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Recommended Reviews - Café Central
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This is one of the must-visit during our Europe trip back in September. We stopped by around noon time, the line was slowly building up but not too bad, it was about 20-30 minutes. The building is very elegant and classical, really enjoyed the atmosphere as walking in, we sat down at a corner next to the window and could not wait to try out the coffee and pastries here. We got Cafe Central Kafee and Maria Therasia for coffee and shared one Viennese Apple Strudel. The coffee is so smooth and with the added liquor, the fragrance is amazing!!! No question, this is the BEST Apple strudel I've tasted, crunchy texture for the outside crust and the filling is full of fruity flavors. We spent about a bit more than an hour there and that was the most relaxing, appreciating and beautiful moment among this Europe trip.
Hmm a little torn on this review since I only came for breakfast one day, and didn't get to try their pastries, however felt like the experience was pretty mediocre. Well known for being a beautiful and historic cafe established 1876 frequented by the likes of famous names like Trotsky and Freud, this traditional Viennese coffeehouse and cafe is a popular tourist destination. Having walked by around 7:30pm the prior evening and seeing a line of about 15 people outside, the next morning arriving around 9am the line was about 15 minutes without reservations. Upon entering the inside is beautiful, cavernous domed ceilings, chandeliers and a very classic bistro vibe. Enough seating for probably 150 customers, quite large inside, and about two-thirds full. That's when I realized the line outside was more for show, which at some places I get because staffing might be hard and they want to ramp up the pacing between breakfast and lunch services. In a place like this it seems more like a marketing technique to create hype, which kinda annoyed me--it's not respectful of customers' time. It took a while maybe 10 minutes for a staff member to pass menus, then another 10 minutes for him to come back and check in. What I'll say is he was swift to answer our questions and knew the menu well. In general service felt lacking though, after eating it took quite a long time to get our server's attention again to get the check. For breakfast I was a little surprised by the prices for the food offered, on the high side. While the vegan spreads were very good, from the menu it wasn't clear that it was actually vegan cream cheese that was the base of the spreads. Unfortunately the rest of the food was meh, €14.50 for a small croissant (not especially good), a plain roll, a boiled egg and latte, with a pat of butter and jam. Would I come back? Maybe to try a couple of their baked pastries and dessert, but not for breakfast. For more info: https://cafecentral.wien/en/
An absolute must-visit in Vienna! Do as the locals do: slow down, sip your coffee, and just enjoy the moment. The line looked intimidating at first but moved quickly, and we even made friends with some fellow travelers from the U.S. while waiting. We went straight for dessert because why not? The torn pancake with stewed plums was massive. It looked a little messy, but wow, it was delicious. We also tried the Café Central Torte, their version of the Sachertorte since the original name belongs to another famous café, which I'll try to review later. Service was slow, but that seems to be the rhythm in Vienna's cafés. No rushing here like in the Bay Area. Bathrooms were clean, which I always appreciate. The ambiance was what really made it special. Grand chandeliers, a stunning interior, and a gorgeous display case full of desserts. To top it all off, a pianist with a Beethoven wig and outfit played everything from classical pieces to pop hits like Bruno Mars. We tipped him in USD since we weren't carrying any EU cash at that time. Overall, Café Central felt elegant but never pretentious, just timeless, cozy, and unforgettable.
Come here for fabulous coffee and delicious pastries. This historic 19th century cafe is a delight for the eyes and well as the pallet. When you dine here you are dining in a truly historic cafe that was frequented by some of histories greatest and also most notorious individuals. Wiki will list these for you. The food is outstanding especially the pastries. Cafe Central employs a dozen pastry chefs. Everything is imaginative and delicious. They vary the pastry offerings frequently, so you will need to come back over and over. Staff here are hyper friendly and our waiter was cheerful, knowledgeable about the food, made great suggestions and was generally chatty. There is usually a line for walk-ins, reservation holders get seated right away. The line for us was about ten minutes. Double highly recommend.
