Vienna has turned breakfast into an art form. The classic coffeehouse with a Kipferl and a Melange is the foundation, but the city offers far more than that these days. From sleeping in for a big brunch to a quick organic bakery breakfast on a terrace, anyone eating breakfast in Vienna has plenty to choose from.
Lavish: Glashaus, beef & glory and Drechsler
The most lavish start is the table-side brunch at Glashaus on Grüner Prater 11 in the second district. Tiered stands loaded with pancakes, bruschetta, baked beans, quiche variations and pastries arrive straight at the table, and the Prosecco flows without limit for the entire time slot.
Just as festive, but with a steakhouse edge: the Sunday brunch at beef & glory on Florianigasse 35 in the eighth district. Beef filet tartare with truffle mayonnaise, pimientos de padrón, the Glory dry-aged Sunday burger, and Prosecco that simply doesn't stop.
In the sixth district, Drechsler on Linke Wienzeile 22 has become one of the city's most popular brunch spots. The kitchen is run by the team from Ramasuri on Nestroyplatz: brunch classics alongside surprising combinations, with something for every generation.
International: Haas & Haas and Salt & Honey
Anyone who wants to travel the world over breakfast should head to Haas & Haas at Stephansplatz 4, right behind the cathedral, with more than thirty breakfast options from around the world, each served in its own regional style.
For Mediterranean flavors: Salt & Honey on Getreidemarkt 16, where Portuguese and Mediterranean influences shape the brunch menu, served all day, either at the big communal table or in a quieter corner.
Organic and down to earth: Öfferl, Zweitbester and SALZI
For the most honest organic bakery breakfast in the city: Öfferl, with locations in the first, third and sixth districts. Ingredients from organic farming sourced from regional suppliers, and the beluga lentil sandwich is a category unto itself.
Zweitbester ("Second Best") on Heumühlgasse 2 in the fourth district is, despite its name, the first choice for many. The all-you-can-eat buffet on weekends and holidays wins people over with homemade jams, spreads, chutneys, freshly pressed juices and a self-service waffle iron.
Anyone looking for breakfast with a concept will find SALZI on Hollandstraße 10 in the second district, a bistro with the feel of a concept store: vegetarian and vegan options, gluten-free dishes, occasional DJ sets.
Elegant: The Bank Brasserie & Bar
For a classic, elegant brunch in the inner city, The Bank Brasserie & Bar on Bognergasse 4 is worth booking: a historic bank building as the setting, with brasserie-level cooking.
The Viennese morning is long. You just have to start it right.