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$ | 1st District | Coffee
Made famous by its illustrious guests, the Café Central is one of the most famous cafés in all of Vienna. The soaring ceiling and gigantic columns are hallmarks of the landmark, which was home to Viennese literati as well as world game changers at the turn of the last century, including Leon Trotsky, who mapped out the Russian Revolution here beneath portraits of the Imperial family. There is more than the standard café fare here, with the kitchen serving salmon fillet sprinkled with roasted pine nuts; or try the Mohr im hemd for dessert, chocolate hazelnut cake dusted with powdered sugar and served with hot chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Piano music fills the marble-pillared hall in the afternoon; it can get packed with tourists, but it's worth the crowds.
Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Leon Trotsky hangout
- Standard café fare and desserts
- Crowds of tourists
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$ | 1st District | Coffee
A favorite of politicians and theater stars (the Burg is next door, the Rathaus across the street) since 1873, this was Sigmund Freud's favorite café (he lived within walking distance). If you want a great meal at almost any time of day, including options of several schnitzels, or just a slice of decadent cake, there are few places that can beat this one. During Ball Season, you'll spot tired but chatty groups of gowned and tuxedoed Viennese repairing here for breakfast after their night of dancing. An air-conditioned glass veranda has added contemporary flair to this venerable location.
Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Ring 4, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- House specialty "Franz Landtmann," mix of espresso, brandy, and whipped cream
- Lots of history and famous guests
- Glass-enclosed veranda
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$ | 1st District | Coffee
Arguably the most famous café in Vienna, it is the home of the legendary Sachertorte, a dense chocolate torte with fresh aprioct jam in the center. This legend began as a Delikatessen opened by Sacher, court confectioner to Prince von Metternich, the most powerful prime minister in early-19th-century Europe. War-weary Metternich must have been amused to see a battle break out between Sacher and Demel—a competing confectioner—as to who served the real Sachertorte. Sacher puts its apricot jam in the cake middle, while Demel puts it just below the icing. If you're not a sweets person, try a savory alternative: Sacher Würstl (slim sausages served with freshly-grated horseradish, mustard, and home-baked bread). Mirrors and chandeliers add glitter, and there is live piano music every day from 4:30 until 7 pm.
Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Alleged origin of the famous Sachertorte cake
- Tasty savory options
- Live piano music daily
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$ | 6th District/Mariahilf | Café
Coffee in Vienna is designed to be savored and enjoyed, and one of the most splendid places in Vienna to do just that is at the Sperl. Featured in Hollywood films A Dangerous Method and Before Sunrise, the venerable café—commandeered way back when as the café for artists—is more than just a fantastically pretty face. The Old Vienna ambience is not merely preserved here, but vibrantly alive. Get a table by the window to ensure a captivating street view, and be sure to enjoy the piano music Sunday afternoon. It's in the 6th District, not far from the MuseumsQuartier and the Naschmarkt.
Gumpendorferstrasse 11, Vienna, Vienna, A-1060, Austria
Known For
- The go-to café for artists
- Live music on Sunday
- Great people-watching at the window tables
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. in July and Aug.
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$$$$ | 2nd District/Leopoldstadt |
Dine at Vienna's poshest restaurant while taking in the stunning, 360-degree panoramic vistas of the city's skyline from the 18th floor of the Sofitel Stephansdom. The gourmet meals, often made with seasonal, locally-sourced fare, are just as fabulous as the view. A four-course tasting menu may include roasted foie gras, fresh panfried pike perch from nearby Neusiedler Lake, and crispy lamb crown, with a dessert of peanut-butter-yogurt mousse with butterscotch ice-cream and caramalized chocolate. The ambience is centered on the spectacular ceiling, designed by Swiss multimedia artist Pipilotti Rist. She has created a magnificent visual feast, which is best viewed at sunset, as the changing colors outside have a lovely dance with the colors playing out on the ceiling above you.
Praterstrasse 1, Vienna, Vienna, 1020, Austria
Known For
- Top-notch cuisine from Austria's premier chefs
- Gorgeous views especially at sunset
- Dress code after 6 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | 1st District |
Situated in the courtyard of the Stephansplatz, with a direct view of stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, this teahouse is a rare find in a city steeped in the tradition of coffeehouses. It is a cozy tea parlor, indeed, with a selection of more than 200 brews and a particularly splendid afternoon tea menu. Presented on the obligatory three-tier tea rack, the traditional finger sandwiches come with all sorts of fillings and are accompanied by scones with strawberry jam, clotted cream, and a selection of petits fours. They also have an extensive breakfast menu with bakery items, egg dishes, waffles, and pancakes, as well as substantial lunch items including salads and plates of pasta.
