MAST - THE LOVE OF WINE + FOOD in Vienna's 9th District

One of our favourite discoveries on a recent trip to Vienna is the wine bistro MAST in the up and coming 9^thdistrict of Wien. A small restaurant with a simple modern décor of wooden tables, linens and ceramics – the stars being uncharted natural wines and fabulous food serving some of grandma’s lost classics in a modern twist. 

What cements this place is the overriding, yet unpretentious, passion for the love of wines, flavours and the people that go to great lengths in producing bottles and ingredients filled with pride, provenance and humbleness.

Brainchild of Matthias Pitra (Rolling Pin Sommelier of the Year 2016) and Steve Breitzke (Gault Millau Sommelier of the year 2016) the duo quickly pulled in culinary talent chef Martin Schmid (worked alongside three-hood chef Andreas Döllerer in the Golling in Salzburg) to join them on their quest for an affordable experience serving great cuisine paired with their wine discoveries. And it works.

So, what sets this little place from the rest? For starts, the wine list, whereby organic is standard and the focus is on natural wines. Countless trips to the vineyards, cellar tastings and partaking in the philosophy of the producers shared passion makes for an almightily interesting curated wine list like no other. Honestly, you will leave with new previously unknown wines as your new best friends, (a fantastic Werlitsch from the South Steiermark).

The charismatic trio at MAST are relaxed kinda guys, seamless in their delivery. We opted for their tasting menu (€59) and few extras on top to ensure we were returning to the Altstadt Hotel with full bellies. To this, of course, we took the wine pairings, would be rude not too. Small plates of not overly fussed-over food rekindle a love of lost ingredients, traditional components being re-thought by the creativity of the kitchen from Jerusalem Artichokes to roasted Lamb’s Belly (veggie friends, there are amble vegetarian and vegan options too). 

MAST has just 10 tables, and you should bag yourself one for the next trip to Vienna – and another great easy thing, is their online vouchers- perfect for friends visiting the city next – not forgetting to book a fab room at the equally curated Boutique Hotel Altstadt.

 

Images © Rafaela Pröll, Sonja Priller & MAST