5 Best Restaurants in Innsbruck, Tirol, and Vorarlberg, Austria

In the small village of Aurach about 5 km (3 miles) south of Kitzbühel, Hallerwirt is known for its great Austrian cuisine and charm. Old wooden floors and a ceramic stove in the parlor lend a period flair to this 400-year-old farmhouse. A colorful mix of people gathers here, and young and old enjoy the easygoing vibe. The congenial hosts, Monika and Jürgen Stelzhammer, take time to give everyone some good wine suggestions. The friendly staff serves specialties such as Jerusalem artichoke soup and fillet of lamb.

Stylishly modern, with a functional yet intimate atmosphere, Sitzwohl has built up a solid reputation for superb cuisine, with an emphasis on Mediterranean and Tyrolean dishes. Chanterelle mushroom stew with dumplings or black gnocchi with wild salmon and fennel are favorites here. Lunchtime service is quick and efficient for business diners, but the evenings are more relaxed. In addition, chutneys, jams, and soups are available from the attached deli.

This restaurant is as popular with locals as it is with visitors. The kitchen takes a modern approach to traditional dishes, with pork medallions topped with ham and Gorgonzola, and veal steaks ladled with a creamy herb sauce that's as steeped in flavor as the restaurant is steeped in history. The traditional dining rooms on the arcaded ground floor and the summer-only terrace are popular places to sit, the former both romantic and private, and the latter good for people-watching. Start with a glass of Sekt (an Austrian sparkling wine) flavored with a dash of cassis—a kir royale—as you peruse the menu. The restaurant is also the breakfast room of the Goldener Adler hotel.

This family-run restaurant offers excellent food, from burgers to Austrian specialties, and an extraordinary location in an ancient landmark. It was originally built in 1180, as a city watchtower, and retains much of its historical charm. Several of the bay-window alcoves in the shuttered house have great views of the main square, while others overlook the river. Try the Tafelspitz, an Austrian specialty of boiled beef served with vegetables and horseradish, or the Pfandl, a fillet of pork and a steak served in an old-fashioned pan. On a sunny day, come early to get a table outside.

This striking half-timber house with a steep gabled roof is in an idyllic position right on the shore of the Bodensee, next to the floating stage used for the Bregenz Festival. With a fabulous lake view, diners can watch the steamers from the nearby harbor go by while enjoying classic Austrian dishes with an accent on fresh fish. Some dishes from Germany and Switzerland are also offered. The wine list is noteworthy, and in the winter the Chimney Room, with an open fire, is popular.