Vollpension — Restaurant in Vienna

Came here on a Saturday morning without a reservation. An old tall lady with glasses came up to me while I was waiting in line to be seated and asked if I had a reservation. When I said no and if there is a way to still have a seat, she replied, “Unfortunately, no seats are available, we’re fully booked.” Noticing that there were some free outdoor tables by the entrance, I asked if those were reserved, to which she said, “No, but it’s cold.” OK... and? As someone who serves customers, are you not supposed to recommend the alternatives in the first place? Saying “but it’s cold” as if expecting me to just walk away, was honestly a bit off. Maybe it’s an Austrian directness thing, I don’t know. But having worked in customer service and hospitality myself, under no circumstances should you give such an odd reason to a guest. A better way to say it would have been: “Unfortunately, it’s reservation only inside, but if you’d still like to be seated, there are some outdoor seats available if you don’t mind the cold.” At least offer it politely and be a little more accommodating. Later, once I sat down outside, a young lady literally threw the menu book on my table - no proper hello, not even a bit of grace. It felt a bit uncomfortable, to be honest. Five minutes later she came back and started talking abruptly to the other lady who was seated before me, saying how she’d have to wait 15 minutes because they were incredibly busy and stopping orders. Then she turned to me, and without any real interaction, said, “Same to YOU, you have to wait” and walked off. This was just wild to me, especially considering how important customer service should be in a place like this. Another thing I’ve felt whilst being there, and something I picked up from reading other reviews too, is that maybe I was treated this way because of how I look (I have oriental features). I hope I’m wrong, but the way I was spoken to felt... ignorant. I kinda understand (though I don’t endorse it) that maybe the café leans into that “granny nostalgia” and tries to carry that old-school energy of “back in the day”. But sorry to myself, and sorry to Vienna - I didn’t get to try the food, and due to the first impression, I won’t be returning to this place on my next visit....

Vollpension Vienna is a charming and unique establishment that effortlessly blends the warmth of a traditional Viennese coffeehouse with the homely comfort of a grandmother's kitchen. Located in the heart of Vienna, this quaint café captures the essence of the city's rich cultural history while providing a contemporary twist.

The name "Vollpension" translates to "full board" in English, and true to its name, the café offers a delightful array of homemade pastries, cakes, and savory treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia. What sets Vollpension apart is its concept of utilizing the culinary skills of grandmothers from the local community, turning the café into a hub of intergenerational connection and sharing.

Upon entering Vollpension, guests are greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The vintage decor, with its mismatched furniture and retro wallpaper, transports visitors to a bygone era. The communal tables encourage a sense of community, fostering conversations among patrons who share a passion for good food and cultural exchange.

The menu at Vollpension is a testament to the diverse culinary heritage of Vienna. From classic Austrian desserts like Sachertorte to hearty soups and sandwiches, each dish reflects the care and authenticity that only a grandmother's touch can provide. The emphasis on using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients further enhances the overall dining experience.

In addition to the culinary delights, Vollpension often hosts events that showcase local talent, further contributing to its role as a cultural hub. Whether it's live music, art exhibitions, or storytelling sessions, there is always something happening at Vollpension that adds an extra layer of vibrancy to the café.

In summary, Vollpension Vienna stands out as more than just a café; it is a culinary journey through Vienna's past and present, a place where generations converge, and where the spirit of community is as essential as the delicious food served. It is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Viennese culture and...

Really sad about this experience today because it was high on our priority list for our Vienna visit. My partner and I walked in 1 hour after opening and the waiter informed us that they were “completely sold out” