03/31/09

Not For Us!

by bradleykim

I was excited to try the Vienna Bistro after the great reviews it recieved on this site.

I made reservations for Valentine's Day when they had a special pre-fixe menu. I was sure they would only offer their "best" for this night.

We arrived on time and were seated promptly by a nice female hostess - in a little room in the back. The atmosphere was small but cozy and quaint. Beautiful artwork was on the walls.

We waited quite a while for our waitress to greet us. We had questions about the menu and she answered them, but did not elaborate or explain what the dishes consisted of.

We ordered off the pre-fixe menu (only two options available per course) and my husband and I alternated on each available item so we could have a good sample of the Viennese cuisine.

Our first course arrived: I ordered the Rabbit Terrine with Lingonberry sauce and my husband ordered the Ravioli. My inexperience with fine food left me unaware that Terrine was a type of pate' - not something I was expecting - but was cute with a carrot in the shape of a heart inside of the square meat paste. I was there to try new things, so took a small bite. I did NOT like it. I did try my husband's ravioli which was fine, but not anything special. I expected our server to say something about the untouched terrine (like offer the ravioli instead), but she didn't say a word and I didn't ask. First course over and a disappointment.

The second course came - Boston Bib Lettuce with Lingonberry / Lemon Dressing. This was the only option for the salad course, so both my husband and I ordered this. We were both disappointed. I guess I just don't have a pallete that appreciates Viennese food, because the dressing literally tasted like poo to me - and I like salads! My husband agreed that he did not like the dressing either. Second course down - still nothing in my stomache!

For the main course, I ordered the trout and my husband ordered the beef wellington. It arrived in a timely manner. But the trout was not that great - definitely not something I would order again and the rice that it was served with was dry and unappealing, so only half of the meal was eaten.

My husband's beef wellington was too rare for him (the server had not asked how he'd like it prepared), so he sent it back. When it arrived, it was a better temperature, and he enjoyed it. I had a taste and it was very good. However, once again the portion size was small. Also, he did not like the mashed potatoes that came with the meal. They were flavor-less and had the texture of paste. He did not eat them.

Our desserts arrived and were a type of cake (I can't remember exactly). They were alright, but nothing we would return for.

Our check arrived and for 2 meals and 2 sodas the bill was close to $100. And half our food was inedible.

Needless to say, we were very disappointed with our experience and will not be returning.

• Pros: Try new flavors
• Cons: Small portions and Slow Service

02/15/09

ENTREE was good...got some attitude

by gourmetpitbull

We went there for our Valentine's day dinner. Yes, we had a snobby guy when we came in but our server was a nice guy.

So Valentine's dinner, we had "Rabbit Terrine with Lingonberry sauce." It tasted ok, but plating was terrible & size was 1/5 inches thick, 11/2 * 2 1/2 inch little thing.

Next dish we had was a "Boston Bib Lettuce with Lingonberry / Lemon Dressing" Again, really POOR plating, how could you serve the dish like that?! My salad is far better than that. Then here it comes the entree "Beef Wellington with Duchess Potatoes & Green Beans." It was REALLY GOOD ( plating, tasting & size )so we were relieved after the entree. Our dessert was ok :)

Atomosphere of this restaurant is not coordinated, they really need to update the whole restaurant for that but food tasted ok so we might come back, maybe.

• Pros: Good Food!
• Cons: Some lame customer service & poor plating

10/22/08

good food, but wouldn't go out of my way to dine there

by nate101

Food: good, a bit salty and hearty as can be expected from typical germanic staple food. the Farmer's spread is a good starter. The seat is too soft. Regarding the service, I can confirm one of the reviewer below: spotty. I get the snotty ones more often than the good ones. I still patron the place, though. Maybe because I tolerate a bit cr*p as long as not intentional (in this case, cultural). Still, not an excuse, and the owner oughta train the staff to be more customer-service driven.

The location is not the best. Parking is usually not an issue, but you have to intentionally go there (SLC's Main St. is the deadzone downtown afterhour) since there's nothing to do in the area before dinner or afterward. Unless, there's a symphony concert or gallivan events (in which case, parking becomes an issue).

05/19/08

Decadent Deliciousness

by foodobsessedmom

My husband lived in Austria and was so excited to go to the Vienna Bistro. Everything is so authentic and delicious. I lived in Germany for 3 years but never had food as wonderful, flavorful, and just down right delicious as this. The kaesaspaetzle was so delicious. I got a plum and date stuffed pork tenderloin with an apple sauce (with slices of apples in a glaze). It was so sweet yet savory and so decadent. The spaetzle on the side was great too- definitely homemade. The blaukarut was so delicious!! My husband got the semmelknodeln and they were amazing. The mushroom gravy on top of them was a great compliment to the knodeln. Now, my husband refuses to eat anything that is green without slathering Ranch dressing over it but he ate every little bit of the 3 assorted chef's choice salads served with the knodeln. (One was a gerkin salat, another was a green bean and red onion one, and the last one was a carrot saad.) We also got a can of almdudler so my husband could reminisce and I could have it for the first time- it's like an herabl ginger ale... It was really good and Coca-Cola should definitely market it to the states. For dessert I got the linzertorte which was a little drier than I thought it would be but really good. The lingonberry jam throughout it was enough sweetness without being overly sweet. Hubby got the apfel strudel and it was extremely authentic- with the not-sweet-at-all whipped cream on the side and the non-sweet flaky pastry crust. It's NOT a place for children and you definitely want to bring at least $60 for a two person dinner with dessert but it's soooo worth it.

