Everybody loves a nice holiday in Italy, especially we Austrians don’t have far to go to the country of pizza and pasta.
Delicious mussels, incredibly crispy pizza, handmade ravioli. Sounds too good to be true. But this pleasure, this fine Italian cuisine, is also available in Graz! Where? Very simple – here are a few locations you shouldn’t miss!
Osteria dei Sensi
The Italian Osteria is located near the Ragnitzbach in St. Leonhard. From the outside it looks a little inconspicuous, at least very rustic. But here you can immerse yourself in a culinary experience that cannot be forgotten so quickly. You will find yourself between delicious bruschetta, tender calamari and delicious pizza. All dishes are of high quality and freshly prepared. However, this also has its price.
The price-performance ratio is a little steep, but a visit is definitely worthwhile. The guest garden in summer attracts with its charm and the service is also quite ok. The ambience is definitely characterized by its cosy Italian charm. Those who are looking for the right place for a fun evening with friends will feel very comfortable here.
Das Pronto
The Italian restaurant Pronto is located directly on the main square next to the Adler Pharmacy. Those who do not find it right away should not panic, as the entrance is a little hidden. At the beginning, the entrance of the Pronto resembles a creepy horror scene, until one sees the beautiful vaulted cellar. The ambiance convinces to one hundred percent with the beautiful brick vaults, dark furniture and Italian flair.
Of course, the restaurant can also pay for this ambience, but the price-performance ratio is definitely right. The food is incredibly good, genuinely Italian and always freshly prepared. From pizza to seafood to tiramisu, you can feast your way through the menu. Also the wine convinces with its quality. If you are looking for a restaurant for a romantic date, you will find it here!
San Pietro
The San Pietro with integrated “San Bar” on the St. Peter Hauptstraße convinces with modern charm and super delicious food. Besides “normal” Italian food, you have the possibility to taste the best focaccias in town. Styria’s first Focacceria attracts with crispy baked bread, delicious Parma ham and Italian spices that stimulate the senses. The atmosphere is relaxed, modern and familiar.
In the evening it becomes romantic, cosy and lively. On most Thursdays there is live music, to which you can sip delicious cocktails at the bar. The San Pietro is in the higher price range, but the quality is definitely right. Those who are looking for a fancy restaurant where life reigns and the quality of the food is right, will be in the right place. But it should be considered that there is no kitchen in the afternoon.
Pizzaiolo
The pizzaria chain Pizzaiolo is available twice in Graz. One restaurant is located at Dietrichsteinplatz, the other one at Karmeliterplatz in 8010. True to the motto “La Mamma”, the Pizzaiolo serves the “Verace Pizza Napoletana” – the “real” pizza par excellence. The pizzas are baked in the pizza oven and convince with real Italian taste. The olive oil comes from the home village of the chef himself and gives the whole thing a homely touch.
Apart from antipasti and salads, the menu mainly offers pizzas, the restaurant’s speciality. Also the ambience convinces with stylish simplicity and a cosy atmosphere. Those who like to spend a relaxed evening with friends will feel very comfortable here. The price-performance ratio is right.
L’Osteria Graz
The Italian restaurant L’Osteria of the restaurant chain of the same name is located at the Mehlplatz. The restaurant is known for its pizzas of above-average size, which are very popular with guests. A pizza reaches far beyond the edge of the plate and is available in countless variations. A speciality is the barbecue chicken pizza, as well as the pizza with rocket salad and fresh scampi, which, contrary to the norm, is served without tomato sauce.
The pizza dough is particularly thin and crispy, and at the same time the restaurant also entices with other fantastic dishes. From antipasti to pasta and tiramisu, there is something for everyone. The price is not without, but corresponds to the quality. Here it must be said that the price is definitely noticeable for the size of the pizza, because it is the same as a normal pizza in other restaurants and is therefore very cheap. The ambience is cosy, although the restaurant is quite big. Specially in the summer time, when the terrace is open, one should in any case reserve in advance. If there is a high rush, it can happen that one has to wait quite long. But apart from that, it is in any case a great all-round package!
Das Peppino im Hofkeller
The gastronome Franco enchants his guests at the Peppino with all kinds of fine Italian specialities from his homeland. The restaurant is located in the Hofgasse, more precisely in the Hofkeller. The ambience, as well as the food, convinces with elegance, Italian charm and quality. The restaurant, which is a bit higher priced, radiates Italian charm in every corner and offers high quality food that enchants.
From spaghetti aglio e olio to veal escalope in sage sauce, there is nothing missing. If you are not frightened by the price, you can spend wonderful hours at Peppino. Whether on a date, an anniversary or with the family, the Peppino offers something for everyone and impresses with its ambience and excellent food. For wine lovers, the Peppino offers a wide selection of high quality wines that are not to be missed.
Vapiano
If you want to go fast or if you like to keep it a little cooler, the Italian restaurant Vapiano of the same named chain is highly recommended. There are two locations of the chain in Graz. One is located opposite the Graz Congress, the other one is in the newly built part of the Murpark.
The self-service restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including various specials every season. From salads and soups, lasagna and pasta, to pizza and risotto, at Vapiano the choice can be difficult. The price-performance ratio is a little steep for a self-service company, but the food still tastes very good. However, if there is a lot of traffic, long waiting times can occur.