Decent amount of food for the price. Super touristy. You have to get here first thing in the morning or pre book. I was there 30 minutes early and there already was a line. They get you in and out so things move quickly. I enjoyed it the inside is super cool and it is worth checking out, not the number one priority though.
SERVICE 5 stars - with NEZIR was above 5 stars and two thumbs up. He single-handedly made our experience at Cafe Central out of this world. Professionally, NEZIR was quite efficient expediting our food orders and bringing to us hot. He provided great suggestions on the menu as we know Central is world renown for its coffee and pastries but we wanted to try the savory dinner entrees too. NEZIR was right on. Aside from his professionalism, Nezir's friendly welcome set the tone for the entire evening . While he worked quite fast, he managed to share Family stories, background and cafe history . Totally cool! AMBIANCE 5 stars - Over 130 years , frequented by luminaries such as Freud historical background, live piano music , and beautiful architecture. No wonder it's THE PLACE people line up for! FOOD- savory dishes 3 stars salmon - a bit dry 3 stars - chicken also a bit dry but tasty seasoning 5 stars- warm chocolate cake served with vanilla Ice Cream was EPIC! Moist and very rich chocolate, just as I dreamed it would be! Takeaway at display case- Apple Strudel- 5 stars Petit Fours 4 stars Sisi's favorite -5 stars Coffee- 5 stars
I had a chance to visit the famous Cafe Central with the hubby and I am so glad we did. Definitely remember that there will be a huge line here, so if you are able to get reservations, I would definitely get that as the wait can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour plus! Hubby and I waited for around an hour before we were seated. The ambiance here was nice and we got to try the warm chocolate cake with ice cream. This was decadent and delicious and I loved the warm and cold combo that this dessert offered. The interiors of this cafe is gorgeous and would definitely recommend taking some pictures! Overall, really good experience here and a nice place to pop in to take a break once your feet start hurting from all the walking if you are a visitor in Vienna!
Café Central is one of those iconic spots in Vienna that feels like a time capsule -- step inside and you're instantly transported to a different era, with grand vaulted ceilings, elegant marble columns, and a refined buzz that makes you feel like a 19th-century intellectual (or at least like you're almost in a novel). The vibe alone is worth the visit. We ordered the apple strudel and a torte, and hands down, the apple strudel stole the show -- perfectly warm, flaky, and not overly sweet, with just the right touch of cinnamon. The torte, on the other hand, didn't quite win us over. It was underwhelming compared to the strudel. Service was surprisingly fast and very friendly, even with how busy the place was. Just a heads-up: there's almost always a line to get in, so if you don't want to wait, definitely make a reservation in advance. Overall, a must-do for the atmosphere, the history and that unforgettable apple strudel.
Out of the famous Viennese cafes, I prefer Cafe Central the most. Yes, it is touristy. Yes, there is a line to get in. Yes, the menu is over-priced. However, I enjoy sitting at this cafe admiring the cathedral-like arches while sipping coffee and devouring pretty desserts. For an old-school cafe, they certainly have some nice modern desserts and pastries. 1 star off: Service is almost absent. It takes a very long time to get an order in, receive an order, and get the check. As a frame of reference, I ordered a coffee and two desserts and it took 1 1/2 hours...no wonder there was a long line outside. What was even worse was that my waiter *insisted* that I give a tip. I will spare you from my rant about the forced tip culture that U.S. has created worldwide.
This is now a must visit for tourists so reserve a table ahead of time thru your hotel. The sweet spot seems to be late afternoon, just before dinner time. When we arrived at 6:30pm on a recent Wednesday, there were still many open tables. By the time we left at 7pm, there was a line out the door. This is a very large cafe so service is a bit slow. We were there just for a drink before dinner elsewhere so did not order any food items this time. The spritz was okay. The ambiance was great. But with that many tourists around you, I'm not sure you can truly experience the Viennese cafe.
A must see in Vienna, cafe central is an old historic cafe. The interior is beautiful, which adds to the charm. Food was delicious we had the salmon, eggs, and toast. They have a whole section for chocolates and pastries, and they had great service as well. We came around 10am on a Monday and it started to get busy shortly after.
