Wonder is Vienna's new restaurant where robots meet traditional cuisine. Machines do not replace humans, but play an important role from the kitchen to minimizing waste.
Cover photo for illustrative purposes
Photos in the article: @Eat Butter First
The news
The Viennese food scene welcomes a new addition that is already attracting attention: “Wonder,” an innovative restaurant located at Praterstraße 11, which introduces a cutting-edge culinary concept. At the heart of this experience is an advanced kitchen robot, which assists in the preparation of dishes most of the time, but without ever completely replacing the human touch. This is still a revolution, considering that until now, similar “machines” have been used mainly in table service or in the packaging of takeaway meals. This time, however, we are talking about a robot that literally juggles between the stoves!
Technology in the spotlight
What's more, at Wonder, customers can watch the robot in action through a glass panel as it performs standard tasks such as mixing, frying, and serving—all in a smooth and efficient sequence. The main goal of this technological integration is to ensure consistent food quality, significantly reduce waiting times, and minimize food waste. All in all, these are benefits for guests and the environment, reducing human error and optimizing catering surpluses.
A helper, not a replacement
Despite the presence of the robot, the Wonder kitchen is not completely devoid of human chefs. The robot is designed as a “support,” an assistant for a team of chefs who continue to experiment with new recipes, focusing on the creative rather than the routine aspects of their work. Service staff are also on hand to assist customers with their orders via tablets and provide advice during collection, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in the process. Behind this innovative concept are Felix Mandl and Gabriel Alaev, the operators of the well-known Ramasuri restaurant.
Versatile food offering and test phase
“Wonder” offers a culinary selection designed to satisfy a variety of needs, including plant-based, high-protein, low-calorie, and classic comfort foods. The menu is seasonal, flexible, and designed for everyday consumption, with options ranging from pasta to Asian dishes such asteriyaki chicken and mango curry. Wonder is currently in a cautious soft opening phase, operating only with takeaway service from Monday to Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This period is crucial for the team, which is testing the offering, processes, and new ordering app. Visitors are actively encouraged to provide feedback, either in person or via social media, to help improve the service.
The official opening of the restaurant, with extended hours and new features, is scheduled for after the summer. In addition, home delivery service will be introduced within a month, further expanding options for customers. And who knows, perhaps in the future, the human presence will continue to decline, alleviating the widespread staff shortages we see today.
