Naschmarkt Vienna: The Best Stalls, Restaurants & Hidden Gems

Naschmarkt Vienna

Colorful, chaotic, and irresistibly aromatic — Naschmarkt Wien is Vienna’s most iconic market, blending over 100 years of tradition with modern global flair. Stretching nearly 1.5 kilometres between Karlsplatz and Kettenbrückengasse, it’s the city’s culinary playground, where locals shop for fresh produce, chefs source rare spices, and visitors get lost in a world of flavours. Whether you're here to taste, browse, or people-watch, this guide covers the best stalls, restaurants, and hidden gems to discover on your next visit.

A Brief History of Naschmarkt Wien

The roots of Naschmarkt date back to the 16th century, when it was known as a milk and dairy market. Over time, it evolved into a bustling open-air market, attracting merchants from across the region. Today, it’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisines — from Austrian sausage stands to Persian delis, Mediterranean olives, and Indian spices. It’s a microcosm of Vienna’s diversity, with a strong sense of local pride and rhythm that changes with the day of the week.

What to Expect: Layout and Vibe

Naschmarkt is divided into two main sections: fresh food stalls and eateries. The front half (closer to Karlsplatz) is filled with vendors selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood, bread, and cheese. As you walk further down, you’ll find cafés, wine bars, and restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisine. Saturdays bring even more life with the adjacent flea market — a treasure trove for vintage lovers and bargain hunters.

Best Food Stalls at Naschmarkt Wien

While the entire market is worth wandering through, there are a few standout stalls that offer exceptional quality and unique products. These include:

• Urbanek – A legendary stop for cheese and cured meats, this compact stall is always buzzing with regulars enjoying a glass of wine and a slice of Prosciutto.
• Neni am Naschmarkt (Deli Counter) – Before it became a restaurant brand, Neni started as a small Levantine deli here. Their hummus, za’atar bread, and shakshuka mix are outstanding.
• Staud’s Vienna – This stall offers premium preserves, pickles, and fruit syrups. Their chutneys and jams make perfect souvenirs or picnic treats.
• Gewürze der Welt – One of the best spice vendors in Vienna. Their paprika, saffron, and custom blends are top quality and fairly priced.

If you want to dig deeper into the stories behind these stalls, consider joining the Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour. It combines tastings with historical insights for a more meaningful experience.

Top Restaurants at Naschmarkt

When you’re ready to sit down for a full meal, Naschmarkt delivers with variety and atmosphere. Popular restaurants include:

• Neni am Naschmarkt (Restaurant) – A modern, energetic eatery serving Israeli-Mediterranean fusion dishes. Try the sabich, Jerusalem plate, or lamb kebab.
• Drei Stern – A hidden gem with hearty Austrian fare and friendly staff. They serve a great goulash and homemade schnitzel, often overlooked by tourists.
• Tewa – Organic and health-conscious dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Their lentil soup and falafel bowls are market favourites.
• Orient & Occident – A Turkish kitchen serving up fresh mezze, grilled meats, and wood-fired flatbreads. Ideal for groups sharing multiple plates.

For foodies looking to go beyond the usual lunch stop, the Private Gourmet Tour at Naschmarkt includes premium tastings of cheese, charcuterie, and local drinks, all curated by a knowledgeable guide. Perfect for couples or small groups who want a more intimate experience.

Hidden Gems and Local Favourites

Among the market’s more well-known stalls and restaurants are a few secret spots that locals treasure. Keep an eye out for:

• La Salvia – A Slovenian delicatessen offering unique wines, fresh struklji (stuffed dumplings), and handmade pastas.
• Kim kocht – A boutique stall by chef Kim Sohyi, offering Asian-Austrian fusion sauces, ready meals, and spice mixes. Tiny but packed with flavour.
• Bio-Pionier – A certified organic stand with seasonal produce, freshly squeezed juices, and homemade pestos. It’s tucked between larger fruit vendors — easy to miss but worth finding.

If you prefer exploring with expert guidance and plenty of samples, try the Naschmarkt Food Tasting Tour. It’s great for first-time visitors who want to taste their way through the market’s best bites without wandering aimlessly.

Tips for Visiting Naschmarkt Wien

• Go early: Weekday mornings are ideal for shopping without crowds. Saturdays are lively but much busier.
• Bring cash: Some smaller stalls still prefer it, though most accept cards now.
• Sample before you buy: Many vendors offer free tastings, especially for cheese, olives, and dried fruit.
• Combine with the flea market: Arrive early on Saturday to explore vintage treasures at the Flohmarkt next to Kettenbrückengasse.
• Come hungry: Whether you're sampling or sitting down to eat, there's no shortage of flavour here.

Ongoing Construction & the Future Naschpark

Currently, Naschmarkt is undergoing a major transformation as part of Vienna’s urban greening initiative. In fall 2024, construction began on the old parking area next to Kettenbrückengasse to create the “Naschpark”—a 6,300 m² green oasis featuring a mix of 90 new trees (including large XXL specimens), walking paths, cool water features, and shaded areas. Simultaneously, a covered “Marktraum” is being built, housing 13 regional producer stalls and topped with an accessible rooftop garden. Both park and market space are expected to open in autumn 2025, with the adjacent flea-market zone to follow by the end of 2027. Throughout the works, the regular farmer’s market and Saturday flea market continue uninterrupted.