29.08.2025

Cosmo – Gossip Girl in Vienna

„All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.“- John Gunther, Cosmo

When strolling through the first district, it’s easy to overlook the Cosmo. From the outside, it seems almost inconspicuous, even though the facade of the Leo Grand Hotel, where the restaurant is located, is actually a real gem. A burgundy entrance, historic walls, a bit like a hidden entrance to a world you only notice at second glance.

There are beautifully decorated cakes in the window – almost as if someone was trying to mislead me. Because what I didn’t know before: the Cosmo is actually the hotel restaurant of the Leo Grand. And I’ll tell you right away: the first impression is deceptive, because there’s so much more inside than the facade suggests.

A brunch spot that

should have been booming long ago

We Viennese are now quite catching up with the global brunch boom. Cafés and restaurants serving avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and mimosas are springing up on every corner. Only Cosmo seems to have yet to fully embrace this hype. Surprisingly, it was almost empty when we were there. No crowded tables, no hubbub, no jostling lines outside. Instead: peace and quiet. And honestly, almost too much peace and quiet.

Don’t get me wrong—I love being able to have a relaxed brunch without having to fight with half the district over the last free table. But at Cosmo, it was so quiet that my best friend and I sometimes felt like the other tables were listening in. Gossip Girl vibes, but without the gossip—it’s almost a shame, actually.

Gossip Girl in Vienna

And here comes my favorite part: the aesthetics. The Cosmo looks like the perfect backdrop for a new Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen romance. Opulent, elegant, and stylish down to the last detail. Golden accents, dark tones, a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere. A touch of the Upper East Side in the heart of Vienna.

The attention to detail is immediately noticeable—even the tableware was carefully selected. MIO, simple and modern, yet elegant, perfectly coordinated with the interior. For me, it was one of those „Okay, someone really thought this through“ moments. I almost wished Dan Humphrey would come around the corner with his notebook and watch us all.

Drinks first:

Mimosas und Smoothies

Brunch without a mimosa? Absolutely not. So we ordered two to toast. Along with cappuccinos, because coffee is a must—especially on a Saturday morning when the week is still a bit lingering.

And because vitamins can’t hurt, I treated myself to the Tropical Bliss smoothie. Mango, pineapple, and banana – fruity, light, refreshing, not as thick as in some restaurants where you spoon more than you drink. My best friend opted for the Berry Banana version, which was just as good. Both drinks could easily be ordered on their own for a small brunch if you’re craving something light.

Food:

Leo’s All-in-One for Two

The centerpiece of our brunch was Leo’s All-in-One for Two. And, folks, we simply underestimated the amount of food. We thought a few choices, two plates, and that would be fine. Instead, we were presented with two tiered stands, each with three plates – a small food tower full of surprises.

On top: leg ham, prosciutto, horseradish, various cheeses, two eggs in a glass, hummus, olives, smoked salmon, fruit salad, and natural yogurt with granola. It was truly a feast. Everything was top-notch in quality, beautifully presented, and flavorful enough that you could try everything without getting bored.

Because we were a bit overconfident, we also ordered eggs Benedict. In retrospect, we could have saved ourselves the trouble. Not because they weren’t good—quite the opposite, they were delicious—but the portions of the all-in-one were simply so generous that we almost gave up by the end.

Service:

– a small weak point

As much as the ambiance and the food were impressive, the service still had room for improvement. Our waiter seemed rather reserved, almost as if he were afraid of us. It didn’t feel like he was truly engaging with us, more like he just didn’t want to do anything wrong. Perhaps it was just an uncertain day, perhaps a bit of routine was lacking here – but especially in a venue like this, you’d wish the team had a bit more self-confidence.

The most beautiful toilet in Vienna

And now comes a point I don’t usually write about in my restaurant reviews: the restroom. But at Cosmo, it’s no different. This bathroom is, quite frankly, the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in a restaurant. Stylish, glamorous, with mirrors you’ll immediately want to use for selfies. I swear, this is the first time I’ve ever posted pictures of a restroom on my blog—because it was truly such a highlight. Sometimes it’s precisely these little details that make a visit unforgettable.

The Leo Grand

– more than just a hotel restaurant

To put everything in the right context, it’s worth briefly talking about the Leo Grand itself. This boutique hotel is a blend of imperial heritage and modern luxury. Historic walls, reinterpreted – that’s how you could summarize it. The facade of the building itself exudes history, but as soon as you enter, everything becomes modern, stylish, and meticulously detailed.

Cosmo fits perfectly into this: a place where you immediately feel a little special. Not a typical hotel restaurant that just works, but a location with real atmosphere. The concept of the establishment is clear: elegance meets modernity, and that’s exactly what you feel at brunch.

my summary

An insider tip with potential

Cosmo is currently something of a well-kept secret in Vienna. On the one hand, it’s a shame it’s not bustling, but on the other, it gives you the chance to enjoy brunch in peace. If you like the Gossip Girl aesthetic, appreciate the details, and are in the mood for a sumptuous breakfast selection, you should definitely stop by.

It’s the perfect place to chat with your best friend for hours, drink smoothies, sample cakes, and feel like you’ve landed somewhere between Vienna and the Upper East Side.

The service could be a bit bolder, but otherwise: high praise for the cuisine and design. And for the restroom, which more than deserves its own place in my blog posts.
So, if you ever feel like Blair and Serena in Vienna, head to Cosmo. Maybe you’ll be sitting there planning your next intrigue while no one outside has any idea what a little gem is hiding behind the facade of the Leo Grand.