Restaurant zum Fursten, Melk

Housed in a 16th-century building on Melk’s Rathausplatz, Restaurant zum Fürsten offers both the charm of history and the comfort of a modern café-restaurant. Its centuries-old walls have witnessed the evolution of the town, yet today they provide travelers with a relaxed setting to pause between visits to the abbey and the old town.

The kitchen focuses on Austrian staples and café favorites, complemented by daily pastries and desserts prepared in-house. A highlight for many visitors is the ice cream, made according to recipes from Europe’s first professional ice-cream school. Coffee is another specialty here: beans are roasted on site and brewed into blends unique to the house. For those who prefer wine, the adjoining bar offers a thoughtful selection from the Wachau region.

Beyond its role as a restaurant, zum Fürsten also functions as a small guesthouse. A handful of rooms with traditional character invite overnight stays, making it a convenient option for travelers who want to linger in Melk a little longer.