Gerstner Konditorei is a renowned pastry shop and café located at Palais Todesco in Vienna’s first district. It has a long history dating back to 1847 and is well-known for its exquisite pastries, cakes, and confectionery creations. There used to be a smaller Gerstner café that we visited at times, and where my son loves the macarons – but they have closed down, leaving the bigger one at Palais Todesco and the other one by the Opera house. Palais Todesco is anyway exactly opposite the Opera house. Trying the menu at Gerstner Konditorei can be a delightful experience for several reasons:
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Tradition and Quality
Gerstner Konditorei has been serving customers for over 175 years, and its commitment to quality and tradition is evident in its menu. The pastry shop uses the finest ingredients and follows time-tested recipes to create delectable treats.
Varied Selection
The menu at Gerstner Konditorei offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic Viennese pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel to modern creations, there is something for everyone. You can indulge in rich cakes, creamy tortes, delicate petits fours, and other mouthwatering desserts.
Coffee and Tea Specialties
In addition to pastries and cakes, Gerstner Konditorei takes pride in its exceptional coffee and tea offerings. Pairing your sweet treat with a perfectly brewed cup of Viennese coffee or a fragrant tea can elevate the overall experience.
Beautiful Presentation
Gerstner Konditorei pays great attention to detail when it comes to presentation. The pastries and cakes are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted. Each creation is a work of art, making it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Elegant Ambience
The café itself provides a charming and elegant atmosphere where you can relax and savor your treats. Gerstner Konditorei is often frequented by locals and tourists alike, creating a vibrant and cosmopolitan ambiance.
Cultural Experience
Vienna is renowned for its coffeehouse culture, and Gerstner Konditorei is part of that rich tradition. By trying the menu at this establishment, you can immerse yourself in the city’s culinary heritage and experience a slice of Viennese culture.
It’s worth noting that Gerstner Konditorei may have seasonal specialties or limited-time offerings, so checking their menu or visiting their website before your visit is advisable. Whether you’re a pastry enthusiast or simply appreciate fine desserts, trying the menu at Gerstner Konditorei is likely to be a delightful and memorable experience.
Cafe im Opernfoyer
Gerstner Konditorei also has a special connection to the Vienna Opera House (Wiener Staatsoper). It is located right next to the opera house, making it a popular spot for opera-goers and visitors to enjoy a pre- or post-show treat. The proximity to the opera house allows visitors to conveniently indulge in delicious pastries, cakes, and other confections before or after attending performances.
Gerstner Konditorei’s location near the Vienna Opera House, both the one at the Foyer and the bigger one opposite adds to the overall cultural experience of enjoying Viennese pastries and immersing oneself in the city’s rich artistic and musical heritage. The elegant ambiance of the café, coupled with its historical significance and close proximity to the opera house, makes it a favored destination for locals and tourists alike.
If you’re planning to attend an opera performance at the Vienna Opera House, visiting Gerstner Konditorei can be a wonderful way to enhance your experience by indulging in their delectable offerings and embracing the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this iconic cultural institution.
You can also take home anything you fancy from the shop!
Traditional Austrian Food
Gerstner also has sandwich offerings and some tasty dishes, despite being a short list compared to its counterparts. One can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes such as:
Wiener Schnitzel: This is one of Austria’s most famous dishes. It consists of a breaded and pan-fried veal or pork cutlet. It is often served with lemon wedges and potato salad or parsley potatoes.
Rindsgulasch (Beef Goulash): Rindsgulasch is a traditional Austrian dish consisting of tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. The beef is typically cooked slowly with onions, paprika, garlic, and various spices until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Zwiebelrostbraten: Zwiebelrostbraten is a classic Austrian steak dish that combines a juicy, pan-fried beef steak with caramelized onions. The steak is typically a thick cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, seasoned with salt and pepper, and seared to perfection. The onions are sautéed until golden brown and slightly sweet.
Überbackene Schinkenfleckerl: Überbackene Schinkenfleckerl is a delicious Austrian pasta bake that combines pasta, ham, and cheese. Fleckerl refers to a type of pasta that resembles small square or diamond-shaped pieces. In this dish, the pasta is cooked until al dente, then combined with diced ham and a creamy cheese sauce, often made with Gruyère or Emmental cheese. The mixture is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top.
These dishes are just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Austrian cuisine. They showcase the use of quality ingredients, hearty flavors, and a combination of traditional cooking techniques that make Austrian food so appealing.
Gerstner Konditorei
Kärntner Straße 51, 1010 Vienna
Reserve your breakfast, lunch or dinner here.
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Gerstner is a few minutes walk from train station Karlsplatz (U4, U1, Trams D, 1, 2, 71, Bus 59A). Its location is very convenient and really worth the trip. They also have a garden café that doesn’t require reservations. We’ll feature it next time!
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I can see why you enjoyed it here. It’s so pretty and the food looks tasty!
Yes, I love it here, I try to bring visiting friends-it’s a special restaurant/café. ^_^
The food here sounds amazing. I need to order one of these cakes.
I don’t have a photo of all the cakes, but they’re all amazing!
The ambience looks so beautiful! My husband and I would love to go here for their coffee and tea selections.
oh my.. i would head there just for these cake.. so heavenly
What an elegant pastry shop! I’ll have to remember it if I am ever in Vienna!
Those pastries look absolutely delicious! I would love to dig into some of that Gerstner house cake – it looks iconic!
Wow! The food here looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to go and visit here
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article on the Gerstner Konditorei. Your description of the delightful experience, accompanied by beautiful photos, made me feel as though I was there. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recommendation!
My daughter is in Austria, enjoying some great history (the Vienna Opera House, Schoenbrunn Palace and the Composer’s memorials) – and lots of good food! She was instructed to enjoy lots of great chocolate cake and other delicious desserts. This place looks wonderful.
I remember your comment from last time, I didn’t expect it to be this soon…I hope she enjoys her stay! Yes, the Opera house is just opposite Gerstner and there’s a small one at the foyer too!
The dinnerware is so cute and the plating of the dishes looks lovely!
This shop looks like the perfect spot to sit and work while enjoying some coffee/pastries. I wish it was close by.
This is a beautiful and charming post! I’ve just put Vienna on my bucket list. This makes me want to be there right now!
It sounds like a wonderful place to visit, And I can see why you want to go there the food looks amazing too.