Ranking: The best cakes in Vienna
Who doesn’t love Viennese cakes and pastries? In the afternoon, treat yourself to a cake in a coffee house with a traditional Melange (described by one famous Viennese coffee company as “one espresso shot served in a large coffee cup topped with steamed milk and milk foam“) – more Viennese lifestyle is almost impossible. The Viennese truly love their cakes and pastries. Choosing from the wide variety on offer is not an easy task, but we have tried to do so for you anyway – get your forks ready for our best of Viennese cakes and pastries!
The classic: the Sachertorte
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It is world famous and is as synonymous with Vienna as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Giant Ferris Wheel. We are talking, of course, about the world-famous Sachertorte at Café Sacher. A visit to Vienna without Sachertorte is simply unimaginable!
Yet the story behind the origin of the delicious Sachertorte is quite old, as its forerunner can be found as early as the 18th century. However, the real story begins when Prince Metternich commissioned his court kitchen to serve a special dessert for himself and his guests. Since the head chef was ill at the time, the 16-year-old apprentice, Franz Sacher, had to face this challenge. He invented the basic shape of the Sachertorte. Later, the Sachertorte was perfected by his eldest son, Eduard, in the form we know today.
Café Sacher Wien
Address: Philharmonikerstraße 4, 1010 Vienna
Website: https://www.sacher.com/cafe-sacher-wien/
Opening hours: https://www.sacher.com/cafe-sacher-wien/
The classic no. 2: the Imperial Torte
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It is somewhat overshadowed by the Sachertorte, which is probably known all over the world, but this is absolutely unfair. You really should see for yourself if you have not already done so. According to legend, this cake was created in April 1873 on the occasion of the opening of the Vienna World’s Fair by the emperor – by the apprentice chef of the Hotel Imperial, Xaver Loibner. It was to be unique, made only by hand and from the best ingredients. And it still tastes that unique today, with its alternating layers of chocolate cream, marzipan, almonds and icing.
Café Imperial Wien
Address: Hotel Imperial, Kärtner Ring 16, 1010 Vienna
Website: https://www.cafe-imperial.at/
Opening hours: https://www.cafe-imperial.at/
Cakes in a magnificent setting: the Palmenhaus Torte
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The Palmenhaus in the heart of Vienna, more precisely in the Burggarten, is impressive not only as an unusual location, but also with the cakes and pastries served with a Melange. In any case, the in-house creation with the simple name “Palmenhaus Torte” must be highlighted. Often sold out later in the afternoon, this clearly shows the popularity of the cake among visitors and locals alike.
Palmenhaus – Café – Brasserie – Bar
Address: Burggarten 1, 1010 Vienna
Website: http://www.palmenhaus.at/
Opening hours: https://www.palmenhaus.at/
Hildebrandt: could this be the best cheesecake in the city?
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A cheesecake is not really typically Viennese. However, this does not detract from its popularity. Many restaurants and cafes have also added this “imported” delicacy to their menus. The cheesecake tastes particularly good at Hildebrandt, which is located in the Wiener Volkskundemuseum (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art).
Café Hildebrandt
Address: Laudongasse 15–19, 1080 Vienna
Website: https://www.volkskundemuseum.at/hildebrandt
Opening hours: https://www.volkskundemuseum.at/information
Brownie with peanut butter in “Fett und Zucker”
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And another not truly native cake enjoys great popularity near the Karmelitermarkt: the brownie. You will likely not find any other place in Vienna where a brownie is baked as great as in Fett und Zucker. As a special, it is also available with peanut butter icing. In addition, the Fett und Zucker brownie is also vegan.
Fett und Zucker
Address: Hollandstraße 16, 1020 Vienna
Website: http://www.fettundzucker.at/
Opening hours: http://www.fettundzucker.at/
Banana cream cake in Café Diglas
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The Café Diglas chain is one of the fixed starters if you are seeking an authentic and cosy coffee house atmosphere and pastry culture. The banana cream cake, which is offered in all four branches, is particularly popular. The dark chocolate, which is not too sweet, goes wonderfully with the wide variety of coffees on the menu.
Café Diglas in der Wollzeile
Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Vienna
Website: http://www.diglas.at/
Opening hours: https://www.diglas.at/wollzeile
Eskeles: when you are looking for something different
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Café Eskeles is not only a great place for lunch, but it also serves a fine selection of typical Jewish pastries. Particularly noteworthy is the Flotni, an apple, poppy seed and walnut pastry. If you don’t want your pastry to be too sweet or too creamy, Eskeles – located directly in the Jewish Museum Vienna – is the place to be.
Café Eskeles
Address: Dorotheergasse 11, 1010 Vienna
Website: http://www.cafe-eskeles.at/
Opening hours: http://www.cafe-eskeles.at/
Brass Monkey: New York cupcakes in Vienna
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Vienna is an international metropolis. In addition to the local classics, “imported” cakes are also becoming increasingly popular. If you want to enjoy New York-style cupcakes in the middle of Vienna, you definitely have to go to the Brass Monkey in Vienna’s 6th district, Mariahilf.
Brass Monkey
Address: Gumpendorfer Strasse 71, 1060 Vienna
Website: http://brassmonkeyvienna.com/
Opening hours: http://brassmonkeyvienna.com/
Your favourite cake didn’t make it into this blog post? Then simply write us an email or on Facebook. We look forward to your input and feedback!
Title picture © Café Eskeles