Food & Drinks In Zell am See
Zell am See, situated in the Salzburg region of Austria, is celebrated for its picturesque setting, enveloped by mountains and a serene lake. Renowned as a versatile destination, it attracts visitors with a spectrum of activities, including winter sports, hiking, biking, and the appreciation of alpine landscapes. Beyond its outdoor appeal, the town distinguishes itself as a gastronomic haven, offering an extensive array of culinary experiences, ranging from traditional Austrian fare to international delicacies, and spanning the spectrum from quaint cafes to esteemed restaurants.
The historical tapestry of Zell am See unfolds through various epochs, tracing its roots to Roman times. Initially a mining town engaged in iron and gold production, it later evolved into a spa destination, leveraging its healing waters to draw visitors. In the contemporary context, Zell am See emerges as a modern and lively town, characterized by a captivating old town center, a vibrant nightlife, and a diverse calendar of events and festivals throughout the year.
The gastronomic identity of Zell am See is deeply rooted in its diverse cultural influences and traditions. Situated in the Pinzgau region, renowned for its robust and rustic cuisine featuring elements like cheese, bacon, potatoes, and bread, the town’s culinary landscape is further enriched by its proximity to the Italian border, evident in the prevalence of pizza and pasta. As part of Austria, Zell am See proudly showcases classic dishes such as schnitzel, strudel, and sachertorte.
Zell am See caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets, ensuring a culinary experience for every palate. The town’s dining options encompass everything from economical choices to high-end fine dining establishments. With a diverse menu that spans local specialties and international flavors, Zell am See accommodates various preferences, from casual pub-goers to patrons seeking an elegant restaurant ambiance. Whether one craves a quick snack, a romantic dinner, or a grandiose festive feast, Zell am See guarantees a satisfying culinary journey.
Popular Restaurants in Zell am See
- Flo’s Restaurant: Award-winning restaurant in Zell am See, offers casual fine dining with traditional masterpieces, uses vegetables and herbs from its own garden, multiple culinary awards, sommeliers recommend wines.
- Grüner Baum Restaurant: Hotel restaurant in Zell am See, emphasizes nature and original land, uses ingredients from in-house butchery, features items from Austria’s gourmet regions, offers award-winning brandies.
- Kettingalm: Charming ski chalet on Schmittenhöhe, offers cozy accommodations, serves Austrian cuisine, provides skier’s breakfast, facilitates luggage transfer and ski-related services.
- Hotel Restaurant Lebzelter: Family-run hotel in Zell am See known for serving homestyle Austrian food based on centuries-old recipes. The cozy alpine atmosphere and traditional furnishings contribute to a memorable dining experience.
- Kupferkessel: Popular restaurant in Zell am See, known for over 40 years, serves fresh pizza, juicy steaks, and more in a homey and traditional ambiance. Features a shaded guest garden and in-house bar for gatherings.
- Kraftwerk Restaurant & Winebar: Restaurant and wine bar in an old power plant in Zell am See, offers upmarket Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, features warm timber accents, and a vast collection of over 800 wines.
- MAYER’s Restaurant auf Schloss Prielau: Gourmet restaurant led by Chef Andreas Mayer at Schloss Prielau, known for French-influenced cuisine, awarded two Michelin Guide stars, emphasizes rich aromas and meticulous presentation. Embraces sustainability and prioritizes organic quality.
- Wirtshaus zum Metzgerwirt: Family-run restaurant in Zell am See, part of Romantikhotel, serving traditional regional dishes with a history dating back to 1493. Emphasizes simple, delicious recipes in a modern alpine setting.
- Piazza Quattro: Italian restaurant in Zell am See offering authentic Italian cuisine, known for antipasti, oven-fresh pizza, and exquisite wines. Puts attention into every dish with traditional Italian ingredients.
- Pinzga Bräu am See: Zell am See house brewery serving classic unfiltered beers and seasonal special brews since 2020. Master brewer Valentin Klien emphasizes local hops and barley, offering beer enthusiasts tastings and guided tours.
