The 10 Oldest Restaurants in the World
Sure, there's plenty of appeal to new restaurants. The culinary scene is ever-changing, with chefs constantly developing innovative ways to eat. But there's still an appeal to visiting a restaurant that's been around for decades—the tradition, the fact that countless diners have eaten there before you. With that in mind, we're bringing you a list of the 10 oldest restaurants in the world.
NetCredit put together a list of the oldest restaurants in almost every country, and there are some fun ones on the list. The absolute oldest restaurant is in Austria and was opened all the way back in 803 C.E.! And every continent has eateries that have been around for hundreds of years. Here are the oldest restaurants in the world, courtesy of NetCredit, to inspire your wanderlust for when the pandemic is over. And for more on what everyone else is loving, don't miss The Most Popular Fast-Food Chain in Every State Right Now.
St. Peter Stifts Kulinarium in Austria: 803 C.E.
This restaurant specializes in a dish called Tafelspitz, which includes "boiled beef with minced apple and horseradish," per NetCredit. Want to try making this dish at home? Austria's official tourism board has a Tafelspitz recipe.
Wurtskuchl in Germany: 1146 C.E.
If bratwurst is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of German food, you're not far off with this age-old restaurant. Wurtskuchl specializes in sauerkraut and sausages, perfect for a hearty meal.
The Old House in Wales: 1147 C.E.
This charming U.K. restaurant has stood the test of time. Try the beer-battered cod or the Old House Pie (yes, that's a savory pie).
Ma Yu Ching's Bucket Chicken House in China: 1153 C.E.
This is what it sounds like: a place where you can order a bucket of chicken. The Henan Province restaurant has been named an "intangible cultural heritage" site by UNESCO.
The Brazen Head in Ireland: 1198 C.E.
Bangers and mash are the name of the game at this Dublin restaurant. Don't forget to order a pint with your meal!
La Couronne in France: 1345 C.E.
La Couronne is famous for more than just its age. It's also the place where Julia Child ate her first meal in France and developed a love of French food.
The Sheep Heid Inn in Scotland: 1360 C.E.
This Edinburgh pub is closed during the pandemic, but it's worth a visit when it reopens. Visit on a Sunday for a delicious roast, or pop by on a weeknight for a cocktail.
Can't get to the U.K.? Try this Baked Fish and Chips Recipe from the comfort of your home.
Hotel Gasthof Löwen in Lichtenstein: 1380 C.E.
Yes, this is a real hotel, featuring a breakfast buffet and authentic Austrian food for every meal. Try the "Zurich style" sliced veal!
Honke Owariya in Japan: 1465 C.E.
As the restaurant's website explains, Honke Owariya started off as a dessert shop selling rice cakes, eventually expanding to selling soba noodles. Honke Owariya now has four locations, with the original Kyoto shop located near the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Gostilna Gastuž in Slovenia: 1467 C.E.
According to TripAdvisor, Gostilna Gastuž is closed through December. But if you're able to visit the restaurant after the pandemic, try the traditional mushroom soup, NetCredit recommends.
