Must-eat at Stiftsrestaurant Melk, Austria

By the time we had walked past Melk Abbey’s rooms, verandah, terrace and courtyard (Read – Melk Abbey Tour), we were starving. We had the choice of walking down to the Melk town 2 minutes away for lunch or dine at the Abbey’s restaurant, Stiftsrestaurant Melk. We chose the latter. For, we had been enticed by its open restaurant, its tables under the big garden umbrellas, the pretty sight of the little lawn and the town ahead. We later learned that the place was originally an orangery with a beautiful glass house for ornamental plants.

Food at Stiftsrestaurant Melk

In Austria, we didn’t let go of even one opportunity to eat authentic Austrian food. Our modus operandi would be to ask the staff of their specialties and go by their recommendations. With Stiftsrestaurant Melk too, we went with what the restaurant was famous for, and weren’t disappointed!

We ordered Beef Goulash and Roast Pork with Cabbage Salad with local beer. The Goulash was excellent. Period. Served with the perfect sauce, it melted in the mouth. The Roast Pork was absolutely heavenly, and the Cabbage salad with the Pork was one of the best we had and complimented the roast pork slices perfectly. Both the dishes had two bread dumplings soaked in the sauce and were delicious. While we ordered two dishes, the total quantity was enough and we, mother, father and daughter were duly full!

And then of course we asked for their famous dessert – Marillenkuchen – an upside down fresh pastry served with ceam and chocolate ice-cream. With that little plate in your table, know that you should graciously give up your kg-calorie battle. With this thing in your plate, it’s a battle of a different kind – of who will get the most spoonful.

All in all, do not miss dining at this charming restaurant of Melk Abbey overlooking the Danube river and the apricot-growing orchards in the basin below…
P.S:  For a complete Austria itinerary and tour details, read — A Perfect Summer Holiday in Austria