A Legacy of 1,200 Years in the Heart of Salzburg at St. Peter
St. Peter is more than a restaurant. It is a living monument to tradition, legacy, and history. As the oldest restaurant in Europe, it has been looking after guests and serving culinary delights since the year 803. Within the ancient walls of Salzburg’s old town, guests discover a perfect blend of gourmet cuisine, good vibes, and the cultures of wine and music.
At the helm, Veronika Kirchmair and Claus Haslauer have created a bridge between past and present. Their work inspires every guest of good taste. Fine cuisine, an exceptional wine list, and passionate craftsmanship invite each visitor to become part of the story. Special moments call for special places, and St. Peter offers exactly that.
Credits: St. Peter Stiftskulinarium
The historical roots of this unique space run deep. St. Peter was first mentioned in records by Alcuin of York, one of Charlemagne’s most trusted scholars. In the 11th century, the restaurant became central to the wine trade. Leopold VI, known as the Glorious, placed the monastery under his protection and permitted large-scale exports of Austrian wine. Later, Abbot Wolfgang Walcher oversaw the building of a rock cellar to store wine, with the excavated stone used to build the abbey bakery. Over the centuries, additional cellars, arcades, and halls were added, each layer of stone carrying whispers of untold stories.
Legends say that even Faust once visited the “Stiftskeller.” Writers, poets, and musicians have all found inspiration within these walls. Salzburg’s St. Peter Stiftskulinarium has served the likes of Christopher Columbus, Johann Georg Faust, and hometown hero Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, each adding to its mythic reputation.
In recognition of its excellence, the restaurant earned a prestigious rating of two out of five toques from the French restaurant guide Gault Millau for the first time, further cementing its place among Europe’s most celebrated culinary institutions.
The restaurant’s timeline is remarkable:
803: First documented mention of St. Peter’s Stiftskeller by Alcuin of York, advisor to Charlemagne.
1300s: Appears in literature thanks to the Monk of Salzburg, a poet and composer.
2017: Renamed St. Peter Stiftskulinarium and awarded two Gault Millau toques.
2021: Received the Salzburger Landeswappen for outstanding achievements on behalf of Salzburg.
Today, St. Peter is divided into two concepts. ACTHUNDERT & DREI offers formal dining inside the historic building, while PETER provides a more contemporary space with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Both celebrate Austrian culinary tradition while embracing modern creativity.
The menu delights in every way. Classics are prepared with finesse, wines are carefully curated, and gluten-free options are available. Dessert is not to be missed, with the iconic Salzburger Nockerl, a 2-person fluffy soufflé-style creation served with lingonberry cream, taking center stage.
Claus Haslauer, who signed the first lease at only 25 years old, and Veronika Kirchmair, who began redesigning the restaurant in 1999, have poured their passion into every detail. Their vision is one of respect for heritage combined with innovation for the future.
Dining at St. Peter feels like stepping into a storybook where emperors, poets, and travelers once gathered. Whether during Salzburg’s famous Mozart Festival or on a quiet winter evening, the restaurant captures the essence of the city. It is at once upscale and welcoming, steeped in history yet alive with contemporary flair.
More than just the oldest restaurant in Europe, St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is an experience where art is served on the plate, poetry fills the glass, music lingers in the air, and magic finds its way into the heart.