Stephansplatz 4, Vienna, Vienna, 01, Austria
Known For
- English-style afternoon tea served daily
- Extensive menu of international dishes
- Small spot by the cathedral
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards
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$$$$ | 1st District |
In a stunningly short time, Filippou has made a remarkable impression on the Vienna dining elite, evident from its Michelin star and its Gault Millau Chef of the Year award. A seat at the prized kitchen table allows a view into the kitchen to watch the chef preparing the meal, including the famous escargot seasoned with horseradish and watercress. The dining room itself is an invitation to stay awhile; crisp, ice-blue walls are a cool complement to warm, blond-wood floors and pine tables. An abundance of natural light further softens the ambience during daylight, which is when many of Filippou's customers come to enjoy a multi-course business lunch that changes weekly. Dine outside in the garden in spring and summer and you won't regret it.
Dominikanerbastei 17, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
Known For
- Frequently changing, six-course tasting menu with wine pairing
- Outdoor garden dining in spring and summer
- One of the top restaurants in Vienna (and most expensive)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and last 3 wks of Aug., Weekdays noon–5, 6:30–midnight
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$ | 6th District/Mariahilf |
Smack in the middle of of the Naschmarkt, Neni is a perennially-popular spot run by an Israeli-Austrian family, serving up Israeli-Middle-Eastern specialties from tabouli to lamb, plus a few fusion dishes (think bok choy and salmon with sesame tahini). They've beeen so successful that they now have locations in other cities across Europe and a few cookbooks, but this is the original location.
Naschmarkt, Vienna, Vienna, 1060, Austria
Known For
- Great Naschmarkt location
- Small plates alongside full meals
- Local hotspot
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$$$$ | 1st District |
This gourmet establishment at the Palais Hansen Kempinski Hotel earned a Michelin star within months after opening. Now chef Norman Etzold has taken over the kitchen, continuing to prepare masterpieces for Vienna diners. The interior is elegant, not opulent, with ivory walls and ebony-covered chairs complementing the stark white table linens. There are two entrances, one from the hotel lobby and one at the street, a nod to locals that this restaurant is for them, too.
Schottenring 24, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
Known For
- Three-course dinners served family-style and prepared tableside by the chef
- Daily afternoon teas
- Plenty of local patrons
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$$ | 3rd District/Landstrasse |
Considered one of the world's 50 best restaurants and holding two Michelin stars, this eatery is definitely the most raved-about place in Austria. Winning dishes include delicate wild boar's head with "purple haze" carrots, turbot in an avocado crust, or char in beeswax, yellow turnips, and cream. At the end of the meal, an outstanding selection of more than 120 cheeses awaits. The restaurant is in the former Milchhauspavilion, a grand Jugendstil-vintage dairy overlooking the Wienfluss promenade in the Stadtpark, the main city park on the Ringstrasse. If you don't want the whole gala Steirereck experience, opt for a bite in the more casual lower-floor Meierei, which is still stylish, with its hand-painted floor and furniture in shades of milky white.
Am Heumarkt 2A, Vienna, Vienna, A-1030, Austria
Known For
- Buzzy dishes using herbs from on-site rooftop garden
- The more casual Meierei on the lower floor
- Selection of more than 120 cheeses
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$ | 4th District/Wieden | Coffee
Oma is the word for Grandma in German, and if you ever wished you had one of your own to make you homemade kuchen (cake) or simple, hearty Austrian meals, make a beeline for Vollpension. This delightful cafe-restaurant employs Austrian grandmas (and a few grandpas) who make their favorite cake recipes for you to enjoy. They also serve hearty breakfasts and small but satisfying snacks like sausages with bread and mustard, potato salad, and sandwiches. In addition to coffee and tea you'll find wine, beer, prosecco, and coffee cocktails.
Schleifmühlgasse 16, Vienna, Vienna, 1040, Austria
Known For
- Authentic grandmas baking cakes and chatting
- Delicious cakes and coffee
- Very popular cafe
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$$$$ | 1st District |
Back when Beethoven dined at the Black Camel, it was already a foodie landmark. Since then, it has been renovated (but only in 1901) and more recently split into a Delikatessen and a restaurant. Try the former if you're in a hurry—fresh sandwiches are served at the counter. If time allows, dine in the elegant, intimate, Art Nouveau dining room. The Beinschinken (Viennese ham) is the specialty of the house and is renowned throughout Austria.
Bognergasse 5, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- House specialty Beinschinken
- Deli sandwiches from family recipe
- Elegant dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$ | 7th District/Neubau |
If you're lucky, you can snag a table in the idyllic garden of this low-key pub, hidden away inside a delightful Biedermeyer cobbled courtyard. The staff is young, hip, and carefee, and will gladly serve you breakfast until 3pm—both traditional Viennese-style plus vegan and vegetarian options. Vines and ivy provide cover from the intense summer sun while walls of the passageway leading from the courtyard are lined floor to ceiling with concert placards. In winter, there's nothing more cozy than to sit inside and sip the ginger apricot punch.