Wow, we had a really great time at Cafe Central. The food was good, the desserts unbelievably good, and the service was really friendly (and I did not feel taken for granted with such a busy place). The spot is beautiful and of course full of history, which makes it fun. I had two eggs with ham, and a croissant (which was outstanding), along with good coffee. My family had dessert there, which they loved. I took mine for later (it was awesome). We made a reservation as is suggested, but the line honestly didn't look too bad (we came in the morning). Either way, it is a must-do in Vienna
3 months ago
If I had to think about the top five things I've ever eaten, this place would take the cake (figuratively and literally, hehe) in terms of dessert. Like Demel, Cafe Central is a MUST visit when you go to Vienna, where the coffee houses are a sight to behold on their own. Yes, the wait is quite long. Every time I pass by, there's a line, but it actually goes rather quickly and if you can find something to do to pass the time, it's like nothing at all. First off, the interior is STRIKING, a work of art in its own right with marble columns, stylish looking cafe tables, and paintings every where you go. Apparently Sigmund Freud has been a frequent patron here. Even if you were to get nothing at all, just the experience of sitting here is worth your eyes absorbing. But, oh!--the cakes--and the coffees! I had me an iced coffee that had a great body mixed with a delicate flavor to give me a jolt through the day. The hazelnut cake was airy and fluffy, not at all too sweet like American desserts have a tendency to be! The staff here move efficiently, and I love how there's no pressure to hurry up and pay your bill or make your order. A repeat place to be sure if I were to go back to Vienna. My twin and I went on Sept '25 for our vacation. read more
4 months ago
The famous Cafe Central!!! I was so excited to go here that I almost gave up because of the long line. I went around 9:00 AM. The line moved pretty quickly, though, and I waited about 30 minutes. The interior is stunning. I was completely enamored with the architecture and the structure of the building. I was not overly hungry, but I wanted to try the goulash and the apple strudel. Get the strudel with the sauce. 10/10. Amazing. I would absolutely do it again. read more
6 months ago
A Grand Vienna Classic That Still Delivers Magic! Cafe Central may be famous and historic, but the food proves it's far more than a tourist stop. Our visit turned into one of my favorite meals in Vienna. We ordered the Knusprig gebratener Schweinebauch crispy roasted pork belly with vanilla jus, a bright cranberry tartlet, smooth smoked celery cream, and tender baby zucchini. The pork belly was perfection: shatteringly crisp on the outside, unbelievably soft inside. The vanilla jus added a surprising elegance, and the cranberry tartlet balanced the richness with just the right amount of acidity. We also tried their beef stew, a hearty, comforting classic done the Viennese way. Deep, rich flavors with melt-in-your-mouth beef simple, satisfying, and incredibly well executed. The kind of dish that makes you stop talking mid-bite. Of course, no Cafe Central visit is complete without coffee and pastries. My café drink was smooth and perfectly prepared, and the dessert pastries look like works of art and taste even better layers, textures, and flavors that only a true Viennese café can create. Between the soaring ceilings, subtle elegance, and warm service, Cafe Central delivers an experience that blends history with unforgettable food. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the pork belly, beef stew, and pastries. read more
2 months ago
Out of this world. Just amazing. You think you come here for the coffee, but the deserts are to die for. Awesome service and they treat you like a local. Danke!!!! read more
This is one of the must-visit during our Europe trip back in September. We stopped by around noon time, the line was slowly building up but not too bad, it was about 20-30 minutes. The building is very elegant and classical, really enjoyed the atmosphere as walking in, we sat down at a corner next to the window and could not wait to try out the coffee and pastries here. We got Cafe Central Kafee and Maria Therasia for coffee and shared one Viennese Apple Strudel. The coffee is so smooth and with the added liquor, the fragrance is amazing!!! No question, this is the BEST Apple strudel I've tasted, crunchy texture for the outside crust and the filling is full of fruity flavors. We spent about a bit more than an hour there and that was the most relaxing, appreciating and beautiful moment among this Europe trip. read more
