The restaurant opens at 6 for dinner, so we wandered around in the neighbourhood for the next hour, before returning. Phönixhof was (as you’d probably expect for this hour) very empty; we were the only guests around. We had a look at the menu pinned up outside, then entered, to be ushered in by a friendly young lady. She led us into a room that immediately conjured up images of a tavern: the wood panelled walls were a warm honey-brown in colour; the wooden tables and chairs were polished by the constant rubbing of what I presumed must be crowds of happy regulars; and the lamps hanging from the ceiling cast a warm glow over it all. On one wall was hung a glass case full of miniature bottles of liquor; on the wall adjacent were a series of black and white photographs of celebrities who’ve dined at Phönixhof. Each photograph has been autographed, along with glowing praise for the restaurant.

We had a good long look at the menu (which is both in English and in German) before finally placing our orders. I settled on a goulash with bread dumplings, and Tarun ordered a Wiener schnitzel stuffed with feta and garlic. He also asked for a beer, while I ordered an apricot juice. The young usher was the only person we encountered all through our meal: she took our order, served us, and finally brought us our bill. Rarely have I come across a more efficient as well as helpful server. She helped Tarun choose a beer, and when she brought me my bottle of juice, she also brought a glass of water. "It’s very sweet," she explained. "You’ll probably want to dilute it." When asked, she advised us on good cafés for coffee and cakes- even going to the trouble of looking at our map to point out the way.

The food, when it came, was deserving of the praise heaped on it. The goulash had just the right amount of paprika and spice; the meat was tender and the herby bread dumplings perfect for mopping up the rich red sauce. But I found myself coveting Tarun’s choice: his meal was awesome! Wiener schnitzel is anyway fabulous; and the stuffing of feta and garlic, simply lifted it into the realms of the sublime. It was delicate and spicy, crisp and tender- a medley of flavours and textures that was perfect. The entire meal (other than the tip we left) was €19.

All in all, I’d rate Phönixhof as a great place: the food’s good, the service is exceptionally friendly, the portion sizes are decent, and the prices are affordable. Go for it.