The story
Schmidhofer im Palais delivers reliable Austrian cuisine in the center of Graz. Chef Herbert Schmidhofer leads the kitchen with recipes that balance tradition against gentle innovation. His Beef-Tatar-Torte remains a house staple since 1999, layered with black truffle and Alpine caviar. This consistent approach earned the establishment a fifteen point rating from Gault&Millau in their 2026 guide.
The dining room occupies a historic building near the old town center. Warm months bring guests into the enclosed garden where stone walls and mature plantings create a quiet retreat. Tables sit close together, which adds a convivial rhythm to the evening service. The space reflects a straightforward approach to hospitality rather than theatrical staging.
Herbert Schmidhofer’s approach to Austrian cooking stays rooted in familiar techniques while introducing careful seasonal adjustments. The Argentine Black Angus steak arrives with precise char and minimal garnish. Wine selection requires occasional attention, though the cellar maintains several solid regional selections. Diners seeking refined Austrian cuisine will appreciate the kitchen’s steady hand and refusal to chase fleeting trends.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
In a city-center palace, chef Herbert Schmidhofer offers classic to moderately creative dishes. Pricing is in the premium range, yet the beef tartare torte ("The original since 1999") with truffle and Alpine caviar is truly delicious, seductive luxury. Alongside the hearty Argentine Black Angus filet steak and the merely average, overly tomato-heavy monkfish Piccata Milanese, the pan-seared duck liver—aptly labeled on the menu as a "spicy temptation"—served with refreshing apple strudel sorbet delivers pure gustatory delight. The wine service, however, still has plenty of room for improvement. On warm days, dining takes place in the attractive inner courtyard, which can sometimes become quite cozy (and cramped). Address Sackstraße 16, 8010 Graz, Austria. Contact 0676 442 40 30, mail@schmidhoferimpalais.at, https://www.schmidhoferimpalais.at/. Opening hours Mon–Fri 12:00–14:30 and 18:00–21:30. Team Herbert Schmidhofer, Chef.
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