- La Locanda Pizzeria & Restaurant – Modern and intimate restaurant in Zell am See, known for using the finest ingredients. Offers a diverse menu catering to various appetites, with a seating capacity of 90 people.
- Restaurant Cella Central: Zell am See restaurant known for offering global cuisine trends, including tender T-bone steaks and excellent Viennese fare. Recognizable by its visually appealing outdoor patio adorned with colorful umbrellas.
- Das Vogl: High-quality dining blending local and global flavors, honored by Falstaff and Gault Millau. Emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Fine wines offered.
- Hotel Restaurant zum Hirschen: Award-winning cuisine with a focus on excellence and exceptional service. Chef René Fichtner offers a variety of freshly produced meals reflecting the region. Available to hotel guests and à la carte tourists.
- Die Fliegerei: Restaurant at Zell am See’s airfield, offering traditional and global dishes. Panoramic views from the sun terrace. The menu includes pasta, salad bowls, pizza, and sweet specialties. Playground for younger visitors.
Ski Huts & Mountain Restaurants In Zell am See
- AreitAlm: Quaint AreitAlm, situated next to areitXpress, offers a stunning view of Kitzsteinhorn and Hohe Tauern. Gastronomic diversity, wines, and scenic dining options are available.AreitAlm features a range of dishes, from traditional Viennese schnitzel to regional Pinzgau gnocchi. Self-service and Austrian restaurants provide diverse cuisine. Treetop terrace and Zirbenstube offer unique dining experiences.
- Kettingalm: Charming Kettingalm offers cozy rooms, skier’s breakfast, and Austrian cuisine. Guests can unwind away from winter hustle and bustle. Various amenities, including luggage transfer and ski-related services.Varied skiers’ breakfast featuring fresh buns, sausage, cheese, egg dishes, and muesli to energize guests for their next downhill run.Evening ambiance at Kettingalm includes a Stüberl lounge with a tiled stove, where visitors can enjoy a delicious Jause snack plate.
- Restaurant Jaga-alm: Mountain hotel and restaurant on Schmittenhöhe, offering alpine flair and modern comfort. Located in the ski area and along hiking routes, providing panoramic views. Restaurant at Jaga Alm serves freshly cooked specialties from the hotel’s own farm and hunt, along with handmade pastries.Jaga Alm welcomes visitors for breaks or holidays in both summer and winter. Offers stunning views of Lake Zell at 1,200 meters above sea level.
- Panorama Restaurant Franzl: Unique ambiance with quaint-urban coziness, mountain relief on the wall, historical motifs, an open fireplace, and a modern bar.”Franzl” presents Austrian cuisine inspired by Emperor Franz and Empress Sisi, featuring regional specialties and imperial classics. Menu includes Fiakergulasch, Viennese schnitzel, and Powidltascherln. Breathtaking imperial view of Hohe Tauern Alps and Lake Zell from panoramic windows and terrace throughout the year.
- Pinzgauer Hütte: Charming mountain hut on Schmittenhöhe, surrounded by soft green mountains. A must-visit during summer or winter. Offers cosy rooms, authentic Pinzgau cheese spaetzle, and proximity to Kitzsteinhorn glacier.Located in the distinctive environment of Schmittenhöhe, attracting hikers, mountaineers, cyclists, and skiers. Spectacular views of Kitzsteinhorn glacier and Grossglockner.
- Schmiedhof Alm: Sonnenalm, located on the sunny side, provides an ideal skiing spot. Accessible through heated chairlift Hochmaisbahn #22 or Porsche design cable car, Schmittenhöhebahn.Playground for children, offering fresh mountain air. House-made specialties include both spicy and sweet dishes to cater to various tastes.Relax on the sun terrace during summer, enjoying picturesque views of Großglockner, Kitzsteinhorn, Steinerne Meer, and more.
- Schober Alm: Quaint rest stop in the heart of Schmittenhöhe skiing and hiking region. Serves traditional Austrian meals like Kaiserschmarren and Kaspressknödel. Accessible year-round. Favorite meeting spot at 1,100 meters above sea level, offering handmade specialties and a vast sun terrace. Traditional Austrian fare on the menu, including Kaiserschmarren and grilled meals.
