Café Central

Cafe · Stephansdom ·

Café Central

Name: Café Central
Address: 14 herrengasse, Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
Telephone: +43 1 5333763
Rating: 4.3

Cafe · Stephansdom ·

Historic Viennese cafe with grand architecture and famed pastries

Information

Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria Get directions

€10–20

@michelinguide

60,087 Postcards · 9,394 Cities

2 Days in: Vienna

"Its vaulted ceilings once welcomed regulars like Freud and Trotsky, giving this famous café a sense of historic grandeur. It remains one of the city’s most impressive coffeehouses." - le Guide MICHELIN

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/2-days-in-vienna

Café Central

@foodandwine

6,768 Postcards · 1,715 Cities

8 Viennese Coffeehouses for Any Trip to Austria

"Yes, it’s touristy and you’re likely to find long lines out the door. But enter this historic emporium dating to 1876 and you’ll quickly see why. Stare slack-jawed at the cavernous room with soaring vaulted ceilings, ornate marble columns, and massive draped windows housed in the Palais Ferstel, a palatial Venetian-style mansion. Then tuck yourself into a cozy red velvet upholstered nook and imbibe the throwback vibe. You can even nurse your cup of Joe beneath the watchful eyes of Hapsburg Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, whose oversized portraits adorn a rear wall. No wonder Freud and Trotsky (and likely even Lenin and Stalin) once sipped their brews at Café Central . Black vested, tie-wearing waiters discretely roam the gleaming parquet floors, serving from the extensive breakfast-to-dinner menu. It includes all the Viennese greatest hits: Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte (rich chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate icing), Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy sugared pancake strips), and Wiener Schnitzel. Two house specialties stand out among the 20 eye-popping works of art in the large vitrine: Café Central Schnitt, puff pastry with vanilla cream, and Café Central Torte, chocolate-orange layer cake with marzipan, Grand Marnier, and chocolate ganache. Order a cappuccino-like Weiner Melange to accompany your dreamy slice of cake." - Veronica Stoddart

https://www.foodandwine.com/vienna-coffee-culture-11710015

Café Central

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Maybe the most stunning of the many palatial mid-19th-century commercial edifices around the Freyung section of Vienna’s Inner City, the Italianate Palais Ferstel hosts the ground-floor Café Central and its tiny outdoor terrace. Fittingly, as it is perhaps the landmark among Vienna’s old-world coffeehouses, Central is, well, central: It boasts a prime location by the Hofburg Palace, meaning it's touristy for sure. But one look at the forest of Gothic Revival columns and vaulted ceilings in the cathedral-like interior of this former bank building, and you won’t mind if you have to wait a few minutes to be seated. Central has an extensive menu and a huge periodical collection to peruse before you head back out to tour the Inner City’s treasures."

The Best Restaurants in Vienna

Photo courtesy of Café Central

Café Central

@hotelsabovepar

8,583 Postcards · 1,494 Cities

7 Classic Birthday Trips for Every Travel Personality

"This Vienna institution is recommended for coffee and pastries during a compact 48-hour birthday stopover in the city." - Hotels Above Par

https://www.hotelsabovepar.com/articles/guides/classic-birthday-trip-ideas

Café Central

@hotelsabovepar

8,583 Postcards · 1,494 Cities

Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection | Hotels Above Par

"This historic Viennese café is recommended as a morning stop, about a 20-minute walk from Vienna’s 1st District. It is a good place to begin the day with a croissant and coffee before exploring the city." - Hotels Above Par

https://www.hotelsabovepar.com/articles/guides/imperial-riding-school-autograph-collection-review

Café Central

marcos C.

Google

Visiting Café Central was like stepping into a piece of history, elegant, grand, and truly unforgettable. The atmosphere is absolutely stunning, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and a classic Viennese charm that makes the whole experience feel special. I tried the Wiener schnitzel, and it was perfectly prepared, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of authentic flavor. For dessert, I had the Kaiserschmarrn, which was simply delicious light, sweet, and beautifully presented. Despite being a popular and sometimes busy spot, the service was attentive and professional, making the visit very enjoyable. Overall, a must-visit in Vienna combining history, atmosphere, and outstanding traditional cuisine.

Kirk

Google

If you only visit one cafe’ in Wien, make sure you visit Cafe‘ Central. What an amazing place. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and the service was excellent. The pastry selection was abundant and fresh. We enjoyed our coffee and cake while taking in the romantic beauty of this authentic Vienna establishment. Recommend reservations as there is always a line outside. An overall amazing experience! We loved it!

