Posh Pacific Rim Dining in Vienna at Little Buddha
A softly-lit U-shaped bar has a swanky presence on the lower level.
Vienna's first district has a stylish new bar and restaurant famous for brining Hawaiian and Asian tastes together for an elite Pacific Rim dining experience. The restaurant, Little Buddha, offers a high-end family-style dining experience. Dishes are placed in the middle of the table for dining companions to share amid the intimate surroundings of soft lighting, high ceilings, and bold temple-inspired decor.
Among the appetizers (average price is about €12), the sashimi sampler is incredible. The generous slabs of fresh tuna, salmon, mackarel, and abalone tasted as if they had just been plucked from the river or ocean seconds before sampling them. The texture melted on the tongue and the delicate flavors of the raw fish dominated the palate. In the main course realm, the pan-seared tuna was incredible, one of the most delicious things I have ever had the pleasure of eating. The tuna arrived in neat little cubes coated in a crispy rind of sesame seeds. The fish was rare in the center, letting the flavor of the tuna shine, and came accompanied by a wonderful dipping sauce that had some light nutty and soy tones.
The side dish of Asian noodles is also worth noting. They were cooked perfectly, retaining a nice snap upon biting them, and were topped with fresh green onion slices and a flavorful sauce. Trying one of Little Buddha's sensational desserts is a great way to end the meal. The trio of tropical creme brulees (coconut, pineapple, and banana) is phenomenal. Little Buddha also has an extensive and exotic cocktail menu (average drink price is about €12) that includes lychee sake served in a martini glass. A DJ shares the space with the bar downstairs and plays some chic international music, mostly with Asian and Hawaiian flair, to enhance the dining experience. Little Buddha hosts its grand opening party Jan. 23. For more information, visit www.medox.at/buddhabar/.
Little Buddha Bar
Lugeck (behind Zanoni & Zanoni), 1st district
