Aiola Upstairs

Aiola Upstairs sits atop Graz's Schlossberg hill, with a rooftop terrace that looks out over the red rooftops of the old town below, making the view as much a draw as the food. The kitchen serves contemporary European dishes built around Styrian ingredients, with Styrian chicken finished in pumpkin seed oil and a well-regarded beef tartare among the standout menu items, prepared with a creative, modern touch rather than traditional Austrian heaviness. The design leans stylish and design-forward, drawing a fashionable local crowd alongside visitors who have made the climb up the Schlossberg specifically for the view and cocktails. An extensive wine list and inventive cocktail menu support an evening-out atmosphere that extends past dinner into a lively bar scene, particularly on weekends. The restaurant operates long hours daily, spanning lunch through late night, giving flexibility for a casual daytime visit or an evening cocktail with the sunset. Reservations are recommended for terrace tables, especially around sunset, which is the most in-demand time to visit.