• Pros: Our server was very informative and friendly, amazing authentic food, great portions, healthy dining
• Cons: the only con is that they don't have a vienna bistro everywhere

02/17/08

Best Food In Utah

by irishjackharrington

I've eaten all over the world and across the state of Utah over the past 35 years, I would rate the food and atmosphere at the Vienna Bistro as the best in the entire state of Utah. I would also say if this restaurant were located in another major U.S. or European city, it would be hard to get in the door!

The interior is beautiful. Custom inlaid polished wood floor, original art works and photographs of the Austrian Alps adorn the walls. The open kitchen affords guests a view of owner/chef Frody Volgger at work in a space that also features pastry chef Cassie Litte.

What stands out about the Vienna Bistro the most, however, is the food. Volgger works with only fresh ingredients, applying them to age-old Austrian/European dishes, as well as his own adaptations of classic Western U.S. dishes that range from a spicy Southwestern influence, to high mountain favorites that I quite enjoy. Roasted Utah lamb, venison and veal chops, handmade spatzle pasta, delicious veggies and salads. I recently had a for lunch slow-roasted marinated pork that literally fell off the bone served with a medium spicy pasilla pepper gypsy compote on hyper-fresh rustic shepherd's roll.

That sandwich moved me to write this review. It was the best I ever have had in my life. Having just returned to my home in Utah from a trip to my native Ireland where the cuisine is among the freshest and most flavourful in the world, I'd have to tell all visitors planning a trip to Utah to get down to Main Street to eat at the Vienna Bistro. In all candor, I really would not be able to recommend virtually any other restaurant in the state when I compare them to the places I eat in Ireland, France, Austria, Italy, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, New York and other places I regularly travel.

The restaurant reminds me of what it must have been like when stage coach weary travelers arrived in a pocket of civilization in the Old West and discovered an unexpected culinary delight.

• Pros: Food, atmosphere, service are superb
• Cons: none

07/21/07

Simply brilliant!

by forgreatjustice

Austria is a country that prides itself on the quality of its food, and this restaurant does it perfect justice. It is owned and operated by two very talented Austrians and the food is absolutely exquisite! Few restaurants leave me with such a grin as I walk away.

The atmosphere is extremely pleasant and the staff friendly. Be prepared to have a slightly slower dining experience here as European restaurants are not the get-in, get-out affair that they are in the States.

I will be coming here as often as I can manage it!

• Pros: Fantastic food, excellent atmosphere!
• Cons: Hard to find parking. Maybe take TRAX?

12/15/06

Best german food anywhere, great atmosphere great service, fun staff

by rchapp

Went with a friend to dinner here 12/13/06. there was a party going on in the rear, but we were promptly served. Our server was very friendly and explained the specials. She even went on to explain with the fish special that there was only 2 servings remaining. I really appreciated this prior to ordering so i don't get disappointed.

My friend, who is german, had attended a cooking class there and made some recommendations. I had the weinerschnitzel(?) and asked for pork instead of veal. this was not a problem. pork is quite a bit better flavor.

The chef Frody, a wonderful gentlemen arrived at our table to discuss our choices. It was a refreshing experience, to actually met the head chef.

The food was excellent. I haven't had better german anywhere in the states.

The big treat was the deserts, I settled on the German Forest cake. I was the most moist, flavorful cake that I have ever had. The serving was big, but that was even better(i have a sweet tooth).

Frody then asked if i would like to sample some of his smoked ham which he prepares himself with his own personal smoke house. It was excellent.

When I travel back to Salt Lake I will make Vienna Bistro a regular stop.

• Pros: great food, great service
• Cons: area is slow in the evenings. but resturant is a swell stop

11/29/06

Good Food - Abominable Service

by spindizzy

Being a native Viennese Austrian, I was anxious to try the Vienna Bistro. Upon arrival both my spouse and I felt an uppity vibe from the Maitre D. It was to prove accurate. The serving staff was poorly trained and directed. We had to plead for water, a wine list, wine and finally a desert menu. In each case, our request was forgotten and the wait staff had to be reminded of our request. Unbelieveable! The coffee we ordered with desert never did come. Finally, we left in frustration. I had the Wienerschnitzel - which was prepared quite well. My wife had the Sauerbratten and enjoyed it very much. Cudos to the chef! Rasberries to the wait staff - especially the arrogant (albeit incompetent) European Matre D. We were extremely disappointed in the overall experience and would not return again unless there were asurances that some changes had been made on the front end of the restaurant. If it were a $10 per entree restaurant, I'd rate it average overall. However, at Vienna Bistro prices, one expects much more and thus we must give the Vienna Bistro a BELOW AVERAGE. Of course, YMMV. Best of luck!

• Pros: Fresh Ingredients - well prepared
• Cons: Comedically poor service distracts from the enjoymnet of what is otherwise a delightful meal.

05/24/06

User review by bellajoy76

by bellajoy76

A few friends and I enjoyed a fantastic meal here. The service was great, our waitress made our experience that much more pleasant. She was able to answer all our questions about each menu item and made sure that each item ordered was enjoyable. The food presentation was perfect. I had never really had Viennese/German food other than Bratworst (all the worsts) it was delicious. The setting is perfect also, you don't feel any pretention just a relaxing and fun environment. I will definetly be returning even if it is just for dessert and coffee.

• Pros: Prompt service, good pricing

02/13/06

absolutely wonderful!

by lenorelaine

We had a perfect evening at the Vienna Bistro--excellent food, ambience, service, everything! This is a comfortable, intimate restaurant serving high-quality, made-from-scratch, Viennese/German/Swiss cuisine. Our server went out of his way to make sure we were happy with everything, and was a lot of fun, too! Prices were reasonable for this upscale restaurant, and everything was delicious and unique. Highly recommended!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: nothing