Cafe Central

It may be a tourist trap, but it's worth being ensnared by the Central at least once. As it goes, the soaring vault would alone merit a visit, but there's much more to the place besides grand decor. The first-rate cakes and coffee will always be winners, whilst the phantoms of former regulars make for interesting food for thought in themselves. Alfred Polgar remarked that this was 'a place for people who have to kill time in order not to be killed by it.' But were things really that dramatic? A famed Viennese big-wig clearly didn't think so: "Who's going to start a revolution in Russia?" he snorted. "Surely not that Bronstein at the Central!" That Bronstein would soon be known to the world as Leon Trotsky.

Just had a really good meal here (Jan 2012). Pleasant & helpful staff. Great accompaniment on piano.

Not really, I had a sacher cake there and it was really dry, tasted like a normal chocolate cake which has been left over in the fridge for at least 1 week.

Great coffee, cakes, atmosphere...

Awesome taste on the coffee in such a history place, a must in Vienna

A wonderful late evening was enjoyed with friends over excellent coffee and awesome pastries while basking in the beautiful atmosphere and piano favorites.

A beautiful cafe - so full of character and history. This is what we miss living in the States!

I go there every Christmas on my annual trip To Vienna. One time I was fortunate enough to be there while a pianist was playing Strauss. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! It is a treat not to be missed on your trip to Wein.

Walking in I was transported to the end of the 19th century and as I sat and was embraced by the history and atmosphere, I preceded to indulge in the most decadent and delicious coffee and pastries....the people, the music being played by a pianist, the elegant decor....need I say more?

The difference between living and existence is at least going once to Cafe Central.

My wife was in heaven here, and she spent a long time deliberating over which coffee and cake to choose. Alas, we don't have such places in England anymore (perhaps we never quite did!). Great to see Cafe Central still going strong after all these years...

The most beautiful cafe in Vienna. Unsurprisingly, the service is rather surly, but the cafe is a sight to behold, and the cakes are indeed excellent.

The Cafe Central is just how you imagine a grand Vienna cafe to be. You can breathe the history. Don't miss it!

The coffee with apricot schnapps does the job. wunderbar.