Taking a class at the University of Vienna over the past few months has afforded me quite a bit of time spent in the 9th district, a.k.a. student central. Getting better acquainted with this part of town has also resulted in a bunch of lovely restaurant finds. Food for thought. One of my favorite discoveries has to be Nascha’s, Vienna’s take on a diner.

The name refers to the German word for “snacking” or “nibbling” and the Russian word for “ours”. Located a quick dash away from the old AKH campus, this restaurant is a wonderful option for lunch or a quick bite to eat. It also serves breakfast and early dinners.

And catering to well, people like me, it offers its patrons many a chance to ooooh and ahhhh over its charming interior design. Truth be told, aside from the checkered floors and funky wallpaper, Nascha’s is actually more of a stylish bistro or darling deli than a diner. (Though, ahem, restaurant developers take heed, a 50s style diner here in town, complete with milkshakes and the like would be rather wunderbar, methinks.)

And its menu? A tasty mix of healthy eats and tempting treats. Very partial to organic fare. Each day, in addition to various bagels, tartelettes, quiche and an array of pastries, Nascha’s serves two types of soup de jour, a meat dish, inspired salads and more. They also have a hummus plate and do lovely pasta and grain dishes. If you are on the run, they’ve got the concept of takeaway food down like pros.

I took a seat at one of their old-school wooden tables (no literally, they looked like they had been taken from a one-room school house) and had a bowl of soup. Not just any soup, but Rote Rübe Suppe. Yup. Beetroot. This was one super suppe, my friends.

Earthy, warm, and with such a lush hue, this soup was phenomenal. Scrumptious bread on the side. Looking over the likes of their soup options in any given week (curried cauliflower, mint pea, creamy tomato, pumpkin, minestrone), I could seriously see myself going every day if it weren’t for the fact that I am only on campus once a week. About that.

And to drink, what an Auswahl! Exotic sodas, unique teas and juices, lemonades, and of course the standards. I was so happy to see they have All I Need green tea, which I snatched up with glee. This delectable drink, produced by a local company, is one of my favorites; I think I first tried it 2 years ago or so and am always so happy to find it when out and about. It’s refreshing, different, and delicious.

And a bonus before you bid the place farewell? They have a little foodshop (scattered about on various shelves and in nooks) with hard-t0-find items and handpicked little gourmet goodies. I love me a good foodshop in a restaurant. Some other places in town that I love do this too. Foodshops for the win.

Vienna continues to charm with one darling place after another. Nascha’s is a keeper.

Nascha’s
Garnisongasse 7
1090 Vienna

http://www.naschas.at