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Blog: We are ready for the gas­tro open­ing!

Outdoor area of El Pescador in the city centre
© Manuela Pucher

As a passionate test eater, I am probably not the only one who is looking forward to the opening of the restaurant! When, on Wednesday 19 May 2021, the glasses are once again polished on the laid tables and the dusty doors of the restaurants are allowed to unlock again, we will all have no less than 197 days of waiting behind us.

197 days without a Backhenderl in the Herzl Weinstube, without a glass of beer in the Gösser Bräu and without a Frankowitsch roll with obligatory Prosecco in the legendary shop in Stempfergasse.

197 days since 3 November 2020 also mean 28 weekends without vibes and drinks in the EL1 Bar or the KatzeKatze Bar.

Now it’s finally starting up again, so I’m going to give you a taste of what’s in store for you and tell you my personal three pre-pleasures. In addition, I took a look at the ticket for gastronomic pleasure.

Brunch at Aiola Upstairs

Where can you see spring as well as on the Schlossberg? From here you have a view of the whole city – and you can also enjoy a cosy brunch.

Table set with a plate of salmon, lemon and a soft egg
© Manuela Pucher
Various pastries in a bread basket on a table in a restaurant
© Manuela Pucher
Sliced sausages on a plate in a restaurant
© Manuela Pucher

Fish soup at el Pescador

For me, the best fish soup from here to Texas is definitely at el Pescador. The creamy soup exudes a light tomato aroma and serves up ingredients such as mussels, fish pieces and seafood. And the garden promises a little holiday – right in the centre of Graz!

Outdoor area of El Pescador in the city centre
© Manuela Pucher
Table set with seafood salad at El Pescador
© Manuela Pucher

Beef tartare at OHO

The two gastronomic experts Anna Winter and Anita Kurz serve nothing boring in the hip Joanneums district. Imaginative yet down-to-earth dishes dominate the menu. The beef tartare, however, is classic (lucky for me) and is served with onion rings, egg and toast. That’s how it should be!

Close-up of a plate with beef tartare
© Manuela Pucher
Outdoor area of the restaurant OHO with tables and chairs in the Joanneum Quarter
© Manuela Pucher
Two sun chairs and a small table in the Joanneum Quarter
© Manuela Pucher

COVID-19 tests in the city centre

So that we can now enjoy all these delicacies, a little preparation is needed. Not on, but necessary – a COVID-19 test. I booked the appointment from the comfort of my home on my smartphone within a few minutes.

  • Step 1: Register
  • Step 2: Open the e-mail and click on “Book appointment”.
  • Step 3: Select and confirm a pharmacy in the city centre of Graz
  • Step 4: Test and save test result on your smartphone or print it out
  • Step 5: Enjoy Gastro!!!
A smartphone with the website Austria tests on the display
© Manuela Pucher
A smartphone with the registration confirmation for Austria tests on the display
© Manuela Pucher
A smartphone with available screen stations on the display
© Manuela Pucher

You can find detailed instructions and the links to register here.

So that was the anticipation for the gastro-opening, next time I’ll take you to the open restaurants and eateries in Graz city centre!

See you soon and all the best, Manuela from Testesser