Café Landtmann: A Living Legacy on the Ringstraße
Café Landtmann was founded in 1873 by Franz Landtmann, who set out to create what he envisioned as the most elegant café in Vienna. At the time, the Ringstrasse area was still under development, with construction of major public buildings like the University of Vienna and City Hall ongoing. Despite this, the café quickly became a popular meeting spot thanks to its ambitious design and prominent location.
What distinguished Landtmann early on was not just its style, but the influential clientele it attracted. Over the decades, it became a favored haunt for politicians, artists, writers, and intellectuals. Sigmund Freud, who worked nearby at the University of Vienna, was a frequent guest. Composer Gustav Mahler was also among its well-known patrons, and in more recent years, the café has hosted international figures such as Hillary Clinton and Paul McCartney.

In 1976, the Querfeld family took over the management of Café Landtmann and began a thoughtful restoration. They modernized its infrastructure and kitchen while preserving key historical features – including the richly detailed 1929 interior that remains today. Their careful stewardship has helped the café stay relevant in contemporary Vienna while retaining its timeless charm.
Today, Café Landtmann is recognized as a leading example of Vienna’s traditional Kaffeehauskultur – where coffee is enjoyed slowly, conversation is valued, and the ambiance is as important as the drink itself. Its historic interior is under heritage protection, a testament to both its architectural significance and its enduring role in the city’s cultural fabric.
Café Landtmann is an experience rooted in tradition – a ritual, a part of Vienna’s living history that continues much as it has for over 150 years.