A Viennese coffee house steeped in history. That’s Cafe Restaurant Residenz. Located in the Schönbrunn Palace’s eastern wing it’s more than just a cafe.
Before it was a cafe the Residenz served a different purpose. During the imperial era it functioned as a “police kitchen”. Palace guards were fed here. In 1948 the guards secured permission to open a restaurant. It has been leased multiple times since then.
The name Cafe Restaurant Residenz is a nod to Emperor Franz Joseph I. He declared Schönbrunn Palace his year-round residence in 1904. The cafe’s location within the palace grounds adds to its unique charm. From 1998 to 2024 the Querfeld family who owned Cafe Landtmann ran the Residenz. Since March 2024 it’s been run by GMS Gourmet.
A highlight of the Cafe Restaurant Residenz was its hourly apple strudel show. This took place in the Schaubackstube the bakery beneath the cafe. They also held apple strudel seminars where participants made their own strudel. It was a unique experience for visitors. The cafe also hosted events like Christmas parties and dinners for up to 300 people. Live piano music filled the Great Coffeehouse Saloon every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Cafe Restaurant Residenz wasn’t just a place to eat. It was a piece of Viennese history. A place where the past and present intertwined. A place for emperors’ guards and modern tourists alike. It continues to be a testament to Vienna’s rich culinary and imperial heritage.