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Café Sacher

Elegant interior of Café Sacher Vienna with red velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers and classic marble tables.
Original Sacher Torte with glossy chocolate glaze, whipped cream and the characteristic Sacher seal.
Close-up of the original Café Sacher sign with golden lettering.
Charming outdoor terrace of Café Sacher Vienna with traditional café furniture and views of the historic city center.
Luxurious interior of Café Sacher Vienna with crystal chandeliers, red velvet upholstery, and polished marble tables where Emperor Franz Joseph once dined, showcasing authentic Viennese coffeehouse elegance.
Original Sacher Torte with glossy chocolate glaze, whipped cream and the characteristic Sacher seal.
Classic Viennese Einspänner at Café Sacher with tall whipped cream in traditional glass mug with handle.

Café Sacher in Vienna

Map 3.9/5 (17246 reviews)

Café Sacher is an elegant Viennese institution located within the prestigious Hotel Sacher, directly across from the Vienna State Opera. Known globally as the birthplace of the Original Sacher-Torte, this historic café is not just about chocolate cake. It offers a refined take on Austria’s coffeehouse culture, with plush interiors, crystal chandeliers, and that unmistakable red-velvet charm. Since opening in the late 19th century, Café Sacher has maintained its old-world elegance and become a go-to for dessert enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Some drop in for a late-afternoon coffee, others after an opera performance, but all experience a setting defined by rich history, refined flavors, and timeless charm.

Opening Hours +43 1 514560 Website Wheelchair Access
Address:
Philharmoniker Straße 4
1010 Wien

Muvamo Opinion

Awarded the Muvamo “Cultural Confection” for preserving Vienna’s café tradition with elegance and flair.

There’s often a wait outside Café Sacher – sometimes a long one, especially in the afternoon. But there’s a reason it’s always on the list, and not just for the torte. The Original Sacher-Torte is the star. Paired with a Melange or Einspänner and a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a true Viennese classic.

But the experience goes beyond the cake. Inside, it’s all rich textures and warm light – red velvet benches, marble-topped tables, and a calm, elegant buzz that feels distinctly old Vienna. Despite being popular with tourists, the café still feels authentic. It holds onto that old-world charm. Once inside, the atmosphere shifts. It’s quieter, more refined. The pace slows. You’re not rushing through dessert – you’re taking part in a ritual. Coffee, cake, and conversation in a space that hasn’t lost its sense of history.

If you appreciate thoughtful design, tradition, and places with a story to tell, Café Sacher delivers. The line might take some patience, but the experience is worth it.

Helpful Hints

  • Bring a bit of patience – the line can move slowly, but the experience is worth it.

Gastronomic Discoveries

  • The Original Sacher-Torte: The absolute must-try, famously served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream. Note the two layers of apricot jam that distinguish it. If you enjoyed the Sacher-Torte as much as we did, you’ll be happy to know that you can order it, along with many other specialties, either at the store or online and have it delivered straight to your home. Here’s the link to the shop.
  • Viennese Coffee Specialties: “Wiener Melange” (similar to a cappuccino), or  “Einspänner” (black coffee with whipped cream served in a glass).

Our Little Extras

  • Souvenir: Taking an Original Sacher-Torte home, in its distinctive wooden box, is perhaps one of the most iconic and delicious souvenirs from Vienna.

Café Sacher: Tradition Served Daily

Café Sacher’s story is inseparable from the story of Vienna itself. Founded in the late 1800s as part of the Hotel Sacher, the café built its reputation on the back of an already famous cake. The Original Sacher-Torte was invented in 1832 by a 16-year-old apprentice named Franz Sacher while working for Prince Metternich’s kitchen. Later, Franz’s son, Eduard, refined the recipe and established the Sacher brand in Vienna.

By the time Café Sacher opened its doors, the Sacher name was synonymous with culinary prestige. But what truly sets this café apart is its enduring authenticity. Café Sacher has remained a genuine part of Vienna’s living culture.

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Adriana and Mario examining the traditional menu at Café Sacher Vienna with the historic interior and elegant décor visible in the background.

The café became a favorite haunt of aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals, reflecting the rich tapestry of Vienna’s golden age. And while the décor has been carefully maintained and updated over time, the essence of the café remains. Velvet seating, marble-topped tables, and waitstaff in classic attire are all intentional elements of a space designed to preserve the elegance of Vienna’s imperial past.

Beyond aesthetics, Café Sacher has maintained its commitment to craftsmanship. The torte is still made according to a closely guarded recipe, known to only a handful of people in the world. Every slice served is a nod to tradition, authenticity, and attention to detail.

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Original Sacher Torte with glossy chocolate glaze, whipped cream and the characteristic Sacher seal.

Today, Café Sacher is one of the few places where you can engage with Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture and walk away with a tangible piece of culinary history.

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