- Enzianhütte: Mountain inn welcoming both athletes and families. Located just below Ronachkopf peak at 1,300 meters above sea level. Offers delightful meals with a view of Lake Zell. Innkeeper Tom at Enzianhütte serves delectable meals, including home-smoked bacon and famous Kaiserschmarrn. Attracts visitors after summer treks, winter ski tours, or leisurely strolls.
- Restaurant Hochzeller-Alm: Cozy restaurant on Schmittenhöhe, heart of Zell’s local mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Hohe Tauern. Panoramic landscape showcases over 30 peaks exceeding three thousand meters. Serves traditional Austrian cuisine year-round.Offers a delectable selection of traditional Austrian dishes, including the famous Germknödel (yeast dumpling). Available throughout the year for both summer and winter visitors.
- Jausenstation Pfefferbauer: Mountain restaurant and holiday home above Zell am See, offering hearty snacks, traditional Pinzgau dishes, and cozy rooms with a breathtaking view of Lake Zell. Delightful and cozy experience for short getaways or longer vacations. Offers authentic Austrian cuisine with a breathtaking view of Pinzgau mountains and Lake Zell. Located 5 minutes by car or 30 minutes by a pleasant walk from Zell am See.
- Sonnkogel Restaurant: Must-visit destination on Schmittenhöhe, offering delicious Pinzgau cuisine in both summer and winter. Focuses on locally sourced ingredients and fresh herbs. Conveniently located near Sonnenalmbahn cable car, Sonnkogel serves regional dishes with a special twist. Unique and mouthwatering creations made from local products and herbs.
- Eder Hütte Schmittenhöhe: Experience the magic of winter and the charm of summer with captivating tales for skiers, connoisseurs, and sun worshippers. Delightful escape featuring exquisite specialties on the sun terrace. Indulge in the hut’s specialty: a homemade sausage with a secret recipe. Enjoy freshly baked bread with a classic lunch spread of cold meats, sausages, or cheese.
- Ebenbergalm: Charming and secluded inn located on Schmittenhöhe, just 45 minutes away from Zell am See. Offers stunning views of Lake Zell. Indulge in satisfying snacks and hot dishes, including favorite regional dishes, while enjoying the scenic surroundings at Ebenbergalm. Ideal destination for a brief and relaxing hike with breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the traditional alpine pasture and enjoy a visit to the hut.
- BreiteckAlm: The Breiteckalm ski hut has been established on the Schmittenhöhe since the 1950s. It offers a perfect opportunity to take a break before, after, or in between your downhill runs. You can unwind on the sun terrace, indulge in regional delicacies, or groove to the music at the umbrella bar. The Breiteckalm is conveniently situated right next to the trassXpress cable car.
Après Ski In Zell am See
- AreitLounge: Contemporary mountain spot with excellent view, gourmet dining, and unique “Pinzgau Tapas” near areitXpress. Smart architecture with exposed concrete, glass, natural stone, and steel. Live music, fine dining, and a cozy ambiance with an open fireplace. Weekly handmade Pinzgau tapas and dessert specialties. Complementing wines from AreitAlm wine cellar.
- Cabrio Bar Restaurant: Pub on Schmittenhöhe near areitXpress offering Kasspatzln, burgers, and drinks. Ideal for winter fans, located at the lower terminus of areitXpress. Traditional Austrian cuisine and cosmopolitan favorites available. Glazed Panorama Bar with the option to open the roof in nice weather for an extended winter sun experience.
- Berghotel Blaickner’s Sonnalm: Modest mountain inn on Schmittenhöhe, near Sonnenalmbahn cable car. Serves as a vacation home in both winter and summer. Offers comfortable double and four-bed rooms. Popular for Sunday brunch, private gatherings, weddings, and birthdays. Easily accessible by gondola with picturesque views along pistes in winter and hiking routes in summer.
