18.05.2025

Mon Cher – an aristocratic confidential gentlemen

„The French do not season their food with regret.“- Mary-Lou Weisman, Mon Cher

There are dates – and then there are mom dates. And for me, they’re very clear: not spontaneous, not random. Instead, they’re planned, reserved, and, please, with style. Because when I go out to dinner with my mom, I leave nothing to chance. No last-minute phone calls, no waiting at the bar – just a pre-reserved table in a restaurant that’s just as special as she is. This time: Mon Cher, a place that sounds as French as it feels – and is located in the heart of Vienna.

When you come in and immediately know:

“ This is going to be good „

Mon Cher welcomes you with an atmosphere that’s almost cinematic. It’s as if Catherine Deneuve and Alain Delon were about to walk around the corner. Everything is polished—but not cold. Elegant, yet warm. The walls are dark tones, velvety fabrics, and golden lighting. The waiters are impeccably styled, dressed in dark clothing, charming, present, but never intrusive. You immediately notice that this is a team that understands gastronomy as an art.

What particularly surprised me was the live music. No kitsch, no snark—just a pianist who filled the room with soft tones, as if the evening had its own soundtrack. And then there was the gorgeous tableware, so special I wanted to ask where they got it. Every piece of plate looked as if it were handmade—some curved like shells, others as if they had been sculpted from smooth stone. You don’t see something like that often. And it shows how much love goes into every detail here.

Aperitivo & Anticipation

Before we even ordered, we naturally had drinks. I had an Aperol Spritz – classic, sparkling, with the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. My mom, who preferred to stay alcohol-free that evening, opted for a non-alcoholic Prosecco, which was surprisingly elegant and tasted anything but boring. We clinked glasses, laughed, looked around – and after just five minutes, we agreed: This is our night.

For starters, we shared a highlight: the beef tartare with caviar. And yes, it was just as decadent as it sounds – but without being overly pretentious. The beef: finely chopped, perfectly seasoned, perfectly balanced. The caviar: not too much, not too little – just right to give the whole thing that „wow, this is special“ feeling. Served on one of those ornate plates that was almost too good to eat off. But we ate anyway. And how much.

Truffles for me, fish for mom

– as always, a little food fight beforehand

As always, choosing the main course was a bit of a negotiation. „Wouldn’t you rather have the fish?“ – „You love truffles, you have that one!“ In the end, everything went as planned: I treated myself to the truffle pasta, while Mom opted for the fish of the day.

My pasta was a dream. Al dente, with a creamy but not heavy sauce, permeated with a delicate truffle aroma. No over-the-top showmanship—simply a dish that demonstrates how a few ingredients can create something truly sophisticated. The truffle was generously shaved, and not just for decoration.

My mom’s fish—crispy on the outside, buttery tender on the inside—came with a wonderfully light citrus risotto. Of course, I was allowed to try it (let’s just say: fork diplomacy)—and was close to swapping. But hey, sharing only makes the evening better.

A sweet ending – with apricot liqueur

Instead of dessert, we wanted to end the evening the Austrian way. No cake, no tart (tiramisu doesn’t count) – but a small, fine apricot liqueur. Golden, fragrant, slightly warming – like a last ray of sunshine on your skin. Add to that a final look around the room, the music in your ears, the conversations all around… and the feeling of having just experienced something truly special.

my summary

French flair with Viennese heart

I should have known: With my mom in tow, everything is on a premium level. Mon Cher isn’t a „quick bite to eat“ spot. It’s a place to experience. To enjoy. To talk, to be silent, and simply to be. The atmosphere: stylish yet relaxed. The food: thoughtful, high-quality, without unnecessary frills. The service: professional down to the smallest detail.

And honestly, I highly recommend it. Whether for a romantic dinner, a special evening with friends—or one of those very special mom dates where you just feel like yourself again. Thank you, Mon Cher—we’ll see you again.