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For decades Vienna restaurant Motto has scored as one of the city’s most extravagantly designed restaurants and bars. Because of its warm atmosphere, cool urban sounds and not least its food, the urban cult place has been a meeting point with my local friends for years. However, in 2023, it entered a new era with a fresh identity while continuing to offer the same lively atmosphere, tasty cuisine, and eclectic design that made it a favourite among locals and visitors. To find out about its secret, read my review below.
For decades, Motto was a trailblazer in Vienna’s dining scene, known for setting the standard for contemporary, stylish dining experiences. Opened by Franz Thell, the restaurant quickly became a favourite haunt for locals and international visitors. Its blend of Viennese tradition, innovative design, and urban chic earned it a reputation as a go-to spot for the city’s creatives, artists, and trendsetters.
Importantly, what made Motto stand out was not just its eclectic decor but its ability to stay relevant. In 2023, the restaurant entered a new phase, rebranding as Thell Restaurant & Bar in a nod to its storied past and its founder, Franz Thell, who laid the groundwork for what would become a Viennese institution. The name change signifies a respect for its origins while embracing a fresh chapter for the future. Though the rebranding brought new energy to the space, long-time patrons will still recognise the elements that made Motto iconic: its cosy atmosphere, daring design choices, and, of course, mouth watering food.
Although the bar and eatery has been around for more than 30 years it regularly adapts its interiors and menu as it keeps pace with the local zeitgeist.
What about food and drink? Above all, expect a subtle update of Viennese cuisine, in addition to modern fusion food and drinks. The menu offers a thoughtful collection of classic Austrian dishes ensuring there is something to entice every palate. For example, Styrian farmer’s salad with field beans and sheep cheese; baked emmental cheese with mixed salad; Schinkenfleckerl (baked pasta with savoury ham and cheese); fried quail; and a wonderfully soft traditional Tafelspitz (boiled beef with aromatic sauces).
For dessert, nothing beats the widely recommended and self tried and tested strawberry/nougat dumplings. Even British actor Jude Law enjoyed them (alongside with chilli steak) when he was in Vienna in April 2011 to do a film and to help celebrate Motto’s 20th anniversary.
Thell is not just about food and atmosphere—it also benefits from a prime location. Located in the trendy fifth district Margareten, Motto has undoubtedly trailblazed a variety of small art and fashion shops, cafes and restaurants in the area. A short distance from the city centre, Margareten offers a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle while still providing easy access to the main sights of Vienna.
The restaurant’s location makes it incredibly accessible, whether you’re arriving by public transport, on foot, or by bike. Moreover, with the Pilgramgasse U-Bahn station just a few minutes’ walk away and several tram and bus lines serving the area, getting to Thell is convenient and straightforward.
Part of what makes Thell so special is its atmosphere. The space is both intimate and expansive. The warm lighting and rich colours create a cosy yet stylish vibe, while the modern Viennese soundscape in the background adds to the atmosphere.
Inside, undone walls marvellously clash with fine dark green velvety upholstered seats and shiny black Thonet coffeehouse chairs. If you look more closely amidst this ‘raw’ Viennese style you still find a few of those painted baby dolls from the previous interior decorating the walls.
Although it has gone through many renovations, what hasn’t changed are the iconic coffeehouse chairs of Vienna restaurant Motto’s original interiors, likewise the marble tables and the chandelier. At the back, Austrian artists have added modern frescoes of nudes to the naked walls.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that embodies the cool, creative spirit of Vienna while offering delicious food, Thell is a must-visit. Whether you knew it as Motto or are discovering it now as Thell, it is a go-to destination for creative dining and unforgettable nights in Vienna. Its Opening Hours are: Monday to Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Friday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM and it is Closed on Sundays. For more information or to book a table, visit their website.
Because Vienna restaurant Motto is a little off path, combine a visit to this restaurant with nearby attractions, such as the Naschmarkt, or go there at the end of your Art Nouveau Walk.
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