- Das Panorama: Contemporary mountain restaurant at Schmittenhöhe summit offering a wide selection of gastronomic pleasures. Emphasizes fast, fresh, and good experiences with efficient self-service. Spectacular 360-degree panorama view from the XXL sun deck. Menu includes classic and re-interpreted cuisine. Food stations in the self-service section for a personalized dining experience. “Franzl” crew nearby. Wunder Bar for drinks after skiing.
- Eder Hütte Schmittenhöhe: Mountain hut on Schmittenhöhe, Salzburg, offering holiday vibes with gastronomic specialties and a pleasant ambiance on the sun terrace. Hosts, Viktoria and Martin, share their mountain beauty. Features a playground, ball track, and a petting zoo for children. Specialties include a handmade sausage with a secret recipe and home-baked bread with cold meats, sausages, or cheese. Insider advice on nearby activities provided by the hosts.
- Insider Bar: Bar in Zell am See with a sun terrace for daytime coffee and cake with mountain and Lake Zell views. In the evening, transforms into a lively spot with colorful disco lights for cocktails. Offers classic Salzburg living in summer and winter. Popular meeting point for tourists and locals after skiing. Nightlife features tasty beverages, DJs, and party songs in a club setting.
- SchnapsHans Bar: Iconic bar in Schmittenhöhe ski resort, promising a lively atmosphere and party mood after skiing. Popular winter meeting spot for après ski enthusiasts. Known as SchnapsHans, managed by Herwig Schiefer. Features a 100-meter-long bar occasionally transformed into a dance floor. Offers a diverse music selection from old rock anthems to R&B and dance. Equipped with cutting-edge lighting and sound technologies.
- Restaurant Pension Schmittental: Popular holiday destination, Pension Schmittental, known for wonderful kitchen classics. Offers joint barbecues in summer and carefully prepared cuisine in the winter in the á la carte restaurant. Culinary experience program provided by a devoted crew. Breakfast menu includes regional specialties. Centrally located near Zell am See center and the Schmittenhöhe mountain train.
- Sporthotel Alpin: Ski hotel in Zell am See offering après-ski entertainment at the conclusion of a day on the slopes. Après-ski bar, close to Sporthotel Alpin, ideal for socializing and unwinding. Open to both hotel guests and visitors for cocktails and music in a pleasant atmosphere. Located directly on the piste and at the bottom station of the CityXpress lift.
- Villa Crazy Daisy: Three-story establishment in Zell am See, Villa Crazy Daisy, offering a sensory overload. Features a breathtaking view of Lake Zell, carefully prepared cuisine, and frequent live band performances. The sun terrace provides a Salzburg coffee culture experience, and the balcony offers a view of Lake Zell. Known for live-act presentations, including the house band “Boots” performing oldies in the summer. Different bands perform on the Crazy Daisy stage daily from December 23. Popular for skiers looking to end their day with drinks, food, and bass music.
Bars & Clubs in Zell am See
- Bernstein’s Bar: Bernstein’s, a venue with a lounge ambiance, offers a nostalgic experience with great music classics from the 1960s to the 1980s, accompanied by excellent wines, scotch, and cocktails. The space is adorned with red-yellow and amber light, featuring black leather couches, wood-paneled walls displaying records, pictures, and posters from the era. Live concerts occasionally bring music history to life, with a ready piano in the corner.
- Club Sensation: Club Sensation offers a versatile experience, featuring a lounge area for relaxed drinks and a vibrant club with exceptional DJs, playing music from the 1980s and 1990s. The venue provides a dancefloor for energetic dancing, promising an epic party night.
- Traube Brasserie: Traube Brasserie offers a diverse culinary experience with over 50 dishes representing Asian, Italian, and regional cuisines. The venue blends an aristocratic restaurant with a lounge environment, providing outstanding food and wines. The extensive menu takes diners on a gastronomic tour, and the charming bar in historic vaults offers cocktails to complement the gourmet experience.
- TORRE Vineria: Vineria Torre brings the Italian concept of “Dolce Vita” to Zell am See’s Turmplatzl, offering the finest Italian wine, aperitivo, and beverages for relaxation and enjoyment. The contemporary wine bar features a trendy ambiance with carefully selected antipasti and olives, creating a celebration of happiness in both summer and winter.
