Dining in a Viennese Cellar Dating Back to the 1100s

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Unassuming entrance, but delicious food!


The quirky and unusual Zwölf Apostelkeller restaurant in Vienna is quite literally a buried treasure. In fact, its name translates into the “12 Apostles’ Cellar.” And this keller/cellar is one popular (although kind of hard-to-find) gem.

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Located in Sonnengelsgasss, behind St. Stephan’s Cathedral and down some winding streets, this subterranean tavern is worth hunting down. Its current building is above 2 levels of vaulted caves mostly erected in 1561. However, stonework in the lowest cellar boasts the date “1106.”

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

That’s an old stone!


A keller is traditionally a tavern built underground where a community gets together to eat, drink, and discuss local concerns. And in fact, many town halls all over Central Europe have or had one of these kellers.

The 12 Apostles’ Cellar strives to continue that tradition and describes itself as “a meeting place for old and young.”

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Although the menu wasn’t in English, the staff cheerfully translated for us and we found that there was a good offering of traditional Viennese dishes. I ordered Gemusestrudel, or vegetarian strudel, that had a wonderfully rich white sauce.

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

My Mom ordered Kasespatzle, or dumpling and cheese. This was actually a sort of super yummy baked macaroni and cheese dish. And I’m not ashamed to report that we both cleaned our plates. Completely!

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Although there were several tourists in the restaurant, most of the guests were actually locals when we were there, which I always take as a good sign.

The relaxed atmosphere, good wine selection, and surprisingly reasonable prices contributed to a really nice time, as did the old-world interior with stone archways, brick walls, and old-style lighting that gave everything a warm glow.

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria
Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Highest recommendation to search out and then go underground at the 12 Apostles’ Cellar. Fun, quirky, and good food? What’s not to love??

Twelve Apostles' Cellar in Vienna, Austria

Although I’m smiling, I wasn’t happy it was time to leave. I could’ve stayed all night!

Updated: June 21, 2014 — 3:43 pm

3 Comments

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  1. Thank you for taking us back in time by describing such a special “old” wine keller/cellar. It looks so wonderful and the food looks delicious. You do such a great job finding these “out of the way” places in each country you visit. Thanks for sharing again.

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