5 lesser-known cafes you probably haven’t tried yet in Vienna, but definitely should

The interior of the Café Z is reminiscent of the cake store that was located here back in the day, before the café opened its doors. The owner, who’s a 15th district native and saw her neighborhood’s potential way back, has preserved the old retro charm of the café, yet given it a crisp, inviting modern attitude. And yes, you can still get delicious cakes here, which are actually made by the previous owners of the place next door. The Schanigarten, spreading out in summer on the square out front also possesses an atmosphere as special as the inside.

OK, so people in the 18th district neighbourhood most probably do know this cafe, very well. It’s buzzing most weekends, with people spilling in from the nearby Kutschkermarkt, along with others craving their quality breakfast offerings. As the name suggest, the Cafebrennerei Franze prides itself on its fine selection of (home roasted!) coffee and the huge range of tea! Its the interior that makes this cafe so inviting – it’s got that cosy neighbourhood coffee house charm. You can grab a table or sit at one of the stalls at the window and watch the world…well, the 18th district, go by.

Under the leafy green trees of Wiedner Hauptstrasse in Vienna’s 4rth district is Schönbbergers Caffe Bar. The baristas certainly know what they’re doing, so you can never go wrong with getting your daily morning dose of caffeine from this café. They serve up one of the most consistently made best coffees in the city. They have loads of regulars, and for good reason – they’re a charming bunch of coffee-loving baristas. As for food, they’ve always got a few croissants up for grabs, but don’t come here hungry.

The Waldemar Tagesbar is a charming neighbourhood cafe in the 13th district, which is filled with light from its big front window. It serves up everything your café-loving heart desires, from the craftily made cup of coffee and cake, to deliciously prepared breakfasts (including a signature ‘breakie burger’ that’s worth treating yourself to). Around lunch time, the menu flips into a collection of bowls, salads and curries. This café is for all of those who like a good mixture of rough walls paired with slick design furniture minimalism.

Franzundjulius possesses many attractive features. One being it’s black and white tiled floor. One look at it, along with the uncrowded layout of chairs and table, and we were hooked. Put together by the same people who own the bookshop, Buchkontor, around the corner, its the kind of place you’d expect people who love books would open up. Full of a intimate, romantic charm.

They’ve got a brunch happening every Friday and Saturday from 9am until the late afternoon, while Monday to Friday, they offer a warm main dish and a soup combo menu from midday onwards.

Nook is a daytime cafe with, seemingly 100s of lightbulbs hanging from its ceiling, a charming window seat in a nook (assuming that’s where the name comes from) and a high table surrounded by stools. It’s intimate, with only space for about 20 people at a time. Not even. We love the oddball mix of chairs and rustic furniture arranged in this beautifully designed space. And their food is just as pleasing to the eye, not to mention the tastebuds. Also, their coffee game is strong.