Hmm a little torn on this review since I only came for breakfast one day, and didn't get to try their pastries, however felt like the experience was pretty mediocre. Well known for being a beautiful and historic cafe established 1876 frequented by the likes of famous names like Trotsky and Freud, this traditional Viennese coffeehouse and cafe is a popular tourist destination. Having walked by around 7:30pm the prior evening and seeing a line of about 15 people outside, the next morning arriving around 9am the line was about 15 minutes without reservations. Upon entering the inside is beautiful, cavernous domed ceilings, chandeliers and a very classic bistro vibe. Enough seating for probably 150 customers, quite large inside, and about two-thirds full. That's when I realized the line outside was more for show, which at some places I get because staffing might be hard and they want to ramp up the pacing between breakfast and lunch services. In a place like this it seems more like a marketing technique to create hype, which kinda annoyed me--it's not respectful of customers' time. It took a while maybe 10 minutes for a staff member to pass menus, then another 10 minutes for him to come back and check in. What I'll say is he was swift to answer our questions and knew the menu well. In general service felt lacking though, after eating it took quite a long time to get our server's attention again to get the check. For breakfast I was a little surprised by the prices for the food offered, on the high side. While the vegan spreads were very good, from the menu it wasn't clear that it was actually vegan cream cheese that was the base of the spreads. Unfortunately the rest of the food was meh, €14.50 for a small croissant (not especially good), a plain roll, a boiled egg and latte, with a pat of butter and jam. Would I come back? Maybe to try a couple of their baked pastries and dessert, but not for breakfast. For more info: https://cafecentral.wien/en/ read more
An absolute must-visit in Vienna! Do as the locals do: slow down, sip your coffee, and just enjoy the moment. The line looked intimidating at first but moved quickly, and we even made friends with some fellow travelers from the U.S. while waiting. We went straight for dessert because why not? The torn pancake with stewed plums was massive. It looked a little messy, but wow, it was delicious. We also tried the Café Central Torte, their version of the Sachertorte since the original name belongs to another famous café, which I'll try to review later. Service was slow, but that seems to be the rhythm in Vienna's cafés. No rushing here like in the Bay Area. Bathrooms were clean, which I always appreciate. The ambiance was what really made it special. Grand chandeliers, a stunning interior, and a gorgeous display case full of desserts. To top it all off, a pianist with a Beethoven wig and outfit played everything from classical pieces to pop hits like Bruno Mars. We tipped him in USD since we weren't carrying any EU cash at that time. Overall, Café Central felt elegant but never pretentious, just timeless, cozy, and unforgettable. read more
Come here for fabulous coffee and delicious pastries. This historic 19th century cafe is a delight for the eyes and well as the pallet. When you dine here you are dining in a truly historic cafe that was frequented by some of histories greatest and also most notorious individuals. Wiki will list these for you. The food is outstanding especially the pastries. Cafe Central employs a dozen pastry chefs. Everything is imaginative and delicious. They vary the pastry offerings frequently, so you will need to come back over and over. Staff here are hyper friendly and our waiter was cheerful, knowledgeable about the food, made great suggestions and was generally chatty. There is usually a line for walk-ins, reservation holders get seated right away. The line for us was about ten minutes. Double highly recommend. read more
Decent amount of food for the price. Super touristy. You have to get here first thing in the morning or pre book. I was there 30 minutes early and there already was a line. They get you in and out so things move quickly. I enjoyed it the inside is super cool and it is worth checking out, not the number one priority though. read more
SERVICE 5 stars - with NEZIR was above 5 stars and two thumbs up. He single-handedly made our experience at Cafe Central out of this world. Professionally, NEZIR was quite efficient expediting our food orders and bringing to us hot. He provided great suggestions on the menu as we know Central is world renown for its coffee and pastries but we wanted to try the savory dinner entrees too. NEZIR was right on. Aside from his professionalism, Nezir's friendly welcome set the tone for the entire evening . While he worked quite fast, he managed to share Family stories, background and cafe history . Totally cool! AMBIANCE 5 stars - Over 130 years , frequented by luminaries such as Freud historical background, live piano music , and beautiful architecture. No wonder it's THE PLACE people line up for! FOOD- savory dishes 3 stars salmon - a bit dry 3 stars - chicken also a bit dry but tasty seasoning 5 stars- warm chocolate cake served with vanilla Ice Cream was EPIC! Moist and very rich chocolate, just as I dreamed it would be! Takeaway at display case- Apple Strudel- 5 stars Petit Fours 4 stars Sisi's favorite -5 stars Coffee- 5 stars read more
