"I've eaten at this restaurant dozens of times over the years, most recently two days ago. I generally walk to this location as parking in the stift is limited, but it is never difficult to find a place when I drive. One may also park in the village and walk inside the walls of the stift if the weather is pleasant.The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The garden seating is preferred when the weather cooperates. There are dozens of tables so seating is plentiful and shade is provided by large, aged trees, as well as table umbrellas. One can often hear the bells of the monastery while eating and will occasionally see a monk or two eating with community members. As it is the second oldest Cistercian Abbey in the world, one can combine an excellent meal with a deeply historical and spiritual setting.The garden seating has as its centerpiece a fountain from which one can choose fresh trout for an evening meal if so inclined. The same fountain has water and food dishes at its base providing a dog friendly atmosphere. Many customers often bring their dogs and keep them under the table.Additionally, when the season is appropriate, children can play in a small play area inside the garden. It is close enough to allow parents to eat and chat and still keep a watchful eye. The indoor seating is cozy, warm, and historic as well. A particularly good place to escape the cold or rain. Tables have places to hang one's hat and jacket as well.The food, regardless of seating, is excellent. I particularly enjoy the Antipasti-Teller, a cheese and mushroom antipasti plate, and often have the Heiligenkreuzer Spezialsalat, a mixed green salad with grilled wild pork. The Pfeffersteak is a regular favorite as well, not to mention the schnitzel. One can conclude an excellent meal with Mohr im Hemd, Topfenknodel, Apfelstrudel or the Kloster-Cremeschnitte. My personal favorite is the topfenknodel, but my family and friends prefer the Cremeschnitte (it is quite large.!) The stift also has an excellent selection of wines for those interested.Compared to other restaurants with similar types of food, this is quite reasonable in price. For a good, quiet evening meal with appetizer or soup, main course, drinks, and dessert, one can spend between 20 and 30 euro, plus tip (for non-Austrians, please be sure to hand the tip to waitstaff personally. Do not leave it on the table).The waitstaff is helpful and friendly and for those whose German or Austrian language skills are not so good, several of the staff speak English.I highly recommend this restaurant."
Gemischter Grüner Salat
