With only 13 goose portions consumed (not counting a fancy goose dish at a Michelin-starred restaurant and the customary goose at Schiefer Giebel, which is so good that I have long stopped reviewing it), 2025 was a quiet year for me. I also remained conservative, trying only four new restaurants, but mostly sticking to tried and tested places, even giving a couple of questionable ones another chance.
Out of new discoveries, Winklers Zum Posthorn deserves an honorable mention. If you are looking for a traditionally served goose, this micro-restaurant in the third district should be on your list. If you are looking for a more modern version and do not mind a noisy, crowded atmosphere, try Albert Restaurant & Bar in the eighth.
As for my trusted favorites, Restaurant Musil, the last year’s winner, continues to provide an expertly cooked Martinigansl and a very special outer-district Viennese vibe. When searching for a budget lunch-time goose with no compromises, you cannot go wrong with Zur Straba. Well, actually you can – make sure you choose a sunny and warm day to visit it and sit outside. Your experience will improve dramatically.
The winner of GooGoo (“good goose”) award for 2025 should be a very familiar location for the regular visitors to this site. Klein Steiermark still serves a unique and fantastic goose. Moreover, it does not rest on its laurels but continues to introduce small changes to the dish (some more successful than others). Congratulations on the well-deserved second victory!
As usual, however, the year was not without its disappointments. The goose at Gasthaus Napoleon was clearly the most expensive disappointment, its enjoyment-per-euro ratio being extremely low. Stuwer wins for its consistency at being disappointing. It is a nice restaurant, but in my opinion, Martinigansl is really not its strength. Overall though, my disappointment with Heuriger Wieninger was the most disappointing one. Never impressed with Wieninger’s geese, I had fond memories of its wines, and I hate to say that things have gone a little sideways with them recently.
My New Year resolution for 2026 is to become more open to new, untried goose-ing locations. If you know any hidden gems – either in Vienna or elsewhere – I would love to hear about them!