The Best Places To Have Brunch in Vienna, Austria
Brunch has evolved to become the quintessential meal of the day for many holidaying millennials, and Austria has long been a trailblazer in this regard. In fact, they have their very own term for it – “Jause.” Jause essentially refers to a leisurely late-morning to mid-afternoon repast featuring an array of delectable “brunchy” fare. In the vibrant city of Vienna, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey to discover the finest places to eat for a revitalizing meal, which includes a visit to a restaurant housed within a Royal Green House and exploring some lesser-known cafes tucked away in the outer districts. Austrian cuisine boasts an enticing blend of flavors, and you can relish the best food, including freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and other mouthwatering selections that epitomize the essence of brunch in this culturally rich destination.
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Palmenhaus
Located on the grounds of the idyllic Burggarten and adjacent to the National Library and Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Palmenhaus is a beautiful place to catch a bite to eat between sightseeing or unwinding at one of the city’s best spa hotels. This epic glasshouse houses some impressive and exotic plants and was built in the 19th century, originally intended to be used as a summer greenhouse for the Emperor at the time. The restaurant offers a decent choice of traditional cuisine and many “Brunch-style” dishes – sandwiches, cereals and fruits, and the option of a special Austrian breakfast.
Das Augustin
If enjoying a delicious brunch dish in Das Augustin, you may be in the company of one of the handsome cats that can be seen proudly prowling around. This cafe, in the lesser known 15th district, is the epitome of homeliness, with a sleepy atmosphere and squishy armchairs that you can sink into while you enjoy an extended brunch. The “simple fried potatoes” are delicious and the chai latte, a comforting combination of cardamom, vanilla pod, cinnamon and organic milk, makes the perfect afternoon beverage.
Vollpension
Set up by the local community of the 4th district, this socially savvy café offers senior citizens the chance to take a break from retirement, which can often be boring and lonesome, and showcase their baking skills to the public (a win-win situation for both parties). The café aims to unite the young and the elderly — two parts of society that ordinarily, and unfortunately, seldom collide in everyday life. The brunch dishes include the “opa pikant” – a wonderful spread containing traditionally Viennese ingredients: a Semmel roll, pepper, tomatoes, salami, Austrian cheese, and a boiled egg.
Café Z
Delicious coffee and pancakes are just a few of the highlights at Cafe Z — a delightful addition to Vienna’s largely devoid-of-tourists 15th district. Friendly staff and an interestingly designed interior make this vintage-style cafe a winner. On the menu, there is a generous selection of both sweet and savoury pancakes, including spinach and cheese and jam-filled, on offer to chase away your mid-morning hunger. The outdoor seating area, open in the summer, is also a fantastic place for people watching. Immerse yourself in the local life near Cafe Z with a stay at one of Vienna’s top Airbnb rentals.
Die Wäscherei
Die Wäscherei is a former laundrette transformed into both a trendy cocktail bar and top restaurant and serving all-day brunches on Saturdays. There is the early option, served between 9 am to 12 pm, and the “high noon brunch”, for late risers, served between 12 pm and 3 pm. It is the ideal place to stop off between seeing the sights and also has the benefit of a comfortable garden to relax in during the summer months.
Nt Bánh Mì
A somewhat alternative option for those who want a total departure from the Viennese traditions, this sandwich shop makes the best Vietnamese baguettes in town, combining the zesty freshness and spice of Asian food with the comforting softness of French bread. Pair your sandwich (vegan tofu options available) with a cooling pink grapefruit juice or a Vietnamese coffee for a superb and inexpensive lunch and a stay at one of Vienna’s most budget-friendly hotels.
Café Do-An
Located in the city’s 16th-century food and flea market, Naschmarkt, Café Do-An serves almost every brunch-style meal you could think of and has some of the best panoramic views of the surroundings going. A wide variety of salads, burgers, and sandwiches are offer – and you can wander along the stalls to find a suitable dessert afterwards. If the cafe is full, as it often is on weekends, there is a huge variety of brunch spots in the area, so you don’t have to worry about being stranded.
Waldemar
In the backstreets of Vienna’s famously touristy district of Hietzing, home to Schönbrunn Palace and the city zoo, Waldemar is a departure from the nearby Viennese Dommayer, with its strict formalities and dainty, decorative cakes. The interior is minimally modernist — you certainly won’t find any of the frills belonging to the traditional Kaffeehaus here. Everything appears clean-cut and fresh, with jugs of tap water laced with mint, citrus, or stems of rhubarb as well as clean corners, and neon lettering on the concrete walls. The menu follows suit when it comes to contemporary vibes, with a weekend brunch special of pancakes with maple syrup, berries and Greek yoghurt.