Alejandra

Google

The food is really bad. The coffee was the worst I have tasted in Vienna, and everything is very expensive. The architecture is beautiful, but Vienna has many better places to enjoy this kind of atmosphere. The balance between price and quality is very poor. Is really a tourist trap.

Chris K.

Google

A grand historic cafe that is a must visit for tourists to Vienna. Reservation is highly recommended as the walk-in queue is very long. The service staff were all very friendly and professional. We had the Goulash soup, Crispy roasted pork belly and Deep fried chicken. Food were good but not mind blowing.

TheMindisCurious

Google

Café Central is one of Vienna’s most iconic coffee houses, located inside the grand Palais Ferstel on Herrengasse. Stepping inside feels like entering another era—ornate columns, vaulted ceilings, and marble interiors capture the charm of 19th-century Vienna. This café wasn’t just about coffee; it was once the meeting place for some of Europe’s greatest minds. Regulars included Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, Stefan Zweig, and even Adolf Loos. You can almost feel that intellectual energy still lingering in the air. It is open from Monday–Saturday from 08:00 – 21:00 and Sunday/public holidays from 10:00 – 21:00. The nearest metro station is the U-Bahn “Herrengasse” (U3) and it’s a short walk from major sights in the first district. Reservations are accepted online for up to 6 people (via their website). Larger groups need to call in. Walk-ins are possible but during busy times expect a wait. Service is professional but can be slow, especially during peak hours. Some standout dishes: the famous Apfelstrudel, Kaiser-Schmarrn, Backhendl mit Erdäpfel-Gurkensalat and classic Viennese coffee like a Wiener Melange. Prices are a bit steep compared to local cafés. Still, the experience is absolutely worth it for the atmosphere and history.

Roberts M.

Google

This was our first visit to Café Central. We hadn’t made a reservation, as it was showing fully booked, but we decided to try our luck and arrived in the morning shortly after 9:30 a.m. After waiting only about five minutes, we were seated at a lovely table with an excellent view. The food was good, but the service was truly outstanding. Our waiter behaved as you would expect in a top-class restaurant - professional, attentive, and welcoming. We were seated comfortably and guided through the ordering process in a way that made the whole experience feel special and effortless. We really enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. One of the best surprises was the pricing, which is very reasonable considering this historic café’s prime location in a major tourist area. Their pricing policy is excellent. Definitely a must-visit place when you are in Vienna.

Olivia H.

Google

Beautiful, beautiful cafe! But do yourself a favor and set a reservation. The line out the door, waiting for tables, was wild—with a reservation, we walked right on by! We had the einspänner, melange, apple strudel, and the warm chocolate cake. The cake was a must get! My apple strudel came out a bit cold. Wasn’t my favorite. I did see someone get the kaiserschmarrn and if I could do it over, I would 1000% get that!! Our server was lovely and attentive. It was a bit expensive, definitely cheaper cafe’s all over Vienna. But… this is obviously for tourists. So you should know what you are walking into!

Lorrie D.

Google

Worth the wait. We waited about 40 min to get in. No reservations available but we took our chance on getting a walk in. It is worth waiting in line to see the beautiful old cafe with so much history. The sweets all look so beautiful which makes it hard to decide. We had soup first. Vegan potato. It was average. I decide on the apple strudel because it was traditional. It was just ok. I should have had a cake. My friend had the lemon curd tart which was amazing. My latte was just average. I expected better. All in all it was a good experience.

Mary W.

Yelp

Great service. We had a reservation, and with the train being behind schedule we were 15ish min late and they kindly took us in. Seated us, let us get situated, took our orders, checked on us the right amount of times with friendly service. Delicious food! For sure would come back! Even if just for coffee/pastry. The inside is very beautiful giving Victorian style decor on the inside.

Erly G.

Yelp

Caffe Central, Vienna's must go to as per influencers as this is also one of the city's oldest coffee house. I recommend you to make a reservation through google as this place is very popular and lines are really long. First attempt to get into CC was on a Saturday lunch time but line was super long, you will probably wait an hour or so. So we planned on to be there by opening time on Sunday. Line was a bit ok as we got seated after 30 minutes. As soon as you're inside, they will ask you what you're coming in for - coffee/drinks and cakes or brunch or lunch because they will base your seating on it. Upon entry, there is a sculpture of a man which at first glance would make you think it's a real person. At the center of the restaurant are their display of cake assortments. The place is not decorated in a fancy manner but is very spacious and is able to accommodate a whole lot of people. Exit is on the other side making you pass by their gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. On this visit, we were able to check off 4 must do in Vienna - 1. Eat at Cafe Central 2. Have a Wiener Schnitzel 3. Eat a Viennese apple strudel 4. Try a Viennese soup. I did fancy the Wiener Schnitzel but I had better Apple Strudel. The Viennese soup was a delight. We also had their popular cafe central kaffee and must have Irish coffee. Each drinks are accompanied by really good tasting chocolates. We regretted not trying any of their cakes. I would still say to try it because it is an icon of Vienna.

Mayra B.

Yelp

If you come here , get the cafe central sandwich. I'm already thinking of trying to replicate this sandwich when I come back home. It was such a great simple sandwich and the basil mayo was just divine. I could bathe in it. To accompany it I ordered the Viennese style iced coffee. It was amazing. I had it previously in Salzburg and fell in love. Service was quick for a table of 8. Our server was friendly and personable. I appreciate how staffed they are since this is a popular restaurant it is great to see the servers work together to get meals delivered. I almost regret not getting the chocolate cake from the display so if you go please get it in my memory . The inside is so picturesque and you can't help but stair towards the ceiling. I would recommend that you get here really early because line is pretty long. We only waited 10-15 on a weekday around noon though. But it's known to have a long line, especially if you have a big party arrive well around opening time.

Norry H.

Yelp

Food, service and ambience, are all very good here. I arrived 10 minutes before opening and there were about 8 people before me lining up outside the entrance. When the restaurant opened the door and let us in, each of us was asked if we had a reservation. Those who had a reservation, were allowed to sit anywhere with "Reserved" sign on the table. Those without reservations like me were allowed to sit at any other non reserved tables. I will definitely make a reservation next time because all the tables by the windows were "reserved". I had the Cafe Central Breakfast and I enjoyed it very much. The orange juice tasted like freshly squeezed, loved the breads, cheeses, and the soft boiled egg. And coffee of course.

Cindy H.

Yelp

Café Central is one of the oldest coffee houses in Vienna, and if you don't have a reservation, be prepared to wait in line! We decided to give this place a try because it was listed in many must-try's in Vienna. We went at 8:30pm, and still had to wait about 45 minutes for a seat because we didn't have a reservation. If you do, just bypass the line and go straight to the front. When we finally got to the front, the host was really nice. Our waiter was friendly as well. There was a live pianist that really created the European experience for us. Items here are pricey, but you go for the ambience and experience. Since this was our dinner, we got one cafe melange, the veal schnitzel, and a goulash soup, but most people will get one of their pastries. Schnitzel was €29, which is pricey, but it was good. The goulash soup reminded me of chili soup and came with a Kaiser roll that was delicious. The coffee is a must because we're at a coffee house, after all! Despite the long wait outside, we were not rushed to leave. People take their time here, chatting and mingling. If you are considering to come during brunch or lunchtime, be prepared to wait a long time as the can get very long!

Eugene T.

Yelp

Came in here first thing in the morning and there was already a line. We waited about 30 minutes in line but I would imagine if you come later in the day, the wait is much longer (most of our line was gone because cafe opened as soon as we got there, people who were in front of us got in with the first seating). Was it worth the 30 min wait? Absolutely not. While cafe is beautiful, it is not what social media makes it out to be. The food is overpriced (by about 30%).And you feel very rushed by the service, as they have a line out of the door, they want to turn tables quickly - little too quickly. So if you are able to get in here with small (or none) wait, by all means, try it. Otherwise, this is no different than your average cafe in Vienna. Go somewhere with no wait and enjoy more of your time in Vienna exploring the city

Rick K.

Yelp

Late Breakfast in Vienna Cafe Central opened 1876 Beautiful decor - Very popular eatery Our wait was not an issue - we arrived at a good time the line was short. For our visit the service was decent, a few minutes waiting time to get our server but once the order was placed it came out pretty quickly, staff was friendly - Breakfast was decent - Scrambled Eggs with Ham was delicious - eggs were creamy good Coffees a bit expensive - Still water was expensive - (I didn't know they served water with the meal - ugh)

Boris C.

Yelp

This place was really packed when we got here. There was a long line, and if it wasn't for the reservation, we wouldn't have gotten in so quickly. So remember to get your reservation booked at least the day before if you want to go here. The place closes pretty early as well. The service was magnificent. We liked the service more than the food and drinks combined. But the drink less. The coffee was not something that we would order again as Starbucks does better, it was not very strong coffee as expected. The ambiance of the place was nice, very clean and historic. The place rating: Food: 5 stars Coffee: 3 stars Beer: 4.5 stars Place: 5 stars.

Michel S.

Yelp

I was brought to this restaurant as it is very famous and it did not disappoint. The restaurant is beautiful and has a lot of detail in the architecture. My latte was amazing and to the point. I also ordered the smoked Salmon breakfast and it was very good! The dessert display has some beautiful spread and while I did not ordered anything, I am pretty sure that it would not disappoint. If you are planning to attend, either be there very early and start the line before they open or have plenty of time to stand for 30 minutes.

Max K.

Yelp

It's one of the classic legacy cafe / coffee house in central Vienna where many famous people been there over its history. Food is good. Delicious cakes and pastries. Service is a bit slow due to high demand. There is usually long wait time. Indoor is nicely decorated. No waiting for outside tables, seat yourselves if available. They accept touchless payment.

Eric T.

Yelp

We waited in line for 1:30 in 30F degree weather outside. The food is the most mid ever and overpriced. Ambiance is good and historical. Service is bad because they're lowkey understaffed and servers are not attentive and impatient. It's still worth checking out for the architecture.

Conner S.

Yelp

Definitely recommend making a reservation here as there is typically a queue outside for walk ins. There is some outdoor seating but I highly recommend sitting inside as the true ambiance of the cafe is half of the experience! Tried a cake and paired it with a melange and it was perfect! A great afternoon stop during a day or sightseeing in the city. Our server was really fun and was able to take the experience up a notch. Definitely recommend making a stop here!

Joe R.

Yelp

Café Central inn Vienna is an absolute MUST DO and well worth the wait no. matter how long the line is! For the number of times I've already been to this amazing city (one of the best, I vote, for all of Europe) this was the first time going to Café Central! As soon as you walk in you will be taken back in time as the architecture and sheer ambiance will whisk you to a time long gone by. Then you will be absolutely captivated by the luscious display of custom-made desserts where there is surely one (or in my case many, many) that will be not only a visual but flavorful delight! When we arrived for a late lunch, the Café was very busy, and waited about 1/2 hour to get a table. Our lunch was superb, and all made with the freshest of ingredients and all portioned just right. Check out the pictures I posted which speak a thousand words! "Vielen Dank, Café Central, fur ein unvergessliches Erlebnis!"

Alfredo E.

Yelp

Cafe Central is an iconic in Vienna and a truly gem full of hidden history. With a live piano performer in the center of the dining area the ambiance is really magical. In top of that the room is elegant, clean and will transports you in time. The staff is friendly, and very helpful in view of an extensive menu. Cafe Central's food is well priced and accessible especially its elegance and quality. We tried a freshly brewed coffee to the very generous pastries. Cafe Central is a must-visit in Vienna.

Sara G.

Yelp

Café Central in Vienna is an iconic spot with a constant line (or queue) out the door. It's beautiful with all your typicals ... marble columns, soaring ceilings and beautiful and sparkling chandeliers. Who cares about the opulence when you have the smells of heaven. I tried the Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dish that is essentially shredded pancakes. Rather than the neat, round pancakes you might expect, it's chunks of pancakes, that maybe broiled because they are golden brown on top. They are always pairs with a side of berries. Delicious.

Anna B.

Yelp

Make a reservation to avoid waiting in line! There's seating inside and outside but I recommend sitting inside to see everything! Classic historic cafe with a huge menu. Tried one of the cakes and a latte, delicious! Server was very attentive and friendly!

Nina N.

Yelp

Quite a long wait at this restaurant but I feel that is the thing to do. Wait in line for restaurants and hope they live up to your expectations. The wait was about 30-40 minutes but in the cold morning in Vienna it felt like eternity. Luckily you get closer to the door, get inside and see the glimpse of all the food being brought to people's tables and all a sudden you forgot you were out in the cold with a running nose. The ambiance is just beautiful at this cafe. The tables were roomy, the ceilings were high and decorate and the first thing you see are all these beautiful colorful desserts. The menu looked small, but had good options. They have a limited menu for breakfast and an extensive menu for lunch/dinner. Our waiter seemed like he was always in a rush to take our order and wasn't personable but I think that's just a culture thing here. We got a few different dishes and I really enjoyed what I ordered. I got a hot chocolate and it was perfection. It wasn't overly sweet and wasn't thick, just the right consistency and tastes like semi sweet. The cafe central sandwich was delicious and the tomato salsa gave it so much more flavor. The Wiener schnitzel with parsley potatoes and cranberry sauce was also so delicious (on lunch/dinner menu). The desserts were also delicious! Overall, have to try a little bit of everything from this place! It's a very good find.

Judy T.

Yelp

Local friend insisted I experience the cafe near my hotel. Historical classic Viennese destination. Epitome of the city's cafe culture. Also incredibly touristy. Absolutely gorgeous interior and exterior. I was there early not long after they opened. A few tables for walk ins, but probably best to reserve in advance. I beat the crowd and no wait for me. Lovely coffee, lovely service and amazing streusel. They offer a good breakfast selection but really the ambiance is the thing. I'd never come later in day when it's packed with tourists.

Carmen M.

Yelp

We were in line for over an hour. Food was ok but the desserts were good. It was good to try once but I think it's overrated and not worth the wait IMO. Probably will just come here for the historical value and nostalgia.

Angelina Z.

Yelp

I came around 9pm and was seated without any wait. I got a decaf oat milk cappuccino and enjoyed it next to the piano. The ambiance was great--nice music, very classy. It definitely wasn't the best coffee I've had (it seemed watery like an americano) but I think most patrons come for the ambiance over the food quality.

Ashley G.

Yelp

Despite being packed, the service is excellent, as is the food. Definitely make a reservation, unless you're willing to wait in a line for a table. The dining hall is spacious, sociable, and beautifully decorated.

Nathan D.

Yelp

Kept hearing that this is one of the must go to places in Vienna when there. We lucked out as when we got there the line wasn't too long and we had a fairly reasonable wait . We came for the coffee and sweets and were not disappointed. When there you can order from the menu or go to the front and choose a dessert that is on display that day. Each of us got something different and tried each others options. everything tasted great including the coffee!

Mikaela C.

Yelp

We had the most lovely breakfast at Café Central during our time in Vienna. After waking up early to explore the empty streets of the city, we found ourselves arriving to the café just after opening so we had our choice of seat with no wait. The interior was absolutely beautiful with cases of delicious pastries greeting us upon entry. The historic paintings were so pleasant to gaze at while enjoying breakfast too. Although we know enough German to get by, our waiter spoke perfect English and it appeared all other staff were bilingual as well which made ordering a little more comfortable for us tourists. Now for the treats. I had "Heiße Schocolade mit crème"; aka the best hot chocolate with whipped cream I've ever had. I actually ordered a 2nd one! My husband had the "Salon-Einspänner" which was a double espresso with whipped cream. For food we decided to go the more sweet route with a shared croissant as well as a Zitronentörtchen (basically a small lemon meringue pie) and a Tonka Wonka (which holy moly we each could have had a dozen of those Tonka Wonkas; so darn good). Food, drink & service were exemplary and we cannot wait to go back whenever we travel to Vienna again! PS: Restrooms were pretty, clean, and free for customers.

Shelley B.

Yelp

Enjoyed dinner, drinks, and traditional Viennese desserts at the iconic Central Cafe coffeehouse, a historic establishment frequented by notable figures such as Freud, Stalin, and Trotsky. The desserts were outstanding and the live classical music definately added to the ambiance. Service was very attentive and efficient. Highly recommend to make a reservation as there was a long line.

Bowie T.

Yelp

Came here twice now. It's a famously historical cafe with beautiful architectural elements on the inside. Pros: - inside is picturesque with spacious booths and tables - history of famous writers being regular patrons - tons of options: beverages, pastry, hot food and dishes Notes: - pastry and coffee was okay, definitely better options out there (on the pricier side) - small bathroom (three stalls) often with a line-up - staff are attentive and quick but not the most friendly - we were seated at a cushy window booth right by the kitchen and it was loud and disruptive (to no one's fault)

Michael C.

Yelp

A friend had told me to visit this historic, bustling cafe and I am happy we did. Don't be discouraged about the line to get in- the service is very "turn and burn". We waited about 15-20 minutes to get in and sit down with a server who didn't seem to really care about our experience. Our lattes came in a glass cup that had no handle and was too hot to touch. For my breakfast, I ordered eggs over bacon and it was simple but delicious. My friend said that his dish was the worst meal that he had on our two week Central Europe trip. The interior of the cafe is the reason that I would recommend checking it out. It was cool to see but I suggest keeping your expectations low for the food, drink and especially the service. I wouldn't go back only because the service was god awful and filled with ego but create your own opinion.

Aerin A.

Yelp

It's an alright tourist trap . I ordered a hot chocolate with amaretto and with a 1 euro tip my total came out to be $9.40 USD which is a bit steep. The hot chocolate with the whip cream ( thick not fluffy or sweet ) was pretty good . Overall I guess I would recommend . Definitely not a must but if you want to say you visited the same cafe frequented by Freud and Trotsky then this place might be up your alley . One thing I noticed which was quite bizarre was that their alcohol offerings like a mimosa was often priced the same or lower than some of their coffee options so if your trying to save money / want more value for your money then I recommend ordering a mimosa instead of one of the espresso or coffee based beverages .

Li W.

Yelp

Okay, ambiance is PERFECT. So beautiful and regal inside. My fiancée and I went early, around 8:30am, and there was no line at all. There was a line as we were leaving so definitely go early if you want to avoid a line! The service staff is very kind and speaks very good English. I took off one star solely because the food was alright, I had the traditional Viennese breakfast and it was just lots of carbs (croissant, bread, one egg). My fiancée had the salmon toast and that was very hearty and delicious. Definitely choose your food selection wisely!

Iman E.

Yelp

So this is a standard tourist staple in Vienna. Every list will tell you to check it out. You'll get here and there's a line to get in but it does move pretty quick. Once inside you can feel the history inside there with the decor. We didn't try the entrees...just the desserts. Def get the national dessert kaiserschmarrn. We loved it and ultimately after trying it at multiple places....this spot had the best one. My husband tried the chocolate cake also and wasn't super happy with it.

Debbie T.

Yelp

Delicious desserts and had so many variety! It is a must go because it is so beautiful inside! They serve a lot of savory foods beside sweets n drinks, the service is great and I was very happy!

Preeti R.

Yelp

Coffee houses in Vienna are a must visit! This is one of the popular ones and I went in with lower expectations because of how touristy it can get but was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food and service we received. Be sure to make a reservation and get there early or expect a line We decided to try their sachetorte which is an Austrian chocolate cake with an apricot cream layer, Kaiserschwarnn (served with a warm plum compote) and their version of the Viennese coffee. The sachertorte here was a bit dry compared to others we tried in Vienna however their Kaiserschwarnn was divine. The texture is closer to a sponge cake than a pancake and is ripped into pieces. Very light and fluffy and lightly sweetened. It's baked fresh and takes longer as also cautioned on the menu. The Viennese coffee came in the prettiest cup and the cream was cloud like and unsweetened and swirled in with the espresso, made a great drink. One of those things that you simply have to taste to believe. Service was friendly although slow but we didn't mind that since we weren't in a rush and got to enjoy the lovely ambience and beautiful baroque architecture just a little longer.

Gloria T.

Yelp

Must go! Love the food, drinks, dessert, live pianist!! This was the best restaurant and dining experience I had in Vienna. The price was reasonable and it was quality ingredients. Expect a very long wait.

Danielle R.

Yelp

Besides the interior and the baked goods, this place was disappointing. The service was okay, not terrible not great. It took like 25 minutes to get a small bowl of soup and a side salad. The coffee wasn't good, it tasted like water in my opinion which is weird because everywhere else that I went in Vienna was so delicious. :/

Phi N.

Yelp

Can't go to Vienna without stopping by the famous cafe central... wonderful ambiance with beautiful architecture. Went with the salmon & eggs with a side of soft boiled eggs and a croissant. Very simple but delicious none the less. Hot chocolate was decent, but no where in Europe actually serves hot chocolate actually hot... -__- -Outstanding staff

Lila L.

Yelp

Waited 30 min on a Sunday night and finally got to enjoy this historical cafe. There was live piano playing that evening which added to the classy ambiance. I got the truffel torte (chocolate cake with truffle cream) and trio de petits fours. Chocolate cake was too dry. It's a nice grand cafe to sit and people watch but nothing to rave about.

Arelys Q.

Yelp

I visited Cafe Central in Vienna during my vacation, and I have to say it's a must-visit spot. Even though there was a long line outside, it moved quickly, and the wait was totally worth it. The service was great; our server was quick and friendly. It's a good idea to check the menu online before you go because they're quite busy. They have a tempting display of desserts to choose from. Plus, there was a pianist playing some lovely tunes, which added to the nice atmosphere.

Jim P.

Yelp

Are you looking fit the perfect spot to relax and get a bite in Vienna? This is your place!! Great collection of Viennese food favorites perfectly executed with some passion. Yes, the line was long but it moved fast as folks we in and out quickly. We had to get the Viennese special snitzel and sachatorte. Of course, they are the staples of Vienna, and were executed perfectly at this restaurant. You will not be disappointed and should make this famous restaurant the top of your list. We love the history of the place and the location was perfect after seeing some sites. Truly a do not miss on your vacation to Vienna.

Cathy C.

Yelp

Yelp Review 2023 #39: Located in the heart of Vienna - near St. Stephen's Cathedral, Rathausplatz, and Hofburg/ Sisi Musem. It's a popular cafe since 1876 where Trotsky, Freud, and some poets would frequent back in the day. I'm so glad I made a reservation months in advance because the line here is ridiculous! I asked the people towards the front how long they've been waiting out of curiosity and they told me AN HOUR! The line wraps around the building! But if you have a reservation, you can go straight inside the restaurant and let the host/hostess know what time your reservation is and you'll get seated rather quickly. I was still looking at the dessert case and I was already being taken to my table. I went around Christmas time and they had a pianist playing some tunes. You can even make a request - kindly leave a tip especially if you make a request. My table happened to be right next to the piano and everyone would crowd towards my table to get a video and snap some pictures which was kind of annoying especially when my food came and there are hands and phones over my head and people standing over me or too close to me. Their menu is simple and not overwhelming at all. On the menu, they have goulash, sausage, soups, salads, Kaiserschmarrn, cakes. Backhendl: Breaded and fried chicken cutlet served with potatoes and cucumbers. Austrian food tend to be on the bland side and this was no exception. 3.5/5 Wiener Apfelstrudel: Viennese apple strudel with option to add vanilla ice cream. What Austrian entrees lack in flavor, they make up for in coffee and desserts. This Apfelstrudel was warm and the vanilla ice cream is in its separate dish so it doesn't melt right away. A little tart with the apples, with a hint of sweetness and cinnamon 4/5 If you need something, don't hesitate to wave at your server, otherwise, you'll be sitting there awkwardly for a long time. The prices seem reasonable considering where this cafe is located. Check out the dessert case - they have quite a selection.

Rahul I.

Yelp

Everything about this place was amazing. Thankfully when we went the line was incredibly short, and we were seated pretty quickly. The interior of this cafe is gorgeous, and it is known for having a rich history. We ordered croissants, cakes, and coffee, and everything was delicious. The highlight for me was the chocolate cake, which was extremely rich, and paired wonderfully with the smooth ice cream. Can't recommend this place enough!

Finn M.

Yelp

Went here having heard amazing things. Coffee was overpriced and tasted horrible. The service was slow. For being such an old and prestigious establishment known for the experience they other, it never felt like a good experience. The only saving grace was the sandwich which was perfectly made and had a side sauce that made for a great taste.

Sarah P.

Yelp

So incredible! I'm so glad I got a reservation here on my trip. I came bright and early and got breakfast as well as some delicate patisserie. The eggs were good, but did not blow me out of the water. I did need substance though, so they served their purpose. Now the desserts made my mouth drop. So incredible, delicate and refined. I had ordered a chocolate one and a passion fruit one. The chocolate was definitely my favorite but both are items I will probably dream about. The interior is absolutely GORGEOUS and worth coming here just to dine in such a classic Vienna space. Service was impeccable and so friendly. He made me laugh a lot so early in the morning and helped me pick out my items. 5/5

Gabriella F.

Yelp

Wonderful gem for a fabulous breakfast! Service is top notch too!! Honestly, you must try this place during your visit. The pastries look exquisite, but I was too full from my breakfast of the Cafe Central Fruhatuck to be able to partake in trying a pastry. I'd give this place 6 stars if I could!

L C.

Yelp

Cafe central is an excellent restaurant to enjoy platter size schnitzel and sweet treats. Located close to the imperial palace and albertina, you won't be disappointed. We visited for the winter markets a few years back and found this cafe on one of our walks through the historic district. My favourite is the goulash soup, which is accompanied with a Kaiser bun. A good variety of sandwiches, we ordered the cafe central sandwich, which was delicious. The Sacher torte is on offer, plus hot chocolate cake, crepes with plums and Apple strudel. We shared the strudel with sauce, ice cream and whipped cream! We made a reservation so we didn't have to wait in line. Attentive staff and servers, a fair price and generous portions. Yes, maybe not too fancy like some cafes, but very nice decor and 150 years of history make this cafe a very nice experience.

Louis C.

Yelp

Café Central is perhaps the one of most identifiable Viennese tourist spot that is on almost all of the foodie destination lists. It is arguably the gold standard for apple strudel and gilded age cafes. We walked by the spot on several occasions and the line in front never seemed to get any shorter. The wait we had to endure was about an hour. The venue is grand and service is typical Austrian, efficient but not overly friendly. The food was a bit disappointing. We've had better Wiener schnitzel and goulash else where. The apple strudel was particularly disappointing since that was the main reason why we visited this place. The filling had somewhat unpleasant and powdery texture and the apple was flavorless. The other pastries were average but overpriced. Apparently no locals would patronize this place since it's now viewed as a pure tourist trap, a deserving reputation. That said, it's worth a single visit just because it is as much a must visit as Disneyland is.

Tina H.

Yelp

We made a reservation online ahead of time for breakfast. It was early enough that maybe we didn't need one, but it definitely got crowded fairly quickly. Cafe Central has such a beautiful interior and the food was good as well! Definitely felt it was worth a stop! - Wiener Melange- 1st one I ever had and it was pretty decent. - Cappuccino- standard - Ruhrei mit Schinken, Blattspinat und Kernol- Scrambled eggs (3 eggs) w/ ham, spinach, and pumpkin seed oil. Was a pretty unique twist on scrambled eggs imo with the pumpkin seed oil. Larger serving than I expected. - Ruhrei mit gerauchertem Lachs- Scrambled eggs (3 eggs) w/ smoked salmon and rocket on a slice of brown bread. This was really good! - Sisi's Favorite- Rum pastry w/ apricot jam, rum, and chocolate glaze with hazelnuts. This was OK. Prob not their best pastry but I really only selected it bc it was small and I was pretty full from breakfast.

Elizabeth H.

Yelp

We hit all the places one needs to when you visit Vienna for the first time, like @cafecentralwien We waited in the rain which made the food just that much better. The beauty of the outside and inside the building is amazing. It was like eating in a small magical church with all the arches. We had the breakfast sandwiches (grilled cheese with curry Mayo!!) and the Sacher Wurstel (sausages with 2 mustards and fresh horseradish). Both were perfect on a rainy morning. Then we had to try the apple strudel. The dough was soft and the apples still had texture. Also our waiter was funny and patient with us as we made up our minds.

Lisa R.

Yelp

Although there was a long line out the door to sit inside, I bypassed it and bought some pastries from the counter, then went outside to a bench and enjoyed the EXCEPTIONAL apple strudel while people watching. It was perfect: flaky crust, crisp tart apples, slightly sweetened...every bite was heavenly. I enjoyed the lemon meringue tart just as much later on. It was also fantastic. Highly recommend- the best pastries in Vienna!

Hui Boon W.

Yelp

Love the ambience n the food. We were there when there was a pianist performing and it was a huge bonus!! The pastry looks amazing but we couldn't eat ALL of them!

Sara B.

Yelp

Magical. Cafe Central was everything we expected it to be and much much more. Our service was excellent. We had a lovely waiter named Roland who made our visit extra special. Out of the desserts we tried the Cafe Central Torte, the Chocolate Tort, and the Cafe Central Schmitte. All were wonderful but the crème in the Schmitte was top notch.

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Delicious desserts and had so many variety! It is a must go because it is so beautiful inside! They serve a lot of savory foods beside sweets n drinks, the service is great and I was very happy!

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Love the ambience n the food. We were there when there was a pianist performing and it was a huge bonus!! The pastry looks amazing but we couldn't eat ALL of them!

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Yelp

Café Central

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2 Days in: Vienna

8 Viennese Coffeehouses for Any Trip to Austria

7 Classic Birthday Trips for Every Travel Personality

Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection | Hotels Above Par

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2 Days in: Vienna

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