Seewirtshaus - Spital Am Semmering

Nice ambiance, views of the World Cup racecourse and needless to say tasty Veal Wienerschnitzel. Great location as well.

Went up to Semmering from Vienna for a day trip to see the snow, and hopefully do a cable ride, but it was closed because of poor visibility .... so instead we went in here for a gluhwein and a bite to eat, and it was delicious.... so quaint, with the views of the snowy mountain as the backdrop, and tucked into the mountain, it is like a picture postcard, I loved it here!

At the bottom of the main run in Semmering, there are two choices: a modern glass building with high stools and a view up the piste, or the Seewirtshaus. When you are standing next to the lift queue, it is impossible to tell if the Seewirtshaus is any good - all you can see is that it looks nice from the outside. Well, venture up - it is perfectly charming inside, typically Austrian (the waiter was even wearing lederhosen), beautiful traditional decor, fantastic food and very good service. We ate their twice. It is on the Gault & Millau guide and the photos give you a good idea of the interior.

Visited based on TA reccomendation, fair food for fair price, beer Murauer :-(. Service was the highlight. Nice view to night skiing illuminated slope.

What you do not expect from a genuine hütte is the fine dining, but it's really there. You just jump out from your skis, walk in with your boots on and besides of regular austrian food you will find Rindercarpaccio mit Rucola (Beef carpaccio with rucola) or Rosa gebratener Hirschkalbsrücken mit winterlichem Gemüse (Roasted venison loin with winterly vegetables). The best food in town and friendly staff. Just one disappointment: it was closed on Monday.