DO & CO Restaurant Stephansplatz

If you want drama, this is it. Located in the Innere Stadt, the restaurant sits at the top of the postmodern Haas Haus. The building caused a scandal in 1990, but now it’s a staple of the skyline. Inside, the vibe is pure luxury: dark wood, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a view that dominates the room. It’s a magnet for travelers and locals with deep pockets. Come for a sharp business lunch during the day when the room is flooded with light. By night, the cathedral glows gold through the windows and the mood shifts. The Onyx Bar next door starts spinning low-key beats, turning the floor into one of the city’s most glamorous hubs. It’s perfect for an anniversary or a final night in town. If the weather holds, fight for a table on the terrace. Nothing beats dining in the open air with the Stephansdom looming directly over your shoulder.

The menu at DO & CO is a global mashup that actually works. Most places fail when they try to do sushi and schnitzel, but this kitchen pulls it off. The seafood is flown in daily. That means the sashimi is as fresh as anything you’ll find in Tokyo, and the spicy tuna rolls have a real kick. If you want heat, go for the Thai yellow chicken curry or the wok-fried noodles. But don't ignore the local roots. The Wiener Schnitzel is pan-fried in plenty of butter and stands up to the city’s traditional heavyweights. For something lighter, the sea bass poached in parchment is a solid choice. Save room for the sweets. You can grab a slice of Sachertorte from the legendary Demel bakery or dive into the dark chocolate mousse. Both are worth the calories.

The wine list is as ambitious as the food. Massive glass cabinets line the walls, showing off a serious collection of Austrian and international bottles. Pairing wine with a menu this diverse is tricky, but the sommeliers know their stuff. They'll point you toward a mineral-heavy Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau to handle the sushi or the spice of the curry. If you're sticking to the meatier Austrian classics, look for a spicy Blaufränkisch or a smooth Zweigelt from Burgenland. They also keep a deep stock of heavy hitters from Bordeaux and Piedmont if you're in the mood for an Old World classic. For those who’d rather skip the grapes, the bar shakes up some of the best cocktails in the first district. Grab a gin and tonic, head to the terrace, and watch the lights come on across the city.