Capitel of Delight Graz | © Graz Tourismus | Werner Krug Capitel of Delight Graz | © Graz Tourismus | Werner Krug
Culinary Excellence

Capital of delights

In Austria’s Capital of Delights, Graz, life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. After all, eating, drinking, and savoring good food is at the heart of Styrian culture. Visitors can look forward to Styrian hospitality, a Mediterranean flair, and, of course, regional specialties. When prepared just right, this creates a truly unique culinary journey!

What Makes Graz Austria’s Only Capital of Delights?

The Styrian capital is beautifully nestled in the Graz Region, offering everything a gourmet's heart desires. Just a few kilometers from the city, the finest ingredients come directly from the region: fresh fruit, high-quality vegetables, and exquisite wine. A particularly exclusive delicacy, prepared by local chefs, comes from the city itself – the Burgundy truffle from the Leechwald forest. With the unique atmosphere of the historic old town and the Styrian zest for life, culinary enjoyment in Graz becomes a truly special experience.

Since 2008, Graz has officially held the title of "Capital of Delights."

Culinary delights | © Graz Region | Harry Schiffer
Culinary delights | © Graz Region | Harry Schiffer
GenussHauptstadt Graz | © AMA Genuss Region
GenussHauptstadt Graz | © AMA Genuss Region
Genussbauernhof Hillebrand | © Graz Region | Harry Schiffer
Genussbauernhof Hillebrand | © Graz Region | Harry Schiffer
„Did you know that Graz is Austria’s only Capital of Delights?“
Culinary Delights | © Graz Tourismus | Werner Krug

Capital of Delights

Partner Restaurants

The partner establishments of Austria’s Culinary Capital, Graz share one key principle: they offer seasonal cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the Styrian culinary regions. These products come from just outside the city, ensuring short transport routes and the highest quality. Guests can enjoy full-bodied beers, fine wines, freshly pressed juices, and pure spring water from the Green Heart of Austria. The origin of the ingredients is transparently declared, ensuring traceability.

In 2021, the partner establishments were also awarded the "AMA Genuss Region" quality seal. This certification, guaranteed through annual audits by the AMA, ensures that only regional ingredients are used.

in the Capital of Delights

Culinary guided Tours

A culinary tour of Graz is the perfect way to discover the diverse offerings of Austria’s Culinary Capital. You can choose to explore the city from above in a convertible bus, take a leisurely walking tour, stroll through the farmers' market, or hike up the Schlossberg. Whether you prefer your gourmet experience paired with wine or themed around beer, there’s a tour to match your taste.

A special highlight to ring in the New Year is the culinary New Year's Eve tour, featuring seasonal delicacies perfect for the occasion. Both the beer tour and the culinary city tour include fascinating historical anecdotes and delicious tasting stops. Here, you can stroll, savor, and indulge to your heart’s content.

Culinary delights in the Graz Region | © Graz Tourismus

From Farm to Table

Farmers markets in the capital of delight

Austria’s Capital of Delight, Graz, thrives on high-quality regional products. Here, you’ll find all the ingredients for an exceptional culinary experience – from truffles from the Leechwald forest and fresh local fruits and vegetables to some of the finest wines in the country.

To bring the flavors of Graz into your own home, you can purchase these premium ingredients at the city’s traditional farmers' markets.

The seasonal delicacies are available at the Kaiser-Josef Market and the Lendplatz Farmers' Market from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. With bags full of the best regional products, everyone can experiment and craft their perfect recipe at home.

A Highlight: The International Truffle Festival

culinary events

A regional highlight of Graz’s culinary scene is the truffle. That’s why every autumn, the Styrian capital hosts the International Truffle Festival.

Graz’s Culinary Capital stands strong in the international arena, as its city woodlands are home to seven different varieties of this exquisite delicacy.

At the Truffle Festival, all eyes are on the diamonds of the kitchen. Guided by truffle experts—both two-legged and four-legged, the truffle hike takes visitors to the very source of this delicacy in the Leechwald forest in Graz. At the truffle market, an international selection is on offer, while the partner establishments of the Capital of Delight serve truffles in the most creative culinary forms.

A variety of additional events provide culinary highlights centered around the theme of indulgence.

Graz truffles | © Graz Tourismus | Werner Krug

Eat, Drink & Enjoy in Graz

In Graz, indulgence is celebrated at the highest level all year round. However, what is served at the city’s finest establishments is just one aspect of the Capital of Delight. Here, culinary culture takes center stage in theaters, is explored in museums, and is celebrated in the streets of the historic old town. The diverse program includes everything from traditional Styrian cuisine to innovative gastronomy.

Want to know when and where to join the festivities, uncover Graz’s culinary secrets on a guided tour, or taste Styrian wines? You’ll find all the details in the “Enjoy Graz” brochure.

This culinary travel guide offers a sneak peek into the delights of the Capital of Delight and provides an overview of the finest gourmet experiences of 2024. You can download “Eat, Drink & Enjoy” here or have a printed copy delivered to your home.

You can order the brochure here!