5 months ago
I had a chance to visit the famous Cafe Central with the hubby and I am so glad we did. Definitely remember that there will be a huge line here, so if you are able to get reservations, I would definitely get that as the wait can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour plus! Hubby and I waited for around an hour before we were seated. The ambiance here was nice and we got to try the warm chocolate cake with ice cream. This was decadent and delicious and I loved the warm and cold combo that this dessert offered. The interiors of this cafe is gorgeous and would definitely recommend taking some pictures! Overall, really good experience here and a nice place to pop in to take a break once your feet start hurting from all the walking if you are a visitor in Vienna! read more
Café Central is one of those iconic spots in Vienna that feels like a time capsule -- step inside and you're instantly transported to a different era, with grand vaulted ceilings, elegant marble columns, and a refined buzz that makes you feel like a 19th-century intellectual (or at least like you're almost in a novel). The vibe alone is worth the visit. We ordered the apple strudel and a torte, and hands down, the apple strudel stole the show -- perfectly warm, flaky, and not overly sweet, with just the right touch of cinnamon. The torte, on the other hand, didn't quite win us over. It was underwhelming compared to the strudel. Service was surprisingly fast and very friendly, even with how busy the place was. Just a heads-up: there's almost always a line to get in, so if you don't want to wait, definitely make a reservation in advance. Overall, a must-do for the atmosphere, the history and that unforgettable apple strudel. read more
Out of the famous Viennese cafes, I prefer Cafe Central the most. Yes, it is touristy. Yes, there is a line to get in. Yes, the menu is over-priced. However, I enjoy sitting at this cafe admiring the cathedral-like arches while sipping coffee and devouring pretty desserts. For an old-school cafe, they certainly have some nice modern desserts and pastries. 1 star off: Service is almost absent. It takes a very long time to get an order in, receive an order, and get the check. As a frame of reference, I ordered a coffee and two desserts and it took 1 1/2 hours...no wonder there was a long line outside. What was even worse was that my waiter *insisted* that I give a tip. I will spare you from my rant about the forced tip culture that U.S. has created worldwide. read more
1 year ago
This is now a must visit for tourists so reserve a table ahead of time thru your hotel. The sweet spot seems to be late afternoon, just before dinner time. When we arrived at 6:30pm on a recent Wednesday, there were still many open tables. By the time we left at 7pm, there was a line out the door. This is a very large cafe so service is a bit slow. We were there just for a drink before dinner elsewhere so did not order any food items this time. The spritz was okay. The ambiance was great. But with that many tourists around you, I'm not sure you can truly experience the Viennese cafe. read more
A must see in Vienna, cafe central is an old historic cafe. The interior is beautiful, which adds to the charm. Food was delicious we had the salmon, eggs, and toast. They have a whole section for chocolates and pastries, and they had great service as well. We came around 10am on a Monday and it started to get busy shortly after. read more
Wow, we had a really great time at Cafe Central. The food was good, the desserts unbelievably good, and the service was really friendly (and I did not feel taken for granted with such a busy place). The spot is beautiful and of course full of history, which makes it fun. I had two eggs with ham, and a croissant (which was outstanding), along with good coffee. My family had dessert there, which they loved. I took mine for later (it was awesome). We made a reservation as is suggested, but the line honestly didn't look too bad (we came in the morning). Either way, it is a must-do in Vienna read more
Great experience while we were in Vienna, Austria. I recommend to make a reservation or you will wait in line. Service is really great. Our server even took our group photo. It was a nice experience to come to this cafe. read more
Before we came, everyone and their mom told us we had to check out Café Central while in Vienna, and it's a total Instagram magnet. We got to the Cafe around 8 PM to dodge the crazy lines, but guess what? Still a bit of a wait--totally worth it, though! This place is like stepping into a time machine with its classic Viennese vibes with intricate carvings and a jaw-dropping gothic ceiling that's basically art. We went straight for the good stuff: their famous apple strudel and a chocolate lava cake. Both were chef's kiss delicious--warm, flaky, and just the right amount of sweet. The hot chocolate? It was like drinking a creamy, decadent hug. The service was solid, super friendly, and the prices didn't make us wince, which is always a win. Getting there was a breeze with an Uber, so no stress on that front. If you're in Vienna, Café Central is a must for the vibes, the treats, and that old-school charm. Just be ready for a line, even at night! read more
