush and pita bread. The only drawback is that breakfast is only served 9 am - 11 am.
Tunnel is also a popular place to mingle at night, when young acts perform live on a regular basis. Upcoming events.
Florianigasse 39, 1080 Vienna, phone: 01 405 34 65

Aux Gazelles: I was hesitant to reveal this gem of a brunch venue. A well kept secret - perhaps partly due to its somewhat hidden location off Rahlstiege on Mariahilfer Strasse - this Moroccan restaurant serves on Saturday the best brunch I have had in the city. Revel in culinary dreams of tabouleh, lamb and couscous in a setting reminiscent of Arabian Nights. Fresh, colorful dishes will let your taste buds explode into a firework of exotic flavors. Round out this out-of-this-world gourmet ride with a choice of oriental teas or coffee drinks, alluring with the sweet scent of cinnamon, cardamom and coconut. At night the place turns into a trendy nightclub featuring live acts, jazz and DJs playing an eclectic mix of ethnic tunes to heat up your heels on the dance floor. And to detox from a long night, unwind at Aux Gazelles' in-house hammam. 
Rahlgasse 5, 1060 Vienna, phone: 585 6645