Salzburg-style breakfast with a view

The Steinterrasse: an oasis of peace

With tummy rumbling in quiet anticipation, I step into the lift of the completely renovated Hotel Stein – my destination: the “Steinterrasse” restaurant on the seventh floor. A smartly dressed young man with a pleasant smile on his lips navigates me towards a front-row table. The panorama that greets me there is absolutely jaw-dropping. Eyeball to eyeball with the fortress, cathedral, town hall and St. Peter’s Church, I take the weight off courtesy of a gray-flecked chair. A quick glance over the succinct breakfast menu reveals I can select whatever my breakfast-ready heart desires. The delicious food and the fantastic view leave me completely convinced, start to finish. Bottom line: I’ll definitely be back!   

Breakfast: daily, from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Imlauer Sky Restaurant: breakfast raised to perfection

Standing in the very heart of the “right side” of the Salzburg historic district, directly across from the congress center, is “IMLAUER Hotel Pitter”. From down below, the terrace on the sixth floor is very unobtrusive, even though they are said to serve one of the best breakfasts in town. Something I intend to verify for myself this sunny Friday morning, hopping on the lift that will take me to gourmet heaven. Once at the top, the waiter shows me to a table that has already been set, affording a view of the fortress. Take a deep breath, let go, enjoy – that’s my motto for the day! And putting that into practice won’t be too hard at all, thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime view and these beautifully composed breakfast menu packages. Whether a “IMLAUER Sky Breakfast”, their “Vitality Breakfast” or the “French Breakfast” with gently warm croissants and cappuccino to melt your heart, every breakfast is served on a pretty étagère. Enjoyment on every level: for the eye, the stomach and the soul!

Breakfast: daily, 9 a.m. – 14 a.m.

Café Bazar: hotspot for all coffeehouse fans

It is half past seven in the morning. I amble along the banks of the River Salzach in the direction of Café Bazar. This is the place for anyone who loves authentic coffeehouse culture. Here you hear the rustle of a newspaper, over at the counter two businessmen chat about the latest developments on the stock exchange. I could spend hours sitting out on the shady terrace, slurping on my delicious coffee and marveling at the fairytale silhouette of the Salzburg historic district. So as to sample as much as I can from their extensive breakfast menu, I order the so-called “Bazar sweet” with a croissant and homemade jam, as well as the “Bazar savory” with salt stick and soft-boiled “eggs in a glass”. And while I, utterly lost in thought, stir my hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, the City of Mozart gradually comes to life. Just as I’m about to stand up with a heavy heart and make my way home, the waiter stands smiling before me: “May I interest you in a prosecco, young lady?”

Breakfast: Monday- Friday from 7:30 a.m., Sundays and public holidays from 9 a.m. (all day)

Restaurant M32: toque-caliber delectation

To those of you who would like to reward yourselves after taking a short morning hike on the Mönchsberg, I highly recommend “Restaurant M32”. My walk up there begins at the Müllner Kirche, which is farther down the ridge line, but it doesn’t take long to reach this breakfast Eldorado. A table right at the end of the terrace is practically screaming at me to sit down there. Any memories of the mild physical exertion it took to get up here evaporate the second I catch sight of the breathtaking panorama of the Salzburg historic district and Hohensalzburg Fortress. Almost too beautiful to be true! While a couple of birds try to outduel each other’s singing skills somewhere off in the distance, I study the menu. The “Vitality Breakfast” matches the location perfectly, of course, as it does the feeling I enjoy up here of total freedom, high above the pulsating city far below. And it doesn’t disappoint: Freshly squeezed organ juice, avocado, mozzarella with pesto, fresh vegetables, seasonal porridge, wholemeal pastries and carrot cake conjure up the summer holiday feeling I have been waiting so long for! Right here in the heart of the City of Mozart! Marvelous …

Breakfast: Tuesday-Sunday:  9 - 12 a.m., closed on Mondays except during Salzburg Festival