Cafe Katja

Cafe Katja Restaurant Review:

This Austrian eatery on the Lower East Side may be one of the few Graz-inspired restaurants in the country, which is a shame because this little gem would be worth reproducing. The simple, rustic interior exemplifies the straightforward and hearty offerings from the menu: the pork belly “Katja’s Ruben” is a refreshing and welcome iteration of a classic (and a nod to the neighborhood). Austrian meatballs could have been dull but were saved by a supporting cast of roasted carrots and creamy potato purée. Beef goulash, one of the most popular items, is a stew-like jumble of hearty Central European goodness. Nor is any culinary trip to the region complete without spätzle. The wine and beer selection, as one would expect, mostly hails from Austria.