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MerakA-Worth Trying

Name: Merak
Address: Mariahilfer Str. 139, 1150 Wien, Austria, Wien, Austria
Rating: 4.4

Mariahilfer Str. 139, 1150 Wien, Austria · Restaurant, Barbecue restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1394 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Skewers, cevapcici, and warm house bread deliver a flavorful Balkan grill experience with quick, friendly service; expect cash-only payments, a compact room, and occasionally long waits at peak times.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Merak delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional charcoal-grilled meats and standout house bread paired with consistently friendly, attentive service. However, tight seating and summer heat concerns combined with occasional meat dryness and portion variability prevent grade A territory. The cash-only policy and peak-hour waits are manageable trade-offs for authentic Balkan grill execution that resonates strongly with its loyal following.

Restaurant Summary

Merak hums with the smoky perfume of charcoal and warm flatbread, a compact spot where platters land fast and smiles are common. Reviewers praise the friendly service and call out the house bread as a quiet star. One diner summed it up: "The grill platter hit every craving and the bread stole the show." Do note the cash-only policy and that waits can stretch during rushes. The cooking stays true to classic Balkan grill: juicy cevapcici, pljeskavica, grilled chicken, and sauces like kajmak and ajvar. It is straightforward comfort over flash, with a charcoal-grill focus and share platters that make exploration easy. Portions are generally fair for the price, though a few guests wished for larger cevapi counts. Families do well here thanks to simple, familiar dishes—burgers, fries, and mild grilled chicken alongside the signature meats. Space is tight for large strollers and big groups, and outdoor tables face street traffic, but kids who enjoy grilled foods and fries will be happy.

At a Glance

Consistently praised charcoal-grilled meats and house flatbread
Good value, especially the mix platter for two
Cash-only payments; bring euros or plan an ATM stop
Limited seating and heat inside during summer peaks
Waits can reach 30-45 minutes at busy times

What Sets It Apart

charcoal_grill_focus
house_baked_flatbread
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What People Love

Smoky, satisfying cevapcici with kajmak
Warm, fluffy flatbread made in-house
Friendly, quick service when not slammed
Shareable platter that covers the classics

Points of Concern

Cash-only policy catches some visitors off guard
Peak-hour waits and occasional order delays frustrate diners
Room is small; groups may be split or seated at high tables
Some find chicken breast dry or portions smaller than expected

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€18-26 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair cevapcici with kajmak and ajvar to balance richness; add Šopska for freshness; finish with baklava for a classic sequence.

Perfect For

A casual grill feast after shopping on Mariahilfer Straße
Sharing a platter and sauces with a friend
Quick solo bite at off-peak hours
Comforting meat-centric dinner without fuss

Location Insights

Area: Busy shopping corridor near Westbahnhof; casual, high foot traffic with locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit and active; typical big-street bustle.

Nearby: Shops and cafes along Mariahilfer Straße; Westbahnhof transit and hotels nearby.

Rudolfsheim-FünfhausRudolfsheim-Fünfhaus is a multicultural and densely populated district with a lively street life. The dining scene is varied, featuring affordable international eateries, casual dining spots, and traditional Viennese establishments, reflecting the area's diverse population.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–22:00 Tuesday11:30–22:00 Wednesday11:30–22:00 Thursday11:30–22:00 Friday11:30–22:00 Saturday11:30–22:00 Sunday11:30–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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