This place is a legend for a reason. Amazing ambience though quite crowded and bit noisy for lunch. Long line outside that moved fairly fast. The food - soup, fried chicken and dessert pastries were very good. Finished with a cappuccino that was outstanding. Well worth the visit, the wait and the money. Kudos! read more
This is the place in my bucket list for a while, There's long line in front door. The inner doors are amazing. I ordered classic Wiener Schnitzel, it's deep fried veal cutlet, for long time I had impression that is pork steak. The schnitzel was very good, with crispy outside, the parsley potatoes also soft and tasty. I also had a draft beer, I liked it. My wife and daughter ordered coffee and desserts. The only complaint is that we waited for 10-15 minutes to get served. read more
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. read more
So I got here bright and early to make sure I got a seat. The line begins a little before 8 AM. The server was a wonderful, friendly gentleman named Mr. Gerhard and he spoke English thank goodness. I ordered several things because that's how I roll. 1) Beef Taretare: this was excellent with a lot of tasty flavors and a super superior presentation. I enjoyed it thoroughly. 2) Rührei mit geräuchertem Lachs: scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and toast was also superior. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and all of the flavors came together very well. 3) Pastries: I tried two of the pastries that they have (there were a whole lot of elegantly displayed options, so it was difficult to choose two). The hazelnut pastry was very good as was the vanilla cream pastry. 4) I ordered one of the alcoholic espressos as well. That was average. The interior is charming and very creatively designed Overall, this was a pricey endeavor, but I have no regrets! read more
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 read more
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) read more
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. read more
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. read more
1 year ago
Expect long lines, but the interior decor is absolutely gorgeous--worth a peek! My partner and I stopped by this morning, and it's a visual treat with its grand arches and ornate details. We had: Espresso - Strong and smooth, a classic start. Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream - Rich and sweet, a decadent pick. Mozart Cake - Layered and sugary, another sweet standout. (Note: The cakes lean sweeter, but it adds to the charm.) They also have a shop on the side where you can buy their coffees and other goods. We picked up some presents for a friend who's big on coffee--pricey, but a solid gift choice. Overall, it's a nice experience--perfect for photos and ticking off your list. That said, it feels geared toward tourists, so I'd skip it unless you've got time to linger over coffee and cakes. Meal type Other Price per person €10-20 Food: 4 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 5 Group size 1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people Wait time 30-60 min read more
The line was long and I almost didn't wait, as it was rainy and cold. So glad I did. Only took about 15 minutes to get inside and then another 3-5 to be seated. AMAZING desserts and pastries. Coffee was excellent. But you're really coming for the ambience in a baroque (?) style architecture and it didn't disappoint. Service was excellent. With the line outside, I figured they'd be hurrying you along, but they never did. A perfect Vienna cafe experience. read more
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. read more
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! read more
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. read more
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. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
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. read more
had the espresso and the Kaiserschmarrn. the espresso is fine, maybe not worth the 4.50. the Kaiserschmarrn on the other hand- it's perfect. a beautiful experience, i would totally recommend! the plum sauce that it comes with is to die for. This item on the menu is worth the try! The interior of this place is beautiful- looks just like a cathedral. I love the uniforms of the waiters, and they're all equally as helpful. they work fast and hard, and deserve a good tip. read more
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. read more
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Café Central - cafes - Updated May 2026
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