Mirli: A Picnic-Perfect Hidden Gem Restaurant in the Vienna Woods
Why Mirli Tops Our List of Hidden-Gems Restaurants Vienna Has to Offer
Weekends in the city can feel crowded—especially when you’re wrangling children who crave open space. Enter Mirli, a lovingly restored country house and hillside hut (Hütte) that turns a simple meal into a slow-living escape. The Viennatrips team visited on a sun-washed May Saturday and left convinced we’d uncovered one of the true hidden-gems restaurants Vienna day-trippers shouldn’t miss.
A Rustic Setting Made for Relaxation
Old farmhouse charm anchors the main building, which also houses spotless restrooms. But the real magic unfolds outdoors:
- A wooden grilling hut perfumes the air with crackling chicken and fish on sticks.
- Handmade bread from a local bakery carries smoky notes of alpine herbs.
- Ample seating—benches, deckchairs, and shady tree spots—lets you design your own picnic tableau. We unfurled a blanket under cherry blossoms, mountains of curated ham and mountain cheese at arm’s reach, and felt miles from Vienna’s tram clang.
The manicured meadow opens onto a rolling sweep of Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) hills—instant screen-saver potential.
What to Eat: From Picnic Baskets to Grill Specials
- Pre-order picnic baskets online or by phone. They come loaded with crusty bread, cheese, salami, ham, house spreads, fruit, and reusable cutlery.
- Grill of the day: Expect juicy chicken, ribs, or seasonal fish on a stick (we regret our full bellies blocked that last option).
- Thirst quenchers: Local beer on tap, home-pressed apple juice, and regional white wines.
Insider flavour tip: Ask for an extra slice of rye—its nutty crust sings with smoked cheese.
Kid Paradise: Feed Donkeys, Sheep & Goats
Just beyond the picnic lawn, a sturdy fence corrals friendly donkeys, goats, and sheep. Vending machines dispense corn for €1 per portion—remember to pack plenty of coins! You’re also welcome to bring raw fruit or veg (carrots were a hit with every species). Watching little ones giggle through animal slobber may rank as the day’s top memory.
Getting There: Car, Hike, or Bike
- By Car: Mirli sits at Heinratsberg 69, 3011 Irenental, roughly 20 minutes west of Vienna. The final 500 m is gravel—drive slowly if your vehicle rides low.
- Parking Warning: The official lot fits just 6–7 cars. Overflow parking lines the roadside and can create tight squeeze-outs; arriving by 11 am secured us a space without drama.
- On Foot: Hikers can approach via forest trails from Pressbaum (≈ 1 hour). For route ideas, see our guide on hiking in Pressbaum.
- By Bike: Steady hill climbs reward riders with downhill glides back toward the city—pack a lock.
When to Go: Check Those Opening Hours!
Mirli loves private events—especially weddings—which means opening days shift seasonally. For 2025 the hut is closed to the public every weekend in July and August. Always verify dates on the official website before you set your sat-nav.
Pro tips for timing your visit:
- Spring (April–May): Blooming cherry and apple trees frame picnic selfies.
- Autumn (September–October): Golden foliage blankets the Wienerwald slopes.
- Arrive early: Beat the noon parking crunch and claim the shadiest spots.
- Bring a blanket: Even with many tables, a soft perch under fruit trees feels special.
What to Pack for the Perfect Mirli Day
- Picnic blanket & reusable cups
- Hat and sunscreen—shade shifts as the sun arcs
- At least €2–3 in €1 coins for animal feed
- Bag of carrots or apple slices (bonus animal affection!)
- Light jacket—forest breezes can surprise even in midsummer
- Patience for the narrow exit lane if cars crowd the roadside
Downsides to Note (and How to Dodge Them)
- Parking pinch: Aim for late morning or use the Pressbaum hiking route. Carpool if possible.
- Gravel finale: Sports-car owners, drive gingerly.
- Irregular hours: Double-check online calendars—nothing dulls excitement like a locked gate.
- Cash recommended: Card readers can be temperamental; bring euros for both food hut and feed machines.
The Verdict: A Must-Visit Hidden Gem Restaurant Near Vienna
Between grilled farm-fresh flavours, acres of picnic-ready lawn, and child-friendly animal antics, Mirli nails the art of rural Austrian hospitality. The parking kerfuffle fades quickly once you’re sipping chilled Grüner Veltliner beneath blooming fruit trees with the Wienerwald spilling into the distance.
If you’re curating a list of hidden-gems restaurants Vienna day-trippers will brag about, place Mirli at the very top. And for a fuller foodie itinerary, browse our best restaurant picks in Vienna before planning your next bite-sized adventure.
Before You Go
Bookmark Mirli’s site, pack your picnic blanket, and round up those €1 coins. The donkeys are waiting—so is one of Lower Austria’s most enchanting lunch spots.
Happy exploring from the Viennatrips.com team!