Windows of Vienna

When you are asking our teenage daughter where she wants to dine out for a special occasion she will always give the same answer, as there only exist two restaurants for her. Plachutta in Hietzing and Motto. “But pls not the one on the river – the original one!“
We have been dining in the restaurant the past 20 years and never got disappointed and so it comes to no surprise that the next generation loves the place and food too. Motto has a wonderful reputation that is well deserved. The decor is fun and hip. Dark mauve walls, tufted fabric of similar color around the bar and on the high-backed benches at the bar and restaurant, low lighting, a variety of jazz and soothing electro in the background. The two food classics: ‘Beef Tartare’ and ‘Motto Filetspitzen’ (variation of Bœuf Stroganoff). I always search for a new inspired food and had the organic chicken filled with cranberries and feta cheese.

Review from frommers:

This is the premier gay-friendly restaurant of Austria. A busy bar, and a clientele that has included many of the glam figures (Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, and lots of theater people) of the international circuit. Even Helmut Lang worked here briefly as a waiter. It’s set behind green doors and a sign that’s so small and discreet as to be nearly invisible. In summer, it’s enhanced with tables set up in a garden. No one will mind if you pop in just to chat, as it’s a busy nightlife entity in its own right. But if you’re hungry, cuisine is about as eclectic as it gets, ranging from Thai-inspired curries to gutbürgerlich (home and hearth) food like grandma used to make.

Review Vienna Unwrapped:

The Vienna restaurant Motto is one of the most extravagantly designed restaurants and bars here and has almost cult status. Located in the up and coming fifth district Margareten, Motto has been a meeting point with my local friends for years because of its warm atmosphere, cool urban sounds and not least its food. When I come visit from London, I like to check up on my favourite places when I lived here. Motto has been around for decades but regularly adapts its interiors and menu as it keeps pace with the local zeitgeist. It’s latest neo baroque style interiors with upholstered walls and baby dolls painted all over and floating out of its ceilings update the city’s baroque heritage in a funny yet stylish way. A more subtle update of Viennese cuisine is also available, in addition to modern fusion food and drinks: Styrian farmer’s salad with field beans and sheep cheese; organic chicken filled with cranberries and feta cheese on creamy herb polenta; asparagus with young potatoes and truffle oil, the list continues.