A trip to Vienna is not complete without sampling its signature dessert, Sachertorte. This delightful chocolate cake has been a staple of Viennese confectionery since the 19th century. Made of two layers of dense chocolate sponge cake separated by a thin layer of tangy apricot jam and enveloped in a glossy layer of dark chocolate icing, the Sachertorte is a joyous symphony of flavours. But with so many cafes claiming to serve the best Sachertorte in Vienna, where should one go for the most authentic experience? This guide will help you discover the best places to eat Sachertorte in Vienna.
The Origins of the Sachertorte
Before embarking on the quest to find the best Sacher in Vienna, it’s worth understanding its history. The Sachertorte was invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a 16-year-old apprentice chef at the court of Prince Metternich. Franz was tasked with creating a dessert for special guests, and in a stroke of genius, he came up with what would become the world-famous Sachertorte. However, it wasn’t until his son Eduard Sacher trained at the Demel bakery and later opened the Sacher Hotel that the cake became famous.
Today, both Hotel Sacher and Demel claim to serve the original Sachertorte, leading to the infamous “cake war” and leaving chocolate lovers to decide their favourite.
Hotel Sacher
The iconic Hotel Sacher, situated right behind the State Opera House, is undoubtedly the most famous place to eat Sachertorte in Vienna. Here, you can sample the “Original Sacher-Torte”, which is made according to a secret recipe passed down through generations. The Sacher torte at this historic café is known for its distinct taste, with a hint of bitterness in the chocolate icing beautifully balanced by the sweet apricot jam. The elegant setting, complete with velvet upholstered chairs and chandeliers, adds a touch of grandeur to the cake tasting experience.
Demel
In the heart of Vienna’s city center lies Demel, a charming bakery that once served the imperial court. Their version of the Sachertorte, known as the “Demel’s Sachertorte”, differs slightly from the original, with apricot jam spread not just in the middle of the cake but also on the top, underneath the chocolate icing. This technique gives their Sachertorte an extra layer of fruitiness. In addition, you can watch their confectioners prepare these sweet delicacies in the on-site bakery, providing a unique insight into the craft behind the cake.
Cafe Central
Situated in a stunning former bank building, Cafe Central has been serving Viennese culinary delights since 1876. Apart from its magnificent architecture and rich history – it once served as a meeting place for notable figures like Freud and Trotsky – the café is also a great place for Sachertorte. Here, the cake retains its traditional recipe but is served slightly warmed, making the chocolate icing a bit more fluid and enriching the overall tasting experience.
Aida Cafe Konditorei
With its pink and brown décor and a chain of shops across the city, Aida Cafe Konditorei is hard to miss. Aida’s version of the Sachertorte sticks to the classic recipe but stands out for its generous size. The service here is fast, making it a good option if you’re on the go but still want to enjoy a hearty piece of Sachertorte.
Cafe Sperl
Cafe Sperl, a traditional Viennese café located near the Naschmarkt, offers another delicious rendition of the Sachertorte. This café, dating back to 1880, has retained its traditional charm, and enjoying a Sachertorte here feels like stepping back in time. Their cake, slightly lighter and fluffier than others, is served with a hefty dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, cutting through the sweetness of the chocolate and jam perfectly.
Cafe Mozart
Just a stone’s throw away from the Hotel Sacher, Cafe Mozart offers a delightful culinary experience. Here, you can try both the “Eduard-Sacher-Torte” and the “Anna-Demel-Torte”, named after their respective creators. The former sticks to the original recipe, while the latter has an extra layer of apricot jam. Comparing the two styles in one sitting provides a fun and delicious way to pick your personal favourite.
Sachertorte Ice Cream at Zanoni & Zanoni
If you’re visiting Vienna in the warmer months and fancy a cooler take on the classic cake, head to Zanoni & Zanoni for their Sachertorte ice cream. This popular ice cream parlor has managed to capture the essence of Sachertorte in an ice cream, complete with a mix of chocolate, apricot, and sponge cake flavours.
Indulging in a Sachertorte is a must-do culinary experience when visiting Vienna. Whether you prefer the traditional style or a modern twist, the cafes and patisseries listed above will surely satisfy your chocolate cravings. So, next time you’re in Vienna, enjoy a leisurely afternoon, sip on a Viennese coffee, and take a bite of the world-famous Sachertorte. The rich chocolate flavour, combined with a hint of apricot, will transport you to a world of Viennese charm and elegance.