Apart from the imperial architecture and majestic mountainous backdrops, one element of Vienna that sucked me in and stole my affection was an exquisite collection of sugary delicacies. A tradition of rich ornate quality flows straight from the baroque buildings into its Viennese patisseries, where the same beautiful desserts have been carefully crafted for hundreds of years.
In my recent trip to the city, I managed to consume more sugar than Bruce Bogtrotter, discovering a list of must eat desserts, cakes and sweet treats in the process…
The famous Sacher-Torte at Café Sacher Wien
You can’t come to Vienna without trying two things and here is the first. Apart from the Sound of Music and Viennese Waltz, Austria’s most famous creation is the Sacher-Torte, a rich chocolatey cake with an apricot jam sliver that to this day has never had its secret recipe revealed.
The best place to sample a slice of Vienna’s most famous dessert is at the Café Sacher Wien, a part of the 5 star hotel. Be prepared to queue at any time of day, particularly for larger groups, but within a short while, you’ll be ooo-ing over the smooth chocolate torte that has satisfied royalty since 1832.
The café also sells various remixes of its creation in both edible and drinkable formats including chocolate liqueur coffees and ice cream cakes.
Apple Strudel at Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz
Next up on the unmissable list is the most renowned traditional Viennese dessert, the apple strudel. Every restaurant, café and probably bar will serve you up a portion but if you want more of an interactive experience than the strudel demonstration at Schönbrunn Palace’s Café Residenz is a must.
For just 10 euros you’ll get a healthy slice to enjoy with a hot drink whilst two enthusiastic chefs cook up a strudel in the kitchen using their impressive twirling, whirling and rolling skills. The majority of it is in German but English speakers will still enjoy the theatrics, each getting a free recipe to try at home if you dare!
Discover more strudel making and masterclasses in Vienna.
Luxurious cakes at Café Central
Normally cafes that have served a city for centuries can tend to go down a less than elegant touristy route, but not this one. The beloved Café Central is a classic affair, serving a full menu of delights in its impressive interiors. Breakfasts, lunch or simply a catch up over a cigar, this coffeehouse has been a favourite of many poets, philosophers and leaders including Vienna’s own Sigmund Freud.
The delicate cakes on offer are a match for the setting, beautifully crafted and flavoured. I settled on a Honey Bee, a light mousse filling on a nutty base, whilst Allyn picked out a raspberry and dark chocolate slice that was gloriously rich and fruity.
Handmade sweets at Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker
There is an overwhelming amount of ice cream stands, chocolate shops and patisseries in Vienna, but the one that really caught our eye was Gerstner, sone of the best pastry shops in Vienna.
After a raspberry cocktail in their alfresco bar, we popped inside to drool over homemade chocolates, macarons and cakes. I couldn’t resist picking out a few sweets to take home.
The magnificent handmade temptations were once made for the imperial court and now supply the next door Opera House and Hofburg Palace among many other top venues and hotels. Don’t miss out on their apple strudel truffles or chocolate liqueur, a perfect place to shop for a treat for loved ones… and you.
Looking for more? Here’s a few other recommendations for where to get the best desserts and sweet treats in Vienna…
More of the best dessert spots in Vienna
Demel
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Hofburg Palace, this iconic pastry shop and chocolaterie has been delighting visitors since the 1700s. Demel was once the official confectioner to the imperial family, and stepping inside feels like entering a gilded jewellery box — but filled with cake. You’ll find towering slices of Esterházy torte, punch cakes soaked in rum, and their own version of the Sacher-Torte (though don’t bring that up at Café Sacher… there’s still a long-standing rivalry).
Café Landtmann
Another favourite of Freud’s, Café Landtmann is the place to go for traditional charm and seriously good pastries. It’s known for its elegant setting and pristine glass display of cakes — the kind that make you hover indecisively before picking two instead of one. The Kardinalschnitte, a meringue and coffee cream cake, is a standout.
Vollpension
If you’re after something less grand and more grandma, head to Vollpension. It’s a cosy café where the cakes are homemade by actual grandmas and grandpas. You’ll find spongey Gugelhupf, apple cake with crumble tops and big slices of moist marble cake served with a side of storytelling. It’s also a brilliant social initiative and a local favourite for Vienna desserts.
Eis Greissler
For a break from the patisseries, Eis Greissler serves up small-batch, organic ice cream in flavours that change with the seasons. Think pumpkin seed oil, poppyseed, or classic hazelnut done properly. Their central Vienna branch often has a queue — always a good sign.
Kurkonditorei Oberlaa
With several locations across the city, Oberlaa is known for its selection of Viennese cakes and pastries, but it’s the creamy, delicate LaaKronen that steals the show — think layers of whipped cream and chocolate with a crunch of hazelnut. If you’re souvenir hunting, their packaged macarons and chocolate-covered treats are hard to resist.
From famous desserts like the Sacher-Torte to lesser-known pastries served by grandmas at Vollpension, there’s no shortage of sweet spots to discover in Austria’s capital. Whether you’re after heritage cafés, fancy patisseries or just the best dessert in Vienna, this city is a sugar lover’s dream.
Get more guides to Austria including the best things to do in Innsbruck.
4 Responses
Oh My God the first photo is to die for!! I love it, chocolate is the best
xx Ele | http://elewithlove.it/
Haha, its so droolworthy right 😉
Oh wow, you had me at sweet treats! These all look incredible. I’ve had the pleasure of trying sachertorte and apfelstrudel in Vienna myself, so I’m totally agreed with your inclusion of them both in this article! But… now I’m drooling over my keyboard, so thanks for that.
😉
Haha I’m very sorry.. it should come with a warning 😉 Aren’t they both delicious!