Café Central – an Iconic and Historically Significant Coffeehouse in Vienna

Historical Significance

Café Central is one of the most iconic and historically significant coffeehouses in Vienna. It has a rich heritage dating back to 1876 and has been a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and thinkers throughout history. Many renowned figures, such as Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, and Peter Altenberg, frequented this café. Being in Café Central allows you to immerse yourself in the ambiance and atmosphere that these historical figures once enjoyed.

Architectural Beauty

The architecture of Café Central is stunning. Housed in the Palais Ferstel, a beautiful 19th-century building, the café features grand interiors with high ceilings, chandeliers, marble columns, and intricate details. The ornate décor creates a captivating and elegant environment that adds to the overall charm of the café.

Traditional Coffeehouse Experience

Café Central embodies the traditional Viennese coffeehouse culture. It offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where you can sit for hours, savor a cup of coffee, and indulge in delicious pastries. The café has retained its classic charm and continues to serve as a place for intellectual discussions, readings, and socializing.

Culinary Delights

Café Central is known for its exceptional coffee and a wide selection of Viennese pastries and cakes. Whether you’re craving a slice of Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, a plate of Kaiserschmarrn paired with a classic Viennese coffee like Einspänner or Melange, Wiener Eiskaffee (in the summer), Café Central delivers on the culinary front. The delectable treats, prepared with precision and care, are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or enjoying a light meal.

If you want to try traditional Austrian dishes, they also have them on the menu : Rindsgulasch,Wiener Schnitzel, Spanferkelbauch, and their home-made Backhendl are some we recommend.

The Sachertorte is a cake consisted of a dense and moist chocolate sponge cake layered with a thin apricot jam filling. The cake is then coated in a smooth and glossy chocolate glaze, which adds a luscious finishing touch. The contrast between the dark chocolate and the tangy apricot jam creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Traditionally, Sachertorte is served with unsweetened whipped cream on the side, which complements the cake with a creamy and velvety feel to the intense chocolate flavors. The cake is often decorated with the word “Sacher” written in chocolate on top, indicating its authenticity.

Kaiserschmarrn is beloved for its fluffy, shredded pancake texture and sweet flavors. It is a dish that is typically served as a dessert or even as a main course for some. s typically served warm, either directly from the pan or transferred to a serving dish. It is often accompanied by fruit compote, such as applesauce or plum compote, on the side. The compote adds a tangy and fruity element that complements the sweetness of the pancake.

Apfelstrudel is a pastry filled with a sweet and flavorful apple filling, often spiced with cinnamon and raisins. Apfelstrudel is known for its delicate, flaky layers and the warm, comforting flavors of the apple filling. It is traditionally served warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of warm vanilla sauce. The combination of the flaky pastry, tender apples, and aromatic spices creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Café Central’s Apfelstrudel also has almond flakes on it.

Einspänner is a traditional Viennese coffee specialty that combines rich, strong coffee with whipped cream, creating a delightful and indulgent drink. It takes its name from the horse-drawn carriages called “Einspänner” that were commonly used in Vienna in the past. It is served in a glass cup or mug that showcases the layers of coffee and cream. The contrast between the dark coffee and the white cream creates an appealing visual presentation. Some variations of Einspänner may include a sprinkle of cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream, adding an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal – just like what Café Central serves.

Melange is a classic Viennese coffee specialty that holds a prominent place in Viennese coffeehouse culture. It is a delightful and comforting beverage that combines espresso with steamed milk and a dollop of frothed milk, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It is served in a classic, wide-rimmed coffee cup or glass that showcases the layers of espresso, steamed milk, and froth. A cup of Melange is often dusted with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or grated chocolate.

Wiener Eiskaffee or Viennese iced coffee, is a refreshing and indulgent coffee-based beverage that is particularly popular during the warm summer months in. It is a delightful combination of chilled coffee, ice cream, whipped cream, and sometimes additional toppings for added flavor and texture.Wiener Eiskaffee is usually served in a tall glass or goblet, allowing the layers of coffee, ice cream, and cream to be visually appreciated. The drink is typically enjoyed using a long spoon and a straw, allowing for sips of the coffee-ice cream mixture and spoonfuls of the creamy whipped topping.

Wiener Schnitzel is breaded and fried veal cutlet that has become a beloved culinary classic in many parts of the world. The name “Wiener Schnitzel” translates to “Viennese cutlet” in English, which reflects its association with Vienna. While the original recipe calls for veal, variations of Wiener Schnitzel can be made with other meats such as pork or chicken. These alternatives are referred to as “Schnitzel Wiener Art” or “Viennese-style schnitzel” to distinguish them from the traditional veal version and restaurants are required to disclose this on their menus. Wiener Schnitzel is traditionally served with a slice of lemon on the side, which is squeezed over the cutlet before eating. The acidity of the lemon adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish. Additionally, it is often accompanied by a side of potato salad, cucumber salad, or parsley potatoes.

Rindsgulasch, also known as Austrian beef goulash or simply goulash, is a hearty and flavorful stew that originated in Hungary and has become a popular dish in Austrian cuisine. It is traditionally made with tender chunks of beef, simmered in a rich and aromatic sauce. Rindsgulasch is often served with traditional accompaniments such as spätzle (soft egg noodles), boiled potatoes, or bread dumplings known as Semmelknödel. These side dishes help to soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.

Spanferkelbauch, loosely translated as suckling pig belly, refers to the belly portion of a young pig that is still nursing and has not been weaned. It is a tender and succulent cut of meat that is highly prized for its flavor and texture.The meat in the belly is typically more tender compared to other cuts of pork due to the pig’s young age. Suckling pig belly can be prepared in various ways, depending on regional and culinary preferences. One common method is slow-roasting the belly, which allows the fat to render and the meat to become tender while developing a crispy skin. The skin is often scored or scored and rubbed with salt to enhance the crackling effect during cooking.

Tafelspitz is highly regarded and considered a culinary specialty loved by Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria. It refers to a cut of beef from the tip of the tenderloin, located at the back of the animal near the tail. This specific cut is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The traditional accompaniments to Tafelspitz include boiled potatoes, creamy apple-horseradish sauce (known as Apfelkren), and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green beans.

Accommodating

Café Central’s crew can get busy, being there are a lot of customers to attend to. But of the many times I have dined with friends and family, they have always been accommodating, always coming back to check on you if you need something else, or that everything suits your taste.

Cultural Immersion

Visiting Café Central allows you to immerse yourself in Viennese culture and traditions. You can witness the Viennese coffeehouse ritual, observe locals engaging in conversations, and enjoy the slower pace of life that these cafés encourage. It’s an opportunity to experience the essence of Viennese lifestyle and understand the significance of coffeehouses in the city’s cultural fabric.

Overall, Café Central offers a unique blend of history, architecture, culinary delights, and cultural immersion. It’s a place where you can step back in time, indulge in Viennese coffeehouse traditions, and appreciate the beauty and heritage of one of Vienna’s most famous cafés.

Book here – there will always be a long line by the entrance (even when it’s raining) so it’s best to always reserve a seat.