Sacher Cafe, Vienna

If you're determined to treat yourself to the best chocolate cake in Vienna, if not anywhere, consider Sacher Café as a safe bet. Renowned for their world-famous cake, known as the Original Sacher-Torte, created by chef Franz Sacher for a Hapsburg royal party in 1832, this cafe has been in place since 1876 opened, along with the Sacher Hotel, by Sacher’s son Ed.

After Ed's death 16 years later, his wife Anna took over the business and attained global recognition, both for the hotel and the household cake brand. As of 1934, the Sacher Hotel and Café have been run by the Gürtler family, over which period the cafe has seen among its clientele the likes of Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth II and John F Kennedy. A visit to Sacher is truly a must while in Vienna; even on a tight budget – a mere €8 can get you a really good coffee and an excellent slice of cake.

Tip:
Inside the Sacher Hotel, there are three different colored fancy salons for dining, in addition to the main cafe, plus the 2-story Eck which views over the Opera House. If the cafe is overcrowded, consider getting your Sacher cake at the neighboring Sacher Stube Café which is run by the same family. If you are not sure which coffee pairs best with the cake, go for the traditional combination of Vienna's staple hot black coffee with foamed milk and whipped cream.