Café Eiles — Restaurant in Vienna

September 2022. We came by for a coffee and cake on Sunday afternoon after roaming about the area, and because there are not many places open at this time of week, we didn't have much choice. It's not a cheap here, but it's rather atmospheric: sitting available by the windows overlooking the street, beautifully designed, weekend newspapers were offered at the entrance and it was quite packed. In theory, a perfect Viennese cafe experience - but we were met with the worst service, and we're not picky about it... Our service standards are not high. Nevertheless, we came prepared for the infamously bad service in Vienna eateries - and we weren't shook by it in any other place while staying in the city. I don't expect the waiter to smile at me, or to come by the table when I signal for the bill in a minute - I'm patient... But our waitress has simply vanished for a good twenty minutes right when we were ready for the bill. She was nowhere to be found - which is okay, we've later learned she was on a cigarette break - but the problem was that NO OTHER WAITER WOULD SERVE US. We'd waited twenty minutes for her just to box us the leftover (delicious) cake and for us to pay the bill and leave. It's okay that she's on a break, however long, it's perfectly fine but no one else would serve us, even when they were close by and were just standing there in between serving guests - not one of the three or four servers circling about would approach us. We were so furious! I would NEVER recommend this place - the cakes are great and the place is open on Sunday, but there are other alternatives with much...

Terribly service and wine. I had a blaufrankos wine, which was the worst of its kind I've ever tasted. I explained that to the leading waiter, and he tasted a bottle him self (not sure it was the same) annd he said its the best of its kind. Making me look embarrassed in front of the crowd. Normally you'd offer another wine. He forced me back with the same. Speaking very rude and stressing me. This is a terrible place to go for a wine.

THEIR ANSWER WAS:

Sorry dear Daniel, but my waiter Richard tastet together with our Barchief this bottle of wine and the bottle was definitely ok and the Blaufränkisch Grape tastes like this. Maybe it was not your taste, so we have a wide range of other types of wine. Richard treated you well and he was definitely not rude. I am so sorry, but I think it was a big misunderstanding. best regards Gert Kunze Manager

MY REPLY:

This shows your view on the customer service. You assume, I know nothing about wine. That wine was terrible. And I just came from another restaurant with a great Blaufränkisch. This one was very acid, tasted of pure alcohol like vinegar and had a bad sparkling feeling. None the less! If I'm not satisfied - and if we disagree - then a good place would offer another kind of wine. I wasn't offered that. And yes, he was rude. All evening I was there he was rushing with the table, demanded very quick replies and became even impatient while I concidered paying with cards or cash. Very impatient guy. You are doing nothing for customer service...

We first went here on a very busy Sunday afternoon. We got very lucky and managed to get a table. The place was packed, but there clearly weren't enough staff; our waiter was almost literally rushed off his feet, and while he smiled, he didn't have time to be particularly attentive, and we had to stand up and start putting our coats on to get the bill. However, I don't blame him, it was clear he was doing his best. As for what we ordered: good. My boyfriend had the club sandwich which was very good, and came with a generous portion of chips (chunky British-style chips, not fries). His chai latte was excellent. I had the apple strudel, which tasted good, but was only slightly warm at the edges, cold in the centre. I'm guessing they microwave to reheat, which I don't mind (it's not like they can keep them in the oven), but it wasn't heated properly. Normally I would have sent it back to be heated more, but the waiter was too busy.

We then went back on a much quieter Tuesday evening. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We both had the bratwurst which was good, and my boyfriend went for the chai latte again as he had enjoyed it so much before. This was a much better experience.

Based on our two visits, I'd say the food is good, but try to go when it's not too busy in order to get...