Café Landtmann In Vienna And Its Noteworthy Guest List

Opened in 1873 and run today by the Querfeld family

Café Landtmann was opened in 1873 by Franz Landtmann and was an instant hit that was adored by the residents of Vienna. In 1881, however, he sold it to Wilhelm and Rudolf Kerl who continued to make the cafe a success and so much so that it was frequented by Freud, Mahler and Dietrich who would often visit it to both work and relax. Over the years, this quintessential Viennese café subsequently changed hands a number of times and was nearly sold in 1970 to the financial services sector so that a bank branch could be created in its place. Fortunately for the Viennese and the rest of the world, the Querfeld family stepped in when Café Landtmann was facing the danger of being destroyed and saved its fate by purchasing it in 1976. The Querfeld family renovated this historic café in 1982 and elevated and enhanced Café Landtmann so that it would not only remain a Viennese institution but would also steal more hearts of visitors from all over the world.

Café Landtmann is incredibly renowned; it is a place where elegance and subtlety abounds, and no doubt you can see from the photograph that this impression is given from even its exterior. Once you enter this historical haven, you will find that you will be requested to remove your coats for them to be checked into the cloak room upon which you will be greeted by impeccable waiters in their plush attire, which you will have to admire. They will be fully suited with a shirt, jacket and bow tie.

High ceilings, large arched windows, imperial age furnishings

With indoor and outdoor type seating available, the choice is yours as to where to sit (contingent on availability, as this establishment is a popular spot for many locals!). In my view, the indoor seating is simply majestic. You will feel like you are sitting in a royal palace’s hall from a few hundred years ago. It has high ceilings and large arched windows with draped curtains falling to the ground. It is populated with chairs from the imperial age and stunning booths that give you and your party privacy from others. The outdoor type seating consists of a very large conservatory, that gives you the impression that you are sitting outside. It offers a great view of the surrounding area which includes the beautiful buildings on the Ringstrasse. Sitting in this outdoor type seating and enjoying some food and drink makes you feel at home in this city as you watch people and transportation go by. As the area is covered by glass, it also provides perfect protection from any weather conditions, meaning that you can always appreciate the stunning views around you. Whichever area you enjoy, the charming and relaxed atmosphere will be present throughout.

Culinary greatness and dishes of sheer fineness

Café Landtmann serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts and drinks. When dining here, you will feel that you are in the presence of culinary and cultural greatness. My experience of lunch and dinner here has been simply phenomenal and the presentation of the dishes is sheer fineness. The menu changes every now and again, so don’t be surprised if the dish that you last enjoyed is not on the present menu. All I can say is embrace the latest dishes. My current recommended dish for Café Landtmann would have to be the “spinach” dish which consists of cream spinach, roasted potatoes and fried egg for 11.50 EUR (13 USD). The portion sizes for all the meals are very generous, yet I am sure you will find a way to finish every bite!

Café Landtmann is also known for its famous bakery, the Landtmann Patisserie, which is located in southern Vienna. This patisserie has at least 30 patisserie chefs, trainees and apprentices that work throughout the day to create the epitome of Viennese excellence when it comes to pastries and cakes. It supplies 7 of the most popular Viennese cafés, all owned by same group, and provides pastries and cakes 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Just by looking at the desserts on display in any of these 7 cafes, including Café Landtmann, you will find that no matter how full your stomach feels, you will find a way to squeeze in some room for at least one piece of cake. The only hard part that you will find is deciding which cake to enjoy. If, however, you fancy a warm dessert, then the sliced pancake also known as, “Kaiserschmarrn” that is served with raisins, apple puree, and plum compote for 9.50 EUR (11 USD) is recommended.