Vienna has long been famous for its grand coffee houses and café traditions, but today, the scene is evolving. A new generation of modern cafes in Vienna is redefining how locals and tourists experience coffee.
Blending rich history with minimalist interior design, these cafés serve more than just good brews—they offer a lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy living room-style space to work, a stylish spot for coffee and cake, or the best outdoor seating to soak in Viennese charm, this guide walks you through the top cafés in town and why Vienna continues to lead the world in coffee culture.
Planning your next European adventure? Don’t miss our detailed guides on top cities, hidden gems, and seasonal tips—including this Vienna itinerary to help you plan the perfect trip.
What Makes Viennese Coffee Shops So Special?
Viennese coffee shops are a window into Austrian identity. Traditionally, cafés such as Café Central, Café Hawelka, and Café Prückel have served as places of inspiration and exchange for thinkers, artists, and writers.
What sets them apart is their enduring charm: high ceilings, marble tables, wood panelling, and waiters in waistcoats who serve coffee with a side of philosophy.
Beyond ambiance, it’s the ritual that counts. Coffee is served with a glass of water and often topped with whipped cream or paired with a sweet treat like Sachertorte. It’s a moment of calm in a fast-moving world.
But why stop there? Vienna’s new café scene builds on these traditions to create something fresh.
Best Modern Cafes in Vienna to Visit
1. Kaffemik – Specialty Simplicity
Location: Zollergasse 5, 1070 Vienna
Kaffemik stands out as a pioneer of Vienna’s third-wave coffee movement, prioritizing quality and transparency over trends.
This café is ideal for those who care deeply about bean origin, roast profiles, and brewing methods.
Why Visit:
Kaffemik partners with top-tier micro-roasters from across Europe, bringing a rotating menu of specialty beans you won’t find elsewhere in Vienna.
The baristas are professionally trained and happy to explain brew techniques or flavor notes, offering a personalized experience every time.
Ambience:
The interior is minimal—white walls, clean counters, and just enough seating for a short stay. This deliberate simplicity puts the spotlight entirely on the coffee. There’s no background music or Wi-Fi distractions—just the sound of grinding beans and thoughtful conversation.
What to Try:
- V60 hand-brewed filter – ideal if you want to explore a bean’s full flavor spectrum.
- Oat milk flat white – balanced, creamy, and executed with precision.
- Espresso tasting flight (when available) – great for comparing origins and roasts.
Good For:
- Serious coffee drinkers.
- Quick caffeine stops between museum visits.
- Casual conversations with knowledgeable baristas.
If you’re wondering where the best coffee in Vienna is and why, Kaffemik often tops the list for specialty coffee fans. With beans from micro-roasters across Europe, their focus on quality, consistency, and barista skill makes every cup memorable.
There’s no food menu here—only a small selection of pastries on some days—because the focus is entirely on coffee. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Vienna’s modern coffee scene at its purest.
2. Café 7Stern – Boho Brunch & Art Vibes
Location: Siebensterngasse 31, 1070 Vienna
Café 7 Stern is more than just a café—it functions as a neighborhood cultural space. Located in Vienna’s 7th district near the University of Applied Arts, it blends casual dining with a creative atmosphere.
The space regularly hosts local art exhibitions, live music performances, film screenings, and community events.
Why Visit:
This café is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed setting that encourages lingering. Its mix of café culture and cultural programming makes it especially popular among students, freelancers, and creatives.
It’s one of the few spots in Vienna where you can have a quiet breakfast and return later for an indie concert or poetry night.
Ambience:
The interior resembles an artist’s shared studio or a thoughtfully styled home. Expect mismatched furniture, gallery-style art on the walls, stacked bookshelves, and soft lighting.
It feels intentionally unpolished and welcoming—a contrast to the city’s more formal historic cafés.
What to Try:
- Vegan brunch plates: Generous portions, seasonal ingredients, and dairy-free options.
- Turmeric latte or locally roasted espresso: Balanced and reliably crafted.
- Melange or Einspänner: For a traditional Viennese experience in a modern setting.
Good For:
- Casual brunch or light lunch.
- Working remotely or reading quietly during the day.
- Evenings with art, music, or discussion.
What is a Viennese coffee? A Melange is a mild, milk-based coffee drink similar to a cappuccino but typically lighter. Another local favorite, the Einspänner, is served in a glass and topped with whipped cream, often seen at both historic and modern cafés.
Some people wonder, ” What’s the difference between a bistro, café, and diner? A café like 7Stern emphasizes coffee, light food, and a flexible environment.
A bistro tends to serve full meals more formally, while a diner (common in the U.S.) offers hearty fare in a quick-service setting. Café 7Stern is distinctly a café—unstructured, social, and adaptable.
Café 7 Stern is well-suited for those who value atmosphere as much as flavor. It’s a reliable stop for slow mornings, creative afternoons, or spontaneous cultural evenings—all without losing the casual essence of a neighborhood café.
3. Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters – Youthful Energy & In-House Roasts
Location: Währinger Str. 2-4, 1090 Vienna
Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters has quickly earned a strong reputation among Vienna’s newer generation of coffee enthusiasts.
Located near Schottentor and within walking distance of key shopping streets and universities, it caters to students, professionals, and remote workers looking for reliable, high-quality coffee in a well-designed space.
Why Visit:
Unlike many cafes that import roasted beans, Jonas Reindl roasts their coffee on-site.
This means every espresso, filter brew, or cold brew you order is freshly prepared from carefully selected single-origin beans.
The attention to detail in both sourcing and roasting ensures a rich, clean flavor profile.
Ambience:
The interior is contemporary with a slightly industrial feel—concrete accents, high ceilings, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
The layout includes communal tables and quiet corners, making it equally suitable for casual meetings or solo work sessions.
During warmer months, the outdoor seating area offers a good view of passing trams and city life.
What to Try:
- Cold brew: Crisp, smooth, and refreshing—ideal in summer.
- Double espresso: A year-round staple for those who prefer intensity and clarity.
- Pour-over: Meticulously brewed and perfect for highlighting bean origin and roast profile.
Good For:
- University students and creatives need a workspace.
- Visitors are looking for a modern alternative to traditional Viennese cafés.
- Those who value artisan coffee without the fuss
If you’re wondering about the average price of a cup of coffee in Austria, this café provides a helpful benchmark.
In Vienna, expect to pay between €3 and €4 for standard drinks like a cappuccino or Melange, with specialty or alternative milk options reaching €4.50 to €5.
Jonas Reindl falls comfortably within this range, offering premium quality that justifies the cost.
For travelers or locals seeking a dependable, modern café with strong coffee and a clean design, Jonas Reindl is one of the most consistent and approachable options in the city.
4. Café Motto am Fluss – Scenic Brunch by the Water
Location: Franz-Josefs-Kai 2, 1010 Vienna
Café Motto am Fluss combines riverside tranquility with refined, modern architecture. Positioned directly on the Danube Canal and adjacent to Schwedenplatz, it’s easily accessible and ideal for travelers with limited time looking for a memorable, high-quality brunch in a striking setting.
Why Visit:
The café delivers an elevated Viennese dining experience in a contemporary glass-walled structure that resembles a moored yacht.
It’s one of the few spots in central Vienna where you can enjoy a full brunch menu with uninterrupted views of the water, making it especially appealing for morning and midday visits.
Ambience:
The space is open and sunlit, with clean lines, soft-toned furniture, and a modern nautical theme. Its spacious layout makes it suitable for both solo guests and small groups. The outdoor terrace offers some of the best waterfront seating in the city.
What to Try:
- Eggs Benedict with organic eggs and house-made hollandaise.
- Viennese iced coffee with a whipped cream finish.
- Freshly baked pastries and sourdough bread with seasonal spreads.
- Wiener Schnitzel served with parsley potatoes and lingonberry compote.
Best For:
- A scenic and stylish breakfast or brunch.
- Visitors with limited time in Vienna are looking for an elevated café experience.
- Riverside coffee breaks between sightseeing stops.
- A calm, design-focused environment is ideal for relaxing before your next itinerary point
If you’re asking where to spend a few meaningful hours in Vienna, especially in the morning or early afternoon, this café is among the top choices. Its proximity to popular landmarks and shopping streets makes it an efficient and enjoyable stopover.
What is it like to eat Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna? At Café Motto am Fluss, the classic dish is reimagined with care.
Lightly breaded veal or pork is paired with lingonberry compote, lemon wedges, and herbed potatoes—executed with the finesse you’d expect from a modern Viennese kitchen.
It’s a fresh yet respectful take on tradition that highlights both the quality of ingredients and attention to plating.
Overall, Café Motto am Fluss represents the intersection of Vienna’s classic culinary identity and its modern design sensibilities. It’s a well-rounded, scenic, and satisfying experience for both first-time visitors and returning guests.
5. Café der Provinz – Rustic Charm in the City
Location: Maria-Treu-Gasse 3, 1080 Vienna
Café der Provinz offers a warm, homey escape in the heart of Vienna’s Josefstadt district. Known for its commitment to organic ingredients and homemade dishes, this café brings the feel of a countryside kitchen into an urban setting.
It’s a space where time slows down—ideal for relaxed brunches, family outings, and quiet afternoons with a book or conversation.
Why Visit:
Everything on the menu is made with intention. From house-baked breads to fresh spreads and artisan cakes, the café emphasizes natural, seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted producers. It’s not just about taste—it’s about wholesome quality and tradition.
Ambience:
The interior is designed to feel like a rustic farmhouse: reclaimed wood tables, candlelit nooks, vintage décor, and soft lighting.