Stiftgasse 8, Vienna, Vienna, 1070, Austria
Known For
- Hip and young crowds
- Large breakfast buffet on Sunday
- Weekly cocktail specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Daily 9–2
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$ | 2nd District/Leopoldstadt | Coffee
Run by a Georgian couple with Lebanese roots, this stylish and airy restaurant is part modern Viennese coffehouse, part Mediterranean escape. The light-filled interior features a beautifully tiled bar area with Lebanese tile, ornate lamps, and vases filled with fresh flowers, while the shady terrace is a perfect spot to slowly enjoy specialties like khinkali (meat-filled dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), along with Georgian wines, and specialty teas and coffees. Make a reservation for breakfast here as the Georgian breakfast of cheese filled bread with an egg in the middle has made it one of Vienna's most popular breakfast spots. Come with a group so that you can sample the Russian breakfast (with Vodka) and a Viennese breakfast, too.
Praterstrasse 15, Vienna, Vienna, 1020, Austria
Known For
- Authentic Mediterranean and Georgian fare
- Georgian breakfast
- Lovely terrace on a quiet street
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$ | 1st District | Coffee
You can retreat to Café Frauenhuber, billed as Vienna's oldest café, to find some peace and quiet away from the busy shoppers on Kärntnerstrasse. Breakfast is a go-for-broke affair, and might include a pot of tea (or coffee), a glass of prosecco, fresh-squeezed orange juice, toast, and fresh salmon with a dash of horseradish. The original turn-of-the-20th-century interior is a visual treat, with the obligatory red-velvet seating and somewhat tired upholstery (if you don't suffer from back problems you'll be fine). Despite the history, you'll generally find fewer tourists here than in other typical cafés, and more of a local feel, which it's had since it opened its doors in 1824.
Himmelpfortgasse 6, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Extravagant breakfast buffet
- Local hangout with few tourists
- Traditional velvet-seat decor
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$ | 1st District | Café
Once the site of one of Vienna's oldest coffeehouses and named after the pharmacist Heinrich Griensteidl—the original dated back to 1847 but was demolished in 1897—this café was resurrected in 1990. Karl Kraus, the sardonic critic, spent many hours here writing his feared articles, and it's also here that Hugo von Hofmannsthal took time out from writing libretti for Richard Strauss. Although this establishment is still looking for the patina needed to give it real flair, locals are pleased by the attempt to re-create the historic atmosphere. Numerous newspapers and magazines hang on the rack (many are in English). It's also entirely no-smoking.
Michaelerplatz 2, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
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$ | 1st District | Coffee
Practically a shrine—indeed, almost a museum—the Hawelka was the hangout of most of Vienna's modern artists, and the café has acquired an admirable art collection over the years. The Hawelka is most famous for its Buchteln, a baked bun with a sweet filling, served fresh from the oven. While cakes, sausages and other hearty fare are on offer, this is a place where many come for just a cup of coffee or a casual drink. Ask to have a look at the guest book, itself a work of art, with entries including some illustrious names (including Elias Canetti, Andy Warhol, and Tony Blair). Back in the 1960s, the young John Irving enjoyed the atmosphere here, too, as you can see when reading The Hotel New Hampshire.
Dorotheergasse 6, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Buchteln, a baked sweet bun with a sweet filling
- Famous former guests
- Impressive art collection
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$$ | 1st District | Coffee
The café, named after the monument to Mozart (now in the Burggarten) that once stood outside, is overrun with sightseers, but the waiters manage to remain calm even when customers run them ragged. Crystal chandeliers, a brass-and-oak interior, comfortable seating, and delicious food—the Tafelspitz is excellent—add to its popularity. With the Opera just behind the café, this is a fine place for an after-performance snack; be on the lookout for opera divas here for the same reason.
Albertinaplatz 2, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Tafelspitz that locals love
- Fabulous decor
- Role in the classic movie The Third Man
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$ | 1st District | Café
The controversial architect Adolf Loos (famed for his pronouncement "Ornament is a sin") laid the foundation stone for this coffeehouse in 1899. Throughout the 20th century, this was a top rendezvous spot for Wien Secession artists, along with actors, students, and professors, because of its proximity to the Academy of Fine Arts, the Theater an der Wien, and Vienna's Technical University. Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Josef Hoffmann all enjoyed sipping their melange here. Apart from the eye-catching 1930s-style steel globes, the ambience is much like that of other cafés in town, with red upholstery, marble-topped tables, and black bentwood chairs. On weekdays at noon, a tasty daily special, such as rucola salad with potato puffs seasoned with a creamy garlic sauce, guarantees a full house.
Operngasse 7, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
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$ | 1st District | Coffee
Located near the Hotel Imperial, this is an ideal spot for a coffee and cake or a meal after a performance at the Musikverein or Konzerthaus, both just a couple of minutes away. Open until midnight, it has a good choice of food and pastries. Wall-to-wall mirrors reflect the elegant clientele perched on dark-green leather seats. Even though the waiters can be a little snobby, the overall atmosphere is still nice enough to encourage longer stays. Piano music can be heard until late on Wednesday and Friday, and from 5 until 7 pm on weekends. Sit outside when the weather allows and appreciate the lights on Schwarzenbergplatz.
Kärntnerring 17, Vienna, Vienna, A-1010, Austria
Known For
- Large outdoor terrace
- Live piano music Wednesday, Friday, and weekends
- Late-night hours