While Salzburg continues to receive applause for its film connections and Vienna shines as a renowned waltzing and music destination, it’s Austria’s lesser-known city of Graz that serves as a magnet for foodies. Home to vineyards and breweries, the city’s nickname as the Capital of Delight is well earned. Thanks to its mild climate and long growing season, farmers markets overflow with freshly grown regional fare spring through fall, with local specialties including scarlet runner beans, dense breads, apples and the earthy Graz Trüffel. Locals know to order Vulkanland cured ham and zesty Styrian horseradish (particularly high in vitamin C).

Picnic meals are especially popular in sunny warmer months. Order a basket of local goodies from Delikatessen Frankowitsch or Starcke Haus and head to a local park such as Augartenpark, Hilmteich, Burggarten or Stadtpark, or find a shady spot along the River Mur. For people watching, settle into one of the city’s many cozy cafés or coffee shops, where you can enjoy a tall iced coffee drink served with ice cream on the side. Great choices include aroom Kaffeebar, Café Schanzl, Frankowitsch and Kaffee Weitzer.

For fine dining, the city has a wide selection of award-winning restaurants to choose from. Styrian cuisine is the focus at Eckstein, where you can choose beef broth with sliced pancakes served up with either semolina or liver dumplings; or chestnut soup with pheasant strudel, pancetta, lime foam, cardamom gelée and caramelized chestnuts. For a dose of romance with your meal, choose Starcke Haus, built on a hillside overlooking the city. Chef Milivoj Novak takes pride in showcasing local products in menus with four or six courses, including seasonal four-course candlelight dinners.