Café Tomaselli, Salzburg

Every European city has what can be referred to as "the posh-café" – the one with history and elevated prices. The Café Tomaselli is the main contender for Salzburg's "posh-café" status, with a long and distinguished history going back over 300 years, allied to a good reputation and superb location. On the whole, it could easily be viewed as one of the city's best, especially in summer when it can spread out into the Old Market (Alter Markt) square, making for a perfect people-watching spot.

According to research, the origins of this coffeehouse can be traced back to 1700. Since then, the café changed hands several times, moving from its original location on Gold Lane (Goldgasse) to the Old Market in 1764. Carl Tomaselli purchased the place in 1852. In his hands, the café became renowned far beyond the borders of Salzburg.

Since the old days, celebrities such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austrian poet and novelist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Austrian theater and film director Max Reinhardt, and world-renowned musical conductor Herbert von Karajan, among others, frequented this place. Wolfgang Amadeus, in particular, used to have his almond milk here when he was young. The proprietor, Carl Tomaselli, the son of tenor Giuseppe Tomaselli from Milan, enjoyed a close relationship with the composer's family, playing music with his father Leopold, and his sister Nannerl. Later on, Wolfgang's widow, Constanze von Nissen, also lived in the same building, from 1820 to 1826.

Magnificent wood paneling with inlays adorns the walls and takes guests back in time, as do the marble tables, silver trays, waiters in dinner jackets, and the “cake ladies” who roam around with a tray of the most delicious-looking confectionery. Only women serve the cakes, while men serve the drinks – just a bit of a nice tradition! The place exudes stylish Austrian coffeehouse culture with its vibrant sense of living history and a tempting array of sweet dishes.

Local specialties include espresso topped with whipped cream (Einspänner) and espresso topped with steamed milk froth (Melange), Esterhazy or Dobos torte, apple, curd cheese, and berry strudel, strawberry dessert, Salzburger Nockerl slice, and croissants with walnut filling, plus a variety of egg dishes.

Tip:
Ideally, take a book of Stefan Zweig, go to Tomaselli, have one of their delicious coffees and pastries, and relax...