Intro
Short European flight with actual good food? Austrian Airlines’ Vienna to Paris route proves it’s possible when airlines work with proper caterers instead of reheating frozen meals.
Their Do&Co partnership serves excellent cuisine that beats most airlines’ catering anyday.
Austrian Lounge
The lounge felt like a modern Viennese coffeehouse.
Fresh fruit displays looked market fresh instead of tired and wilted, while hot food stations rotated selections throughout the day.
The coffee bar deserved special attention – proper Austrian coffee preparations instead of just pushing a button on an automatic machine.
You can taste the difference, which reflects Vienna’s serious coffee culture.
Multiple food stations offered both international options and distinctly Austrian choices, giving you a preview of local food culture.
The pastry counter had items that looked genuinely Viennese.
Inflight
Stepping onboard, I found water waiting at my seat, though no pre-departure drinks were offered.
Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the Do&Co partnership became obvious.
Do&Co isn’t just another airline caterer – they’re Vienna’s premier hospitality company, supplying food to Formula 1 races and premium venues worldwide.
They bring restaurant-quality thinking to airline food, and you can tell.
The cabin manager served ricotta-filled ravioli with asparagus and cherry tomatoes that immediately impressed.
The ricotta was creamy and light, and the vegetables added brightness without overwhelming the delicate cheese flavours.
Cherry tomatoes provided bursts of acidity that cut through the rich ricotta.
As a sommelier, the cabin manager recommended local Viennese wine to complement the meal. Vienna is one of the few world capitals with vineyards within city limits.
He apologised for not having proper wine glasses, but I wasn’t complaining – good wine at 37,000 feet works for me.
Small details made a difference throughout – proper metal cutlery instead of plastic, plus a clever wooden clip to attach napkins that prevented the usual inflight napkin disasters.
For dessert, Austria’s famous chocolate mousse lived up to its reputation. The texture was silky and light.
Conclusion
Austrian Airlines proves short European flights don’t have to serve terrible food. The Do&Co partnership works.
The ricotta ravioli and chocolate mousse were genuinely good, not just “good for airline food”.
If you want to experience authentic Austrian food and hospitality, Austrian Airlines delivers.
The attention to detail justifies choosing full-service airlines over budget alternatives, especially when the flight is this short.
