Demel is a historic pastry shop, chocolatier and café at Kohlmarkt 14, a short walk from the Hofburg. Its upstairs salons pair Rococo-style interiors with a menu of Viennese cakes and pastries. Order Kaiserschmarrn, the warm shredded pancake with plum compote, and watch it being prepared through the window before you buy. Sachertorte is another classic to try, while the shop downstairs is stocked with chocolates and sweets to take away. Come for a seated coffee and cake, or make a quick stop to browse the displays.
A confectionery with an imperial past
Demel began in 1786 as a confectionery founded by Ludwig Dehne. The business later took the Demel name, and from 1874 it held the title of Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court. Its sweets were associated with the Habsburg court, including Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi.
The history is still part of the visit, but Demel is also a working pastry shop. Cakes and confections fill the display cases, and you can stop in to browse even if you are not planning a café break. The shop sells chocolates and sweets as well as pastries, giving you the option to take something away.
Inside the salons
The café is set across several floors, with salons furnished in a Rococo style. Chandeliers, gilded mirrors and decorated ceilings give the rooms a formal feel. The café sits beyond the sales area and upstairs, away from the pedestrian street on Kohlmarkt.
Take a moment to look through the interior windows, where you may see pastry work in progress. You can also watch Kaiserschmarrn being prepared through the street-facing window. That makes the cooking part of the stop, whether you plan to order the dish or simply pause to look.
What to order
Kaiserschmarrn is a shredded Austrian pancake served warm with plum compote. At Demel, it is prepared in view, with the pancake torn and caramelised before serving. It is a filling choice, so it can work as a substantial breakfast as well as a dessert.
Sachertorte is another familiar option. Demel makes its own version of the chocolate cake, which is linked to the long-running dispute with Hotel Sacher over who could call theirs the original. The cakes differ in their use of apricot jam: Demel’s version has one layer. You can also look for apple strudel, Anna Demel Cake and other pastries in the displays. Pair a slice with coffee, or choose Einspänner if you want to try a Viennese coffee speciality.
FAQ
Where is Demel in Vienna?
Demel is at Kohlmarkt 14 in Vienna’s first district, a short walk from the Hofburg.
What should I order at Demel?
Try Kaiserschmarrn with plum compote or a slice of Sachertorte. Apple strudel and Anna Demel Cake are also options.
Can you watch Kaiserschmarrn being made?
Yes. You can watch its preparation through the window before ordering.
Does Demel have a shop as well as a café?
Yes. The ground-floor sales area has chocolates, sweets and pastries, while the café is farther inside and upstairs.
