A Foodie’s Guide to Vienna: Must-Try Spots You Can’t Miss
1. The Iconic Viennese Experience
Must-Try Iconic Viennese Cafés and Desserts
If there’s one thing Vienna is known for, it’s its historic coffee houses. These aren’t just places to grab a quick cup of coffee—they’re institutions that have been around for centuries.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, these cafés were gathering places for writers, artists, and thinkers. Notable figures like Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Franz Kafka frequented coffee houses to work, socialize, or debate. A typical coffee house serves a variety of coffee drinks, with the Melange (similar to a cappuccino) being the most iconic.
Café Sacher
The moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time. Everything from the red velvet chairs to the chandeliers screams elegance. The Sachertorte is, of course, the highlight. There’s often a line, so go early in the day to beat the crowds.
Café Demel
Founded in 1786, this café is another iconic spot famous for its cakes and pastries. It once served as the court confectioner for the Austrian royal family. Also, there is a rivalry between Café Sacher and Demel over the rights to the original Sachertorte.
The story began in 1832 when Franz Sacher created the cake. His son, Eduard, perfected it while working at Demel before founding the Hotel Sacher, where the cake became a signature dish. In the 1950s, a legal battle erupted between the two establishments over who could claim the “original” recipe. The feud ended in 1963 with a settlement: Hotel Sacher was granted the title “Original Sachertorte” (featuring two layers of apricot jam) and Demel sells theirs as the “Eduard-Sacher-Torte” (with one jam layer).
Café Gerstner
Open since 1847, it’s one of the city’s oldest patisseries and even served Emperor Franz Joseph I. This place blends luxury with a cozy vibe.
Walking into Café Gerstner feels like stepping into a more glamorous time. It’s fancy without being intimidating, and the pastries? Absolutely unforgettable. Their famous Sisi Cake is a must-try.
2. Unique Dining Spots
For a Fun and Modern Twist: The Rollercoaster Restaurant
If you’re seeking something more unconventional, the Rollercoaster Restaurant is an experience you won’t want to miss. This unique dining spot combines two of my favorite things: food and fun.
The Rollercoaster Restaurant
Your food arrives at your table via miniature rollercoaster tracks. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds! It tends to get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, so making a reservation is a good idea to skip the wait.
Exploring Freyja, Ramasuri, and Ulrich – The Foodie’s Local Guide
Freyja
Ramasuri
Ulrich
If you’re planning a trip to Vienna and love good food, these spots are a must! Each one has something special to offer, and trust me—your taste buds will be very happy!
And check these Vienna guides too.
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