Fischer’s
FROM THE WOLSELEY to The Delaunay, the atmosphere of Old Vienna (which, give or take the minor interruptions of the First World War and the fall of the Hapsburgs, lasted until the Anschluss in 1938) has been conjured in several of the restaurants of Corbin & King. Here, the magic has been worked with results astonishing in their verisimilitude. At Fischer’s, you might actually be on the Ringstrasse, or at least the Ringstrasse as it was recalled by some homesick émigré. Receding from the entrance like a time-tunnel to 1910, the space glows with autumnal hues: mellow mustards, bottle greens and chocolate browns. The effect is not dissimilar to being inside one of the dim oil paintings that run around the wood-panelled walls in an almost continuous frieze. An immense clock enables one to keep track of the evening hours until last orders at 10 PM (9.30 PM on Sundays). Stuffed animal heads supply just the right touch of kitsch.
Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, Fischer’s comes into its own at dinner. Take an appetite. The menu veers towards the heavy but delicious: käsespätzle, schnitzel, sausage and sauerkraut. Inevitably, strudel is a staple when it comes to pudding. The wine list draws heavily on producers from Austria, Germany and Hungary. Salads and vegetarian options are available if you feel you absolutely must.
See also: The Delaunay, Ognisko, The Wolseley
