Rahofer turns the former Café Arabia into a vinotheque

For many years, Elfriede Langer’s legendary Café Arabia was one of the top addresses on Steyr’s town square when it came to enjoying coffee, reading the newspaper, truancy or a beer after work. Most recently, Stadtplatz 11 was home to one of the countless betting shops. Now top chef Max Rahofer wants to breathe life and flair back into the 211 square meter vaulted old town. From April, the 33-year-old will be the place to go for wine lovers with his “Ravino” vinotheque.

“Actually, I would have wanted to open in the middle of last year,” says the restaurateur, who started the wine business in Garsten three years ago: “But during the renovation, it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t that easy and we didn’t have the substance need to be completely renovated.” According to Rahofer, everything in the “Ravino” should be completed in a few weeks, just as he imagined.

Five years ago, on January 1, 2018, the man from Steyr took over his parents’ top restaurant with the dreamlike arcaded inner courtyard right next to Café Arabia. The 33-year-old should not have suffered from exaggerated boredom so far.

“Wine fascinated me from an early age,” says the graduate of the Krems School of Viticulture, who completed his internship at the Wagram cult winemaker Bernhard Ott and at the Graf Hardegg winery, among others. In his new vinotheque, he not only wants to impress with his knowledge, but also with great service: “In the Ravino you can enjoy around 250 to 300 wines from fifty to sixty different winemakers in a great ambience. And in a certain area around Steyr we will deliver the wines afterwards if you wish.” His good contacts helped him to be able to offer farm-gate prices for around 80 percent of the winegrowers. “I want to whet my guests’ taste buds,” says Rahofer. “The Ravino shouldn’t be in competition, but an ideal addition to a visit to a wine-growing region.”

Focus on Austria

The main focus of his offer is on top Austrian wine, right through the vineyard. But you will also find Italians, French, Spaniards and wines from the New World with him. “I myself prefer heavy Grüner Veltliner, but also Riesling or Chianti Classico, depending on the mood and season,” says Rahofer.

The exact opening hours of the “Ravino” have not yet been determined. The vinotheque, in which there will also be various delicacies, should be open from Tuesday to Saturday and initially without evening service.