A Viennese Cultural Insight At Café Central

A place that exudes prestige and reputation

Café Central is located at Herrengasse 14, 1010 and is in close proximity to the Hofburg Palace, so attracts an abundance of tourists every single day. The area surrounding it is quintessential Vienna and has the most amazing architecture. As you can see from the photograph, the exterior of Café Central is impressive and if you sit outside, you will see many horse and carriages pass by. Café Central is the brainchild of Heinrich von Ferstel who was inspired to build this grand establishment after a visit to Italy and he has certainly created a site that has become one of the most famous in Vienna. The entire place exudes prestige and reputation and always has a queue from the front door out into the patio and outdoor seating area. It should be noted though that that whilst there is usually a queue, you should not feel discouraged as it is managed quite well and quickly (and it is worth the short wait). After all, you are waiting to experience a Viennese icon and rightfully so.

A majestic interior with a dessert display to behold

Once you enter the actual building, you will see the stunning interior which is breathtaking. It has marble columns, high vaulted decorative ceilings and large paintings of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. The décor is an unusual combination of European and Arab influenced styles merged together. Keeping with its formal setting, all the tables will be covered with pristine white tablecloths and the finest silverware. Adding to the high-end experience, if you visit after 5.00 pm, there will be a grand piano being played and you will hear melodies from the famous Strauss and others whilst you are relaxing at Café Central.

It really has a very opulent and majestic interior and at the front of the café, you will see a huge selection of desserts and various pastries in the display cabinets. This display is something to really behold; I can guarantee that your eyes will dazzle and your taste buds will be ready and kicking to try the options! If you are an indecisive person, I can assure you that it is going to be a very big challenge trying to decide which item from the display to select as they are all pieces of art. As a result, I have to suggest that you bring others with you so that you can order more, share and sample the very different and impressive items available. If you are short for time, you should note that you can order any of the items for take-away and therefore enjoy them at your own leisure. The items available are not to be simply eaten in a rush; to truly appreciate them, you definitely need to take your time.

An insight into cold and hot desserts

Café Central offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks and desserts. The menu includes a broad selection of Viennese classical dishes, traditional coffee and mouth-wateringly sweet desserts (both hot and cold). For me the focus of visiting was simply coffee and desserts, so here is my feedback for you.

In respect to the cold desserts, all of the desserts in the display at the front have a number tag meaning that you do not have to remember its name when placing your order — you simply remember the number, so make sure if you’re visiting just to enjoy something sweet, check out the display and make a mental note of the important number(s) for you! I would have to recommend that you sample some of the cakes such as the Café Central schnette, which is like a flaky and creamy millfuelle. The cakes are reasonably priced (under 7 EUR/8 USD) considering the amount of work that has gone into them. Whilst the cold desserts are a sight to see, the hot desserts are in my view, showstoppers. The milcharahmstrudel, which is a sweet cheese strudel with vanilla sauce, (for 7.60 EUR/9 USD) and is featured as the photograph above, is absolutely delicious and recommended. The kaiserschmarrn, which is torn pancake with stewed plum (for 8.90 EUR/10 USD), is also recommended.

Accompanying any dessert, whether cold or hot, has to be the wiener melange, which is a Viennese style coffee that consists of espresso and frothed milk (for 4.70 EUR/6 USD). You cannot go to Vienna without trying this drink. At Café Central, if you order a hot drink, it will be accompanied by a little Café Central chocolate which is milk chocolate with nuts.