New in the Old Town: You’ve got to try these three spots!

14 September 2026

Post originally written in: Deutsch

I had the great honor of attending the soft opening on September 4, 2026. Friends and family were invited to “test out” the new restaurant, so to speak, before it officially opened the following week. I was asked on the spur of the moment, so I didn’t have any high expectations. If I had, believe me: they would definitely have been exceeded. Because let me just say this right off the bat: I haven’t eaten this well in a long time! And yes, I’m a fan of superlatives and do tend to exaggerate sometimes. But this time, I just can’t rave about it enough. It was just sooo, so good!

Simple dishes, but of the highest quality

The person behind MULLET kitchen&bar is no stranger. Stephan Haas Most people probably already know him from Bar Fuchs und Hase Domplatz. If not: big mistake, because the drinks here are truly delicious! In any case, with MULLET kitchen&bar , it was important to Stephan to open a restaurant that doesn’t specialize in any particular national cuisine. The menu features simple dishes that are elevated to a new level with high-quality ingredients and great care. It’s not about all the frills or rigid rules, but about what really matters: good food and a relaxed atmosphere. “It’s about cuisine, not etiquette,” says Stephan, summing up the concept.

When Even Cauliflower Becomes a Gourmet Experience

My brother is a really good (amateur) cook and a bit of a foodie. The first thing I did after leaving theMULLET was text him to say that I could recommend the restaurant to him with a 100 percent clear conscience if he ever wanted to enjoy an excellent meal without having to dig too deep into his wallet. And that I’ve never eaten cauliflower this good—yes, that’s right, “just” cauliflower. I mean, when a normal vegetable like cauliflower suddenly turns into something that makes you think, “Wow, I’ve never eaten anything this good before,” then the chef has really done everything right, hasn’t he? What more could you ask for?

When Creativity Meets Structure: Dishes from Around the World

Speaking of the chef: It was particularly important to Stephan to develop a clear structure and a distinctive style together with his kitchen team. However, he leaves it up to the chefs themselves to decide what ultimately makes it onto the menu. A team that inspires one another, where creativity meets structure—for me, the perfect blend. In addition to the cauliflower I’ve already raved about, the menu features dishes like Arctic char with fermented tomatoes, pak choi, and garlic, or gnocchi Cacio e Pepe . But fans of Asian cuisine will also find something to their liking, for example with Som Tam . And of course, another must-have: truly delicious drinks! My personal recommendation goes to the colorful “Sprudel.” Prosecco and soda, enhanced with grapefruit, purple lime, or basil, for example. Wonderfully refreshing—and at least as beautiful to look at as they are to taste.

Good food brings people together!

One thing that absolutely must be mentioned about theMULLET is the idea of consciously bringing people together again. It might sound a bit melodramatic at first—but talking with Stephan makes me realize just how much of that has been lost in the restaurant industry. How often do we no longer even order from a server, but instead scan a QR code, type our order into a tablet, or just enter it ourselves into a kiosk? I’ve noticed this especially often when traveling abroad. And here in Austria, too, digital ordering is becoming more and more common. The MULLET is consciously bucking this trend: Personal service is important. It’s about striking up a conversation, exchanging ideas, and simply feeling at ease. And if you happen to come to the MULLET alone but still feel like some company, you can sit down at the“Community Table.”It’s a long table where you can take a seat in a relaxed atmosphere, eat together, and—if you’d like— strike up a conversation with other guests.

Umai Ramen – a little piece of Japan right in the heart of the Old Town

After this first culinary highlight, we’re off to Japan—at least in terms of flavor. Because at theHerzog-Friedrich-Straße , Umai Ramen , a new restaurant has opened that ramen fans should definitely check out. I don’t mean to brag, but by now I’m a ramen expert. Okay, maybe not quite. But this year I had the great pleasure of traveling to Japan and trying “real, authentic” ramen.

Ramen for Everyone—Even for Vegetarians

What I’ve noticed time and again in Japan, though, is that as a vegetarian, the selection can be pretty limited at times. Many ramen dishes are made with meat- or fish-based broths—and especially in the shops where the locals eat, the selection for me was pretty limited, or there simply wasn’t anything at all. That’s exactly different here Umai Ramen . Here, even we vegetarians get our money’s worth. I went with the curry ramen with tofu—and was truly delighted. It came with a homemade ginger lemonade, which was also really delicious.

Umai – "Delicious" in German: The name says it all

For me, one of the absolute best things about theUmai Ramen is its location right in the heart of the Old Town! The restaurant is perfect for a quick stop when you’ve worked up an appetite from sightseeing and want to relax for a bit. You can sit comfortably outside (even when it’s raining, since some of the tables are covered), unwind while slurping your ramen—just like the Japanese do—and simply take a quick break. And in case you’re wondering what “Umai” actually means: The Japanese word means “delicious.” A pretty fitting name, if you ask me. My verdict: If you’re in the mood for ramen or sushi, want to take a cozy break right in the heart of the Old Town, and want to enjoy really good food, Umai Ramen is the perfect spot for you.

innsieme – Dolce Vita in the heart of Innsbruck

And since we’re already at the Herzog-Friedrich-Straße , let’s stay right there—more precisely, directly across from the Umai Ramen . This place, too, innsieme made a really good impression on me. And the location is, of course, a major plus here as well: right in the heart of the Old Town, making it the perfect spot for a quick culinary break. The menu features Italian classics and plenty of dishes that sound like a vacation in Italy: Pinsa, Panini, Focaccia, Antipasti, Pasta and much more. And of course, you can’t skimp on the dolci: Panna Cotta, Cannoli and the like are just as much a part of the experience as a good Italian coffee.

In Innsbruck, the Italian zest for life knows no bounds

By the way, I—a little “rebel”—opted for a cappuccino with oat milk this afternoon. Something you probably shouldn’t get away with in Italy—there, nobody orders a cappuccino after 11:00 a.m. Luckily, no one gave me a dirty look at innsieme. I think innsieme is also perfect for a relaxed after-work drink. Because let’s be honest: What lifts your spirits more after a long day than an Aperol Spritz or a Hugo? My takeaway: If you want to enjoy a little “dolce vita” right in the heart of Innsbruck, innsieme is the perfect spot.