The foodie trilogy at hip spot Mraz & Sohn, Vienna

A restaurant that should be top of any self-respecting gourmand’s foodie hitlist is low-key, unassuming eatery Mraz & Sohn, located in Vienna’s 20^th district.

A family business which has run through the sons of original restaurateur and founder, Karl Mraz the team is now headed up by his son, Markus and his sons Manuel and Lukas Mraz.

Cooking together, this lovely family trilogy also produces some of the most innovative, experimental and tastebud tingling food in Vienna, delivered in a down-to-earth, relaxed atmosphere.

Focusing on the local and seasonal, like many of our favourite Austrian chefs, the restaurant also brings an element of surprise to its famous tasting menus. With no set dishes, diners come prepared for anything, and one of its whimsical joys is the performance and the presentation – but crucially without compromising on taste. There’s a reason this restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Expect a raft of ingredients and unusual pairings – the chef picks and chooses from Danube salmon, pine spruce, oysters, kaffir, curd, fig leaf, maybuck game, blueberries and pumpkin amongst others. 

You’ll be amazed how Mraz & Sohn bring tastes together in the most artful and beautifully presented ways. You almost won’t want to disturb the work of art to eat it…almost.

Epicures will enjoy not only the theatrics of taste but also the elegant, modern surroundings. Recently completing a makeover, Viennese architectural firm BÜRO KLK worked with the family business to create an atmosphere that was in harmony with the ethos of the restaurant. Natural materials applied without excessive finish or varnish reflect the natural good humour of your hosts and the innovative tasting menus, the experience clasped by the tactile clay plaster, the coarse spruce tabletops and untreated black steel windows and doors. Austrian art sits on the walls, creating a gallery-like ambience for art appreciation in all its forms.

Designer lighting comes in the form of Flos ceiling spotlights – but more as a practicality than a showy signifier – the spots light up the food beautifully – highlighting the real reason you’re here, to enjoy a culinary adventure at Mraz & Sohn.