„Avoir le beurre et l’argent du beurre“; Beaulieu
Sometimes there are places that don’t feel like Vienna. Not like everyday life. Not like „grabbing a quick coffee and moving on.“ But like a little escape. Beaulieu is exactly that kind of place. And let me tell you right now: If you’re feeling a bit stuffy (like we were), then you’ll love this brunch.
I was there recently with my best friend – and it was one of those mornings that feels like a mini-vacation. No stress, no rushing, no typical Viennese brunch hustle and bustle. Just… the French way of life. And yes, this brunch in Beaulieu made it pretty clear to us: We’re staying longer.
There are so many great spots for brunch in Vienna. A lot, actually. But what always slightly annoys me is that it feels like everything only starts when half the day is already over. I’m a 10 a.m. person. I want to sit down early, drink coffee, people-watch, and enjoy myself. Not wait until I’m already half-hungry again. That’s why I was so happy when we got our table at Beaulieu right at 10 a.m. No stress, no waiting, no „we’ll let you know when something becomes available.“ Just arrive and dive straight into brunch.
And that’s exactly how brunch should be.
One step through Vienna
one step towards Paris
Beaulieu is located in the beautiful Palais Ferstel – and this location alone is an experience in itself. A fun fact I love: The Palais was built in the 19th century and was originally a kind of trading center – with a stock exchange, a coffee house, and a meeting place for Viennese society. So, even back then, it was a place for exactly what we do there today: see and be seen.
And that feeling persists to this day. As soon as you walk through this passage, it no longer feels like Vienna. It’s the light, the architecture, the high arches. And then you’re sitting there – right in the middle of it all – and you think to yourself for a moment: Am I in Paris?
Spoiler alert: That’s exactly the vibe at Beaulieu.
Inside would have been nice too. But let’s be honest – if you’re already in Beaulieu, you sit in the arcade. Just like real French people would. Sitting outside, watching, seeing a little, being seen a little. That blend of elegance and absolute ease. Nobody seems to be trying too hard, but everything feels perfect. And that’s exactly where we started our brunch.
A toast is part of it
– always
We didn’t hesitate for a second.
We started our brunch at Beaulieu with rosé champagne. Because… why not? I think brunch without something to toast with is just not the same. And in this setting, anything else would have felt almost wrong. We also had homemade lemonade – for balance, for the vitamins, for a clear conscience. A touch of luxury, a touch of lightness. Exactly what a good brunch at Beaulieu should be.
And honestly: those first few minutes are what make it special. That soft clinking of glasses, that brief pause before the first sip. It’s not just a drink – it’s a feeling. A little „we are right here, right now, and nowhere else.“ Especially at brunch at Beaulieu, this moment has something almost cinematic about it. The sun streams through the arcade, people stroll by, and you sit there with your glass in your hand and just know: this is one of those mornings you can’t plan, but that simply happen.
The menu
– very French, very extravagant
If you look at the menu at Beaulieu, you’ll notice it immediately: This isn’t your typical brunch. This is France.
And in its most beautiful, slightly snobbish, yet utterly charming way. No avocado toast with 20 toppings. No overloaded „everything on one plate.“ Just clear, high-quality, French classics. And that’s precisely what makes this brunch at Beaulieu so special.
I opted for the „petit déjeuner Beaulieu.“ And as soon as I read the menu, I knew: This is exactly my kind of thing. Foie gras and duck mousse, a croissant, baguette and churned butter, homemade jam, and two chocolate truffles. Sounds fancy? It is. And yes – it tasted just as good as it sounds. I love pâtés. I really do. It’s kind of my personal luxury, something I’ve known since childhood. When I visit my family in Slovakia, it’s simply a must. And that’s exactly the feeling I had here again. This brunch at Beaulieu wasn’t just good for me – it was emotional.
Petit déjeuner
– my personal highlight
Very important: Don’t be fooled by the portion size.
At first glance, it really doesn’t look like much. It almost makes you wonder if you’ll want anything else afterward. But believe me: You’ll be full. This brunch at Beaulieu is designed so that everything is perfectly balanced. Not too much, not too little. I was so full by the end that I couldn’t even manage my two chocolate truffles. Luckily, my best friend was there. He heroically sacrificed himself.
My best friend opted for the „petit déjeuner Aix-en-Provence.“ And let me tell you: it was just as wonderful as mine—only completely different. Goat cheese with lavender jelly, baguette, avocado with basil oil and fleur de sel, plus marinated artichokes, tomatoes, and olives. It was truly divine. This brunch at Beaulieu perfectly illustrates just how diverse a French breakfast can be. It’s not always sweet, not always classic—but often simply surprising.
And that’s exactly what I love about it.
And then…
oysters
We’d actually had enough.
Actually. But then came that moment when you just think: Today is one of those days. So we ordered oysters. Six of them. The „Spéciales Nr. 2 Gillardeau“ from Île d’Oléron. Yes, there was also the option to order just three. But… let’s be honest. This brunch at Beaulieu put us in a mood where three simply wasn’t an option. Served with vinaigrette and lemon – completely classic, completely pure.
Fun fact: We first ate oysters together in London.
Our first trip together. And somehow, it’s become our thing ever since. No matter where we are – if there are oysters, we order them. And that’s exactly why this brunch at Beaulieu felt a bit like a full-circle moment. From London to Vienna. From then until now.
Atmosphere
that lasts
What did I love most? The tranquility. Yes, there are tourists walking through the arcade. Yes, photos are being taken. But it doesn’t bother anyone. Because the atmosphere at Beaulieu is simply more intense. The soft French music in the background, the clinking of glasses, the quiet murmur of conversation. This brunch doesn’t feel loud. Not hectic. But just right.
We deliberately took our time. No rushed meals, no quick coffees on the go – but a truly leisurely breakfast, just as it should be. Every bite, every sip, every conversation had its place. That’s precisely what makes brunch at Beaulieu so special: You don’t feel rushed, not on a schedule, but simply at peace.
And then, quite automatically, that moment arrives when you realize: Now we’re perfectly fueled. Not too full, not too little. Just right. With that feeling, we moved on – straight into our shopping day. And I love transitions like that. From a relaxed brunch at Beaulieu into the city, letting yourself drift a little, browsing a bit, maybe picking something up here, discovering something there. But it all begins right there. At that one table, that one morning, that one feeling.
my summary
– French chic
If you’re looking for a brunch that doesn’t feel like Vienna, then Beaulieu is the place for you.
If you want to get an early start, if you love France, if you want to feel a little fancy – then you’ll love this brunch. For me, it was one of those unforgettable mornings. And I already know: That wasn’t our last brunch at Beaulieu.
What I remember most vividly is this feeling of effortless elegance. Nothing seems overdone, nothing contrived – and that’s precisely why everything is so special. This brunch at Beaulieu isn’t a trend, not a fleeting fad, but a place with character. A place you keep coming back to when you’re looking for that one feeling: a touch of Paris, a hint of luxury, a touch of „let’s just treat ourselves.“ And perhaps that’s the true magic of it.
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