The cake display near the entrance adds to the warmth, offering a rotating selection of homemade pastries and tarts.
It’s the kind of setting that encourages guests to linger without checking the clock.
What to Try:
- House-made granola with organic yogurt and berries – a simple but standout breakfast.
- Lemon-poppy seed cake – moist, fragrant, and consistently praised by regulars.
- Daily vegetarian quiche or sourdough tartines – light yet filling options for brunch or lunch.
Good For:
- Families looking for a relaxed, kid-friendly café.
- Slow food enthusiasts who value ingredient quality.
- Locals and visitors seeking a quieter, less commercial café experience.
Where were the first European coffee houses opened? Vienna’s café culture dates back to 1685, when the city opened one of the first European coffee houses shortly after the retreat of the Ottoman Empire.
While Café der Provinz is far from the formality of a classic coffee house, it honors that same spirit, welcoming guests to stay, connect, and enjoy coffee and food as a shared ritual.
For those who prefer calm over crowds and authenticity over novelty, Café der Provinz is a rewarding stop. It shows how modern cafés in Vienna can preserve tradition without being confined by it.
6. Coffee Pirates – Roasted with Purpose
Location: Spitalgasse 17, 1090 Vienna
Coffee Pirates is one of Vienna’s most respected specialty coffee shops, especially among students and remote workers.
Located just steps from the University of Vienna, it has established itself as a leader in ethical sourcing, direct trade relationships, and quality roasting.
Why Visit:
For those seeking ethically sourced coffee without compromising on taste, Coffee Pirates delivers. The café roasts its beans on-site, ensuring freshness and full control over the flavor profile.
Its focus on sustainability, transparency, and community engagement makes it more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a hub for conscious coffee consumption.
Ambience:
The space is youthful and informal, with long communal tables, a quiet back corner for working, and a bar area for quick stops.
There’s a steady flow of university students, freelancers, and travelers, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming.
It’s a place where conversations about coffee origin, environmental impact, or the best brewing methods are part of the culture.
What to Try:
- Nitro Cold Brew – smooth, bold, and served on tap; ideal in warmer months.
- Cinnamon Bun – freshly baked in-house and known for its rich, spiced flavor.
- Hand-brewed filter coffee – perfect if you’re curious about bean variety and regional differences.
Good For:
- Students and freelancers seeking a focused yet laid-back environment.
- Visitors interested in sustainable, traceable coffee.
- Coffee lovers who want to go beyond traditional espresso drinks.
Why are coffee shops/cafes more popular than tea shops? Vienna’s café culture has historically centered around coffee, not tea, because cafés have served as intellectual and social meeting points for centuries.
In cities like Vienna, coffee has long been tied to social interaction, intellectualism, and relaxation, making it the centerpiece of urban culture.
From philosophers to artists, many chose the café as a space for discussion and reflection. This legacy still shapes places like Coffee Pirates today, where the emphasis is on depth, dialogue, and quality.
If you’re looking to understand how modern cafés in Vienna blend ethics with excellence, Coffee Pirates offers a well-rounded experience with substance behind every cup.
Bonus: What’s the Best Starbucks in Vienna?
While local cafés dominate the scene, some travelers seek the familiarity of Starbucks. The Starbucks at Kärntner Straße is often rated as the best, offering two floors, large seating areas, and views of Vienna’s busy pedestrian zone. But honestly? You’re better off embracing the unique charm of Viennese cafés.
Starbucks cafe locations in Austria? Most Austrian cities have at least one location. In Vienna, you’ll find them near Stephansplatz, Westbahnhof, and along popular shopping streets.
Coffee Culture FAQs
What is Vienna coffee, and did it originate from Vienna?
The legend says Viennese coffee was born after the Battle of Vienna in 1683, using beans left behind by retreating Ottomans. While debated, Vienna certainly popularized its distinct coffee traditions.
What is the most unusual coffee shop design you have seen?
Vienna’s Cafe Phil doubles as a bookstore, record shop, and café. With couches, lamps, and a laid-back vibe, it feels more like a friend’s apartment than a commercial space.
What’s the difference between a bistro, café, and diner?
A café emphasizes drinks and light meals, a bistro serves full meals, often French-style, and a diner is typically American, with comfort food and a casual setting.
What’s the difference between ‘coffee house’ and ‘cafe’?
In Vienna, the terms are often interchangeable, though “coffee house” evokes the historical charm of long stays, intellectual conversations, and classic décor.
Final Thoughts: Vienna’s Café Scene is Brewed to Perfection
From Palais Ferstel to Neubau, Vienna proves that cafés are more than places—they’re experiences.
Whether you’re sipping Viennese coffee under chandeliers or enjoying plant-based brunch in a minimalist café, the city delivers it all.
For lovers of good coffee, smart design, and cozy seating areas, modern cafes in Vienna offer unforgettable moments in every cup.
