Danieli’s will have you believe that it’s an Italian restaurant owned by an Italian, however its owner is an Austrian in love with Italy. Yet this fact steals nothing from its credentials. It can also boast to be one of the rare Italian restaurants in Vienna with a menu free of mistakes – and this small detail can only add to its qualities.
Danieli, whose name comes from the wonderful hotel in Venice, is like an idealised version of Italy – like how a romantic, passionate lover would see the country.
The ambience is charming, luxurious, but bordering on overkill. But that’s why many people love it. The food is exceptional, and the ingredients are of an extremely high quality, while all the most famous Italian wines are represented. Fish and seafood is Danieli’s specialty. My risotto alla pescatora (risotto with seafood) is made with tomato sauce, old style, like my grandmother used to make and has the power to take me back to my childhood.
The pizza is good, however it is neither made according to the traditions of Naples (higher and with high crust edge), nor Rome (thin and crunchy). Italians are rare amongst the chefs and waiting staff, however it is a family-friendly, well-loved restaurant amongst the locals.
