Figlmüller calls itself the home of the original Schnitzel, which, in case you do not know, is the national dish of Austria. Austria is known for three things: Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and The Sound of Music. Sometimes Mozart, if the other person has any cultural interest. Funnily enough, The Sound of Music is less well known in Austria than apparently everywhere else in the world, or at least in the U.S.
So when talking about the main staples of Austria, it is interesting to look at what Figlmüller actually claims. According to Wikipedia, Wiener Schnitzel was first mentioned in 1845, long before Figlmüller opened its doors in Vienna in 1905. And those were only the original doors. The location on Bäckerstrasse, around the corner from the original Figlmüller, opened much later.
In any case, it is the Bäckerstrasse location where tourists queue at all times of the year to get a table. Why they do not make a reservation is beyond me. And if you really want to wait outside a restaurant, at least line up at the original place.
queuing in Bäckerstrasse @Figlmüller
I, however, had a reservation, which is easy enough to make online. The four of us were seated in the very last room, oozing the charm of a third rate restaurant, with nothing to suggest that one is dining in the so called home of the original Wiener Schnitzel.
inside @Figlmüller
For that alone, it is not really worth coming here.
Accompanied by two Americans and another Austrian, we ordered in a mix of English and German. As soon as an English speaking guest asks for water, the inevitable question follows: “Still or sparkling?” As a Viennese, I know that one does not order still water in our city. One always gets tap water, which is, in my humble opinion, the best in the world.
Once the drinks were out of the way, we all ordered Wiener Schnitzel, the pork version, not the so called original. Another thing the Viennese know: there is far more flavor in pork than in veal. And let us not forget the ethical question of killing baby cows. So pork it was, plus a Wiener Backhendl, the Viennese version of fried chicken, which includes breast, legs, and wings.
The accompanying potato salad and parsley potatoes arrived quickly. The meat, however, took a little longer, which was odd, as parsley potatoes should be warm when eaten with your Schnitzel.
home-made potato salad with lambs lettuce and pumpkinseed oil @Figlmüller
When the waiter finally arrived with what he announced as the real Wiener Schnitzel, things got confusing. First, he placed a chicken schnitzel in front of one of the Americans, which already seemed wrong. Then, when he presented the real schnitzel, it turned out not to be ours. I pointed this out, and an animated discussion among several servers started behind our table. Eventually, our waiter returned, apologized, and told us our order would be coming shortly.
By the time the correct Wiener Schnitzel arrived, the parsley potatoes had gone cold, so I had to send them back to be reheated. The schnitzel itself looked great, with a lovely golden color. It was a generous portion, something Figlmüller underscores by serving it on a plate that is slightly too small.
pork Wiener Schnitzel after I used the lemon @Figlmüller
I assume this is done on purpose, so everyone can admire the size, but it does make cutting a bit difficult. Not that I want to complain about the portion. A larger plate would simply have been welcome. This schnitzel can easily be shared between two people. I took half of mine home and had it for lunch later that week.
Taste wise, the Wiener Schnitzel was good and not overly thin. Sometimes the meat is pounded into oblivion until only the breadcrumb coating remains. Not so at Figlmüller. The meat still had substance, and the potato salad was clearly homemade, with a slightly sweet note. A sure sign it was not store bought, which is usually far too acidic.
Wiener Schnitzel and potato salad @Figlmüller
All in all, it was a good meal in a very touristic restaurant. It is not an experience I will repeat, nor one I would actively recommend. Vienna has plenty of places serving excellent schnitzel with decent potato salad. There is simply no need to come here. Furthermore I am still not convinced that wrong Schnitzel arrival is not something that conveniently happens to tourists. No one would realize the difference upon being served, only later on the bill. Please note as well that Figlmüller charges for tap water.
If you do want your Wiener Schnitzel experience at Figlmüller, at least make a reservation. And if you do, make it at Wollzeile. Yours, Pollybert
Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstrasse
1010 Wien, Bäckerstrasse 6
Tel: +43 1 5121760
Email: reservierung@figlmueller.at
Mon-Sun: 11:30-23:30
https://www.figlmueller.at/en/
