Foodies know that travelling can help you experiment. It’s not just about tasting local cuisine – which can be good or bad – but seeing what locals eat when they go out. Often, what is new or trendy is what is interesting, so why not see what they’re on about?

This means that I often end up in some random place that has nothing to do with local cuisine. But this does not matter for me; understanding how people live their lives, how they chose to be entertained, what they chose to put in their mouths – this is just as important as making sure you explore the city well, right?

When in Vienna recently, I tried out the Cafe Bloom Bar and the Sky Bar. Both are great cocktail bars with a view but the former was, sadly, under construction at the time. Cocktail bars tend to be similar the world over and it is their Unique Selling Point that becomes them; in these cases, the view over the rooftops of Vienna.

With restaurants, things are different because the place should be a destination in its own right.

If you’re going to go out with family or friends and spend time and money on food, an impressive view might only last as long as an amuse bouche. In my case, I want a restaurant that knows how to cook, that can surprise me in some way but, most importantly, can make me feel at home.

This was why I had high hopes for Kussmaul in Vienna.

I knew that the place was reputed to be popular with foodies in the Austrian capital and that it was well-known for its interior design. I was told that the place has a futuristic feel to it but I can’t say that I saw that. I did like the slim panelling, the refined interior and the large glass walls that, in summer, would let in a cool breeze to accompany your wine.

I was there with friends; a Spanish couple who coincidentally chose Vienna for a weekend break at the same time that I did. We were seated at a table close to the bar and ended up splitting our three dishes to share and enjoy the each others’ choices.

And yet, I’m not going to talk about what we ate.

Which is a little surprising for an article about a restaurant, isn’t it?

Well, I could talk about the excellently curated wine list and the attentiveness of the sommelier who recommended the right Riesling to accompany our choices.

I could also describe the tasty dishes that were served to us with a minimum of fuss and very little delay despite the place being full on a Saturday night.

But what really impressed me was the dessert selection.

As luck had it, we were seated by the bar and next to the patissiere who was working his magic creating these little concoctions of happiness and placing the finished articles on display right next to our heads.

Dollops of chocolate, squidges of fruit, petite works of art being drawn across dishes in three dimensions which appeared as quickly as they were whisked away to be consumed and enjoyed.

It was difficult to concentrate on our conversation, I have to admit.

So if you’re in Vienna, I would strongly recommend a visit to Kussmaul, conveniently located close to the Opera House.

And ask for a table next to the patissiere.

And order dessert.

Kussmaul Vienna
Spittelberggasse 12
A-1070

Have you tried any new restaurants in Vienna recently?