SKOPIK & LOHN: FOUR HITS AND ZERO MISSES AT THIS COOL VIENNA RESTAURANT
The Cost - $35 per person.
The Atmosphere – The energetic and welcoming atmosphere of Skopik & Lohn make it a fun place to dine. The interior is adorned with abstract black graffiti-like art by Otto Zitko covering the walls and ceiling, creating a lively and trendy environment. There is both indoor and outdoor seating and the restaurant is a great spot for a date, a meal with friends, a solo outing, or a special occasion. Reservations are encouraged, especially during weekend evenings, and credit cards are accepted.
The menu at Skopik & Lohn is filled with contemporary options with international influences. Since it opened in 2006, the restaurant, which is located right near Augarten, one of Vienna’s most famous parks, has attracted a mix of locals and tourists alike who come not only for the food but also for its lovely wine and cocktail list. I had heard great things and so I decided to visit on my last two-day trip to the city.
The Order – Burrata, Wild Broccoli, Wiener Schnitzel, and Snickers.
The Great – The Burrata was an excellent start. Served atop a beautifully done homemade walnut pesto and drizzled with balsamic, the large ball of burrata was delicious. It also came with a few sliced fresh tomatoes and a large basil leaf on top. This dish hit all the right notes, and the really wonderful pesto separated it from what you’ll find everywhere else.
The Wild Broccoli was a seasonal vegetable dish on the menu and the name might not be the most enticing but let me tell you, it was a dish I would order again and again. Topped with sliced red chilis, the greens were complemented by an excellent crème fraiche underneath. The restaurant does list the dish as spicy, but there wasn’t much of a kick. I loved the smooth texture of the crème fraiche combined with the sesame seeds sprinkled on top and the teriyaki and red chilis gave the dish some added flavor. A winner for sure.
The Wiener Schnitzel was everything you’d hope for in Austria’s most iconic dish. Two large pieces of veal were fried to a perfect golden brown, with a crisp, airy breading that made each piece resemble a cloud. The veal was delicious and incredibly thin, while the accompanying potato salad with chives and cranberry jam were nice pairings. It was a large and filling dish that was on the heavier side, and I enjoyed every bite.
The Snickers dessert was a creative take on the classic candy bar. Featuring a delightful mascarpone ice cream, it was surrounded by chocolate, peanuts, salted caramel, and a variety of textures like chocolate crunch and peanut cream. Almost like a deconstructed and retextured snickers bar, it was a fun and satisfying end to the meal, without being overly decadent.
The Verdict – It is definitely not common to go to a restaurant and find yourself saying that you’d order every single dish over again, but that was my experience at Skopik & Lohn. The restaurant surprisingly earned a Great rating on all four dishes that were ordered, and it delivered a wonderful dining experience that combined an artistic ambiance with very tasty food and excellent wine. The fun vibe and excellent service just add to the reasons you should visit.