Fabi + Rosi Chef Wolfgang Murber Digs Russian House’s Unique Vibe

Austin is home to an abundance of restaurants, bars, food trucks, breweries, and much more, all of which mirror the innovative city. To help navigate through the seemingly endless food and drink options, Eater is turning to some of Austin’s most talented chefs to share their recommendations in a recurring feature called Dining Confidential.

Wolfgang Muber, executive chef and co-owner of Fabi + Rosi, has been serving German fare in Austin for the past six years. Originally from Germany, his traditional German dishes such as egg noodle dishe spätzle, knödel dumplings, schnitzel, and maultaschen, are as true can be. He even still uses his grandmother’s spätzle’s press.

While German food is most familiar to Murber, he also enjoys exploring other European cuisines found in Austin. Chez Nous (510 Neches Street), the downtown French bistro, is his favorite place for date nights with his wife. As for good Italian, he recommends Vespaio (1610 South Congress Avenue).

Perhaps the most unique European dining experience in Austin can be found over at another one of his favorites, Russian House (307 East 5th Street). The downtown restaurant not only serves authentic Russian cuisine, as well as Uzbek, Ukrainian, and Siberian fare.

Murber has yet to find what he deems as an authentic German beer garden in Austin, but he does like ABGB (1305 West Oltorf Street) off South Lamar. “The ABGB has made a great space to enjoy food and friends,” he said.

When out-of-towners come to visit, Murber’s Hill Country itinerary includes a visit to Krause Springs and meal at Opie’s Barbecue (9504 East State Highway 71, Spicewood), just an hour outside of Austin.

As for what Austin is missing, Murber would like to see more family-owned restaurants and fewer restaurants run by corporate and investment groups. “People are aware of the price of goods and offering a good value is important,” he explained.

• All Dining Confidentials [EATX]