- Toms Bar & Lounge: Toms Bar & Lounge offers a cozy setting for a wonderful evening with friends, featuring freshly blended cocktails, upbeat music, and hospitality from hosts Susi and Tom. Skilled DJs and bartenders create a fantastic atmosphere in Zell am See’s center, making it an enjoyable spot after a day in the mountains. The venue is known for its superb cocktails and the right combination of drinks and music.
- Mavida Bar: Haidvogl Mavida, a luxurious wellness hotel, offers body and soul relaxation through expertly crafted cocktails at the in-house Mavida Bar. Open to non-hotel guests, the bar provides a sophisticated setting with options by the fireplace or on a sun terrace overlooking Lake Zell. True cocktail experts serve favorite drinks and sparkling aperitifs, creating a perfect unwind spot after a day in the Pinzgau mountains. The bar is available for exclusive rentals for special events with gastronomic and musical accompaniment.
- Greens Pub & Greens XL: Greens Pub in Zell am See offers a cozy setting for enjoying excellent cocktails, live music, and delectable beverages, making it a favorite local hangout. Greens XL, located in the pub’s basement, enhances the party culture with urban club flare and dance music. The venue is ideal for spontaneous evening activities after outdoor excursions or skiing in winter.
- Grand Hotel Zell am See: Grand Hotel Zell am See, located on a peninsula of Lake Zell, offers a picturesque setting with contemporary luxury and historical charm. The hotel features various dining options, including Grand Café am See for panoramic views and strudel specialties, a lakefront bar, Imperial Café-Bar with vintage flair, and Pinzga Bräu am See, a brewery-restaurant specializing in traditional Austrian cuisine. The exquisite restaurants Kaisersaal and Belvedere offer a choice between classic, health cuisine, and vegetarian specialties.
- Ginhouse: The Ginhouse in Zell am See, run by gin enthusiasts Johannes and Maria, offers over 1000 variants of the finest juniper. With almost a decade of expertise, they have curated one of the world’s greatest gin collections. The pub and bar provide a unique experience, not only delivering high-proof cocktails, but also sharing fascinating details about tonic water and serving tips. The quaint alpine interior caters to fans of cocktails, spritzes, and more.
- Deins & Meins: Deins & Meins in Zell am See is a versatile venue combining a restaurant, bar, and lounge, catering to friends of good taste, cocktail aficionados, karaoke fanatics, and billiard players. The focus is on providing delightful evenings with a menu featuring homemade spaghetti, oven-fresh pizza, Italian antipasti, truffle fries, juicy steaks, handmade pasta, and sweet dessert masterpieces. The affiliated bar and lounge offer great beverages, while evenings bring challenges in karaoke, darts, and billiards.
Coffeehouses in Zell am See
- Bella Bean Coffee: A coffee roastery in Zell am See’s old town, known for roasting various coffee bean varieties. Emphasis on fair trade, expert advice, and passion for quality coffee.
- Beach Club Zell am See: Summer destination with Caribbean vibes, serving refreshing drinks, crisp salads, meat specialties, and more. Ideal for unwinding with a sundowner by the lake.
- Beach Club Thumersbach: Relaxing spot on the beaches of Lake Zell, offering handcrafted lemonades, crispy pizza, Asian wok dishes, and snack favorites. Winter offerings include warm beverages and scenic views.
- Cafe Vanini: A delightful café and patisserie in Zell am See’s center, offering a variety of handmade pastries, including creamy slices, fruit tarts, and chocolatey treats.
- Café Seegasse: A café in Zell am See’s lakeside town, offering handcrafted meals throughout the day, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and homemade cakes and ice cream in the afternoon.
- Zeller’s: A café-bar near Zell am See’s railway station, offering a variety of beverages, light nibbles, and frozen yoghurt with customizable toppings. Open from morning to night, featuring coffee inventions, smoothie drinks, lunch options, and evening Aperol offerings.