8Gastwirtschaft Blauensteiner
Gastwirtschaft Blauensteiner is a longstanding neighborhood restaurant in Vienna's District 8, where the historic Josefstädter Straße sets off (across from it, Cafe Eiles, is a comparably legendary establishment). As soon as you enter, you'll note the creaky wooden floors and the well-earned patina in both of the high-ceilinged halls. Most of the heavy wooden tables are taken up by regulars, judging by their rapport with the otherwise not especially accommodating waiter.
My go-to starter is always the pork in aspic (sülze), fully coated in red onions and doused in sunflower oil (here, you might be able to convert your friends to this disappearing delicacy). The tender and moist egg dumplings (eiernockerl) are notably excellent, both with bright-tasting salad or as a side dish. I rarely leave without an order of chestnut-filled dumplings (maroniknödel) and I don't think you should either. Blauensteiner is one of the few traditional restaurants in Vienna also open on weekends. Mains are €13-18. Be sure to book ahead; cash only!
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