„There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together and breaking bread.“ – Barbara Coloroso, Neni am Wasser
There are restaurants that quietly sneak onto my to-do list and stay there for what feels like forever. Not because I forget. Quite the opposite. But because they are always fully booked. Just like NENI am Wasser (NENI by the water). A place that I’ve probably had in mind „for next Saturday“ five times – and then ended up somewhere else every time.
But recently it finally happened. Reason: an evening together with my husband’s dad and his wife. Reason enough to finally make a reservation a little further in advance – and thank God, because that was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.
From rain chaos to
summer evening dreams
The day itself was… let’s put it this way: very Viennese. Still sun in the morning, suddenly the end of the world at midday. It was raining so much that I briefly thought we would have to cancel the whole thing. And I hate canceling – especially when I’ve been looking forward to a restaurant for so long.
But as if by a small summer miracle, it suddenly became warm in the evening. Not so humid and hot, but really pleasantly mild. Sun, glitter on the water, and that moment when you realize: Okay, this is exactly the right place at the right time.
The first impression
– like a vacation in the city
When we arrived at Neni am Wasser and the first thought was: Exactly my style. I think anyone who knows my other blog posts knows that I really like this atmosphere. This light, Mediterranean, summery feeling – somewhere between Tel Aviv, Ibiza and Côte d’Azur, but in Vienna. Located directly on the Danube, with soft fabrics, lots of plants, muted colors and yet a very clear design. It doesn’t feel overloaded, it just feels right.
You immediately feel: This is about enjoyment, about sharing, about coming together. It’s open, casual, but still chic. The perfect place for a summer evening with family, friends or – to be honest – just the two of you for a romantic date.
Aperitivo style:
Margarita to start
Before we got down to business, I treated myself to a classic margarita. And it was on point. Not too sour, not too sweet, and with enough punch to blow the afternoon storm out of my head. There are those drinks that simply start the evening like a good prologue starts a good book. And that was one of those things. Great Job Neni am Wasser.
Sharing is caring
– and damn delicious
What I found really nice: The service explained to us that at NENI am Wasser everything is served “family style”. This means: Everything comes to the table at the same time, everyone can take whatever they want and you can try it out, share, discuss and simply enjoy it together.
We took full advantage of it. Ordered:
• The hummus plate – classic, creamy, with that slight acidity and olive oil on top. Just the way I love hummus. Of course there was…
• Warm, fluffy pita bread that was honestly so good we had to order extra. It was soft, slightly crispy on the outside, and had that typical “just out of the oven” touch.
• Tel Aviv salad – fresh, colorful, spicy. Cucumber, tomato, herbs, everything in perfect balance. No frills, just good ingredients and the right seasoning.
• Octopus salad – my personal highlight! It was light, but really aromatic at the same time. The octopus was tender (nothing is worse than rubbery octopus) and came in a mixture with herbs, red onions and a bit of acidity – lovely!
• Two steak salads – and wow. The meat was on point, pink, tender, and the combination with salad, dressing and spices was just perfect.
Everyone took a little something, shared it, tried it. There was discussion about who liked which salad better (spoiler: no one could decide), and it was just that kind of food that brought people together. No classic process with starter, main course, dessert – but one big moment of enjoyment.
Service in English
– no problem
The team was super friendly, almost everyone spoke in English, but that really didn’t bother anyone. On the contrary – it even felt somehow appropriate. Cosmopolitan, relaxed, cosmopolitan. Like the food. Like the whole concept.
You can feel that there is a spirit behind it. Not just a beautifully styled restaurant, but a place that conveys an attitude to life. And that is perhaps what makes NENI am Wasser so special – this feeling of “you are welcome, sit down, enjoy life”.
What remained was this feeling of summer
I think that’s the best conclusion of the evening: It was a piece of summer, a piece of vacation in the middle of Vienna. And even though the day started with chaos from the rain, in the end it was one of those evenings that you don’t plan, but that’s exactly why it turns out perfect.
The atmosphere, the light, the food, the water right next to it, the laughter at the table, the glass of margarita in my hand and the feeling: I don’t want to leave here anymore.
Service in English
Would I go again?
One hundred percent. I would even say that NENI am Wasser is now my personal summer place to be in Vienna. But be careful: don’t forget to reserve. Otherwise, like me, you’ll end up on your eternal to-do list for months.
If you want to extend the summer in Vienna a little longer – NENI am Wasser is your spot. And maybe you’ll see yourself there, with a glass of margarita in your hand and a touch of Tel Aviv in your heart.
💛xoxo
Vanessa
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