Breakfast of champions is Brunch
By:
Let’s face it; Vienna is a very quiet city by the time Sunday comes around. If anything will get you out of bed on a lazy Sunday morning, it's brunch. Fans of lavish hotel brunches, take note. Brunch is served in almost any five star hotel around town, but in my opinion the options are overpriced (38€ in Le Méridien and €59 in Hotel Intercontinental) and lack ambience. So, here is the delicious Sunday news.
The Sunday brunch at the Mill (Millergasse 32, 1060 Vienna) is pretty much unbeatable. The €17 formula includes: mouthwatering home-made vegetable antipasti, spreads, a variety of cheeses, cold meats, salads, freshly prepared egg dishes, pancakes and home-made cake and pastries. The selection of hot dishes changes every week, leaving room for a pleasant surprise. Every Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can spoil yourself with a great buffet in a very agreeable interior with some ethnic touches, and in warmer months you can sit outside in one of the prettiest gardens in Vienna. Reservations are recommended, and keep in mind that on Sundays there is no à la carte.
Café de Provinz (Maria-Treu-Gasse 3,1080 Vienna) is another great spot for weekend brunch. An all-you-can-eat organic buffet for just €13.80, is served on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and has a lot to offer. The choice of organic foods and drinks is luxuriant: home-made breads, eggs served in all variations, a great selection of cheeses and sausages. Save space for pancakes with the yummiest fillings as well as tasty waffles! Though overcrowded on the weekends (reservations are a must!), it still pulls off a truly French charm with its rustic furniture, posters on the wall and a book corner. Inside it is a strictly non-smoking place, however, during the summer months there is a lovely terrace with great views of a picturesque cobblestone street and the wonderful Piaristenkirche around the corner.
Dellago (Payergasse 10, 1160 Vienna) located in one of the hippest places at the moment, is a good choice if you love Italian food. The brunch is served every Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs €13.90 for adults and €6.90 for kids. Indulge in an extensive brunch buffet (antipasti, choices for meat-lovers and vegetarians, breakfast classics, a large selection of Italian desserts). To be seated with no fuss, advance reservations are recommended. I adore the warm and trendy décor, with lots of wood, flowers on the tables, bookshelves. In the summer, it is simply the best to sit outside and watch the chaotic yet cool crusade of the young and the hip.
You can always have a proper brunch in Salzberg (Magdalenenstrasse 17, 1060 Vienna). The buffet, served from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., to be understood as 'everything you can possibly wish to eat and more', is constantly topped up. For €14.70 you can help yourself to porridge, fruit salad, salmon and a few hot dishes, in addition to the breakfast classics. Unlimited refills of juice and the cast-iron waffle-maker are delightful extras. The staff is fast and friendly. Smoking and non-smoking areas are separated by a glass door. In winter months, a fire in the fireplace makes the place even cosier, and in the summer one can sit on a pretty terrace decorated with flower beds.
Better known for parties, the Rote Bar (Neustiftgasse 1, 1070 Vienna) also offers Sunday brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. for €23. On the menu is cheese, ham, eggs, antipasti, roast beef, smoked salmon, salads, fresh fruit, etc.. It is worth a visit as it is centrally located in one of Vienna’s well-known theatres with a beauty intrinsic to such establishments: red velvet, golden ceilings, crystal chandeliers and the feel of past splendour.
I find Cafe Latte (Neubaugasse 39, 1070 Wien) a real treat. It is recommended to reserve, especially for larger groups. For €13.90 (drinks paid extra) there is a solid choice of food ranging from typical breakfast goodies to soups and a generous selection of warm dishes to the more unique offerings of beef Tartar, Thai noodles and Middle Eastern snacks. Eggs must be ordered extra, but are included in the price. And make sure not to forget the extensive selection of desserts! Brunch is served on Saturdays from 10:30 am. and on Sundays from 10:00 am till 3:30 pm. The restaurant is non-smoking during brunch, with the exception of summertime, when one can enjoy the courtyard terrace.
edited by Anu Turunen