It was my very first coffeehouse in Vienna, and I left absolutely impressed. Originally, I was looking for something authentic, old, and vintage, and (thanks to my mum, who found this place) I was able to experience exactly that. Cafe Landtmann has an intellectual yet cozy atmosphere. It decorated with solid wooden furniture, warm light lamps, and emerald green curtains. I should add that I’m describing one of the halls where I was lucky enough to sit *but there are more of them*
The service was polite and pleasant, and of course, I really enjoyed the food (especially the dessert, as I’m a huge fan of strudel). I also finally understood why people go crazy over Austrian coffee. However, it would be unfair not to mention that the meal tastes even better ones I learned about history of the restaurant, notably the names of people who visited it in the past. (I picked the most interesting parts in my opinion and left them below in case you’re curious)
Despite its fame and sophisticated history, I would say this place is quite affordable (at least for a restaurant). It was also lovely to find out that it’s pet-free fly and has a free WI-FI.
So, if you ever find yourself in Vienna, don’t miss the chance to step inside:)
In 1873 the cafe “Landtmann” has opened its doors for the first time. Founded by Franz Landtmann, who came from a family of coffeehouse owners, gingerbread bakers, and fig coffee manufacturers, it was originally located on the Ringstraße, in front of the construction sites for the new Town Hall and well-famed university of Vienna.
In 1881 the “Landtmann” was sold to the two brothers: Wilhelm and Rudolph Kerl. After the death of his brother, Wilhelm continued to handle the business alone. He became a local celebrity, with prominent figures like Gustav Mahler, Sigmund Freud, and Emmerich Kalman visiting him regularly.
In the fall of 1929 the coffee house was completely renovated by Konrad and Angela Zauner. They hired famed architect and professor Ernst Meller, who has designed the interior, which has survived to this days. It’s currently protected by the law.
Following World War II, Konrad turned over the management of the café to his son Erwin, who continued running it successfully until 1976, when it was sold to the Querfeld family. Under their management, Café Landtmann was completely renovated at significant financial cost in 1982, and then again in 2001 and 2002. Today, the Landtmann is run by Anita and Berndt Querfeld.
During its long history, cafe Landtmann was the preferred coffeehouse of Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, Peter Altenberg, Felix Salten (author of “Bambi”), Emmerich Kálman and even Paul McCartney.
