15.03.2025

Cafe Central – the most unique hotspot in Vienna

„I´m happy to just sit in a cafe and watch people. It´s my favorite thing to do, for sure.“- Zoe Kravitz, Cafe Central

Vienna is known for its magnificent coffee houses, but none is perhaps as iconic as Cafe Central. Located in the magnificent Palais Ferstel, this gem has exuded the charm of bygone times since 1876. Stepping through the large double doors doesn’t just enter a cafe, but a world of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Cafe Central is located directly on Herrengasse, one of the city center’s most important streets. The building is an integral part of the area, and from the outside, it already conveys the impression that it’s a historic building from a bygone era. But there’s much more to it than that. Let me show you…

Coffee house culture with history

Café Central was once a meeting place for intellectuals and artists. Names like Sigmund Freud, Peter Altenberg, and Stefan Zweig enjoyed their coffee, philosophized, and worked here. Even today, you can still sense this special atmosphere upon entering the café. The high vaults, elegant marble columns, and ornate furnishings make every visit an experience, and you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time.

“ … typical Viennese charm“

But the cafe isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s alive and evolving. The charming waiters (Viennese charm, as insiders know) in classic Viennese style, the fine porcelain cups, and the gentle clinking of spoons on the marble countertop create an atmosphere that captivates every visitor. Whether it’s for the first coffee in the morning, the famous Sachertorte in the afternoon, or an elegant dinner in the evening—Cafe Central remains an incomparable institution.

A dinner in style

Of course, Cafe Central is much more than just a place for coffee and cake. If you’re looking for a stylish dinner, you’ll find it here. For example, we were here for our Valentine’s Day dinner this year. The menu offers a successful mix of Viennese classics and international delicacies – from tender Wiener Schnitzel to sophisticated vegetarian creations. An excellent selection of drinks perfectly rounds out the culinary experience.

So on our special evening, we treated ourselves to classic Viennese cuisine. Just like the noblemen of old. Yes, I am a little princess. For starters, we started with beef tartare with caper butter, braised tomatoes, chive cream, and toast. For another starter, we also ordered a hearty beef broth.

For my main course, I ordered the Cafe Central Tafelspitz. It’s THE classic in Vienna: boiled beef with bouillon vegetables, creamed spinach, potato cone with chive sauce, and apple horseradish. My husband ordered the other typical Viennese dish: a Wiener Schnitzel—I don’t think I need to say much about that.

Romantic evenings

Cafe Central is a dream choice, especially for romantic evenings. For Valentine’s Day, for example, the in-house patisserie creates special desserts that are not only visually impressive but also a taste sensation. How about a delicate ricotta mousse with amaretto cherries and a hint of chili? Or perhaps a classic Kaiserschmarrn (sweet pancake)? Combined with the café’s elegant ambiance, the evening is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

“ „Have you heard?
The glass of water with coffee is meant to neutralize the palate. The upside-down teaspoon on top indicates that it’s fresh. Old Habsburg etiquette!“ – Cafe Central „

More than just a cafe

Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a leisurely dinner, or a festive occasion – Cafe Central offers the perfect setting for every moment. Diners here not only immerse themselves in Viennese coffee house culture, but also experience a piece of history. And honestly? A dinner under the magnificent vaults of this traditional establishment simply feels a little magical.

But even if it’s not a special occasion, sometimes you just need an evening of indulgence, away from the daily grind. And Cafe Central is the perfect place for that. The attentive service, lovingly prepared dishes, and unique atmosphere make every visit something special.

my summary

If you’re looking for a special place for dinner—be it for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply to treat yourself—Cafe Central is always a great choice. Here, tradition meets elegance, history meets indulgence. A place that doesn’t just serve coffee, but creates experiences.

The only thing to keep in mind, though, is that I’m not the only fan, and many people want to visit Cafe Central. So, a reservation is essential. Otherwise, you might end up waiting almost an hour for a seat.

So, why not spend an evening in a genuine Viennese coffee house? Let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere, enjoy an exquisite dinner, and feel the spirit of the city in one of Vienna’s most beautiful cafés.