300 applications per year

Start of the season! All of Graz is now a restaurant garden

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Early summer in April makes it possible: the pub garden season has finally opened in Graz. Every year, around 300 applications for the establishment of a pub garden are received by the street authority.

It's still relatively quiet on the Schloßberg. When visiting the "Krone", the best tables in the beer garden are occupied, where locals and tourists alike reward themselves with food and drink and, above all, the wonderful view of the provincial capital. But there are still places available. But things will be completely different by the time "De Zwa" take to the strings at their legendary summer concerts.

Christof Widakovich (left) entices visitors to the beer garden on the Schloßberg with local specialties - but also a fantastic view.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

"We're already hoping for lots of visitors at the Hausberg opening on April 28," smiles beer garden boss and top chef Christof Widakovich. Together with "Capo" Franz Grossauer, he has kissed awake what is perhaps the highest guest garden in the city. "We only serve Styrian products, from the chicken to the organic eggs and seed oil. But there's no pressure to consume, perhaps that's what people appreciate - and of course the view."

The Grazer-Gastgärten

16.89 eurosis the monthly fee for one square meter of garden space in the center of Graz(around the main square). It is cheaper in the outer districts. On public land, a restaurant garden may not exceed the length of the store front. The opening hours depend on the establishment's license - in the summer months, the closing time is 11.30 pm.

(Almost) all languages are spoken in the Gamlitzer
Downstairs, in the old town, Oliver Peitler is currently arranging the menus on Mehlplatz. The boss of the Gamlitzer Weinstube has had his menu translated into 15 (!) languages - from Italian and Croatian to Japanese, Finnish and even Afrikaans. "It actually started as a joke. Regulars then helped me with the translation, and all the languages were already in use." Next Sunday, he will expand the guest garden to its familiar size. The Gamlitzer and its down-to-earth flair have long enjoyed cult status, and not just with celebrities like Paul Pizzera.

What does goulash mean in Japanese? No problem for Oliver Peitler (left), he has had the menu translated into 15 languages.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Arsim Gjergji on Kaiserfeldgasse also serves great cuisine at down-to-earth prices. His Eleven has two guest gardens - one in the inner courtyard and one at the front of the alley. "You don't need to say anything about the importance of a garden in a city like Graz - it wouldn't work without one." One of this year's open-air highlights will certainly be the public viewing of the EURO - in both pub gardens.

Arsim Gjergji and his team are hosting two guest gardens at Eleven - and they are usually more than full.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Kened Baftiai started his Amaro at the once infamous Billa corner on the main square with uneasy feelings. "That was a problem corner, but luckily those people have moved on," smiles the restaurateur now. Now you can sip delicious Prosecco undisturbed in his garden or enjoy Styrian and Italian wines with antipasti.

From problem to connoisseur corner: Kened Baftiai and his Amaro impress with fine tropical wines and a guest garden within walking distance of the imposing Graz City Hall.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

When it comes to pub gardens, Graz is spoiled for choice. "We have a total of around 300 applications per year. On public land, the price depends on the location - you pay more in the city center than in the outlying districts," explains Thomas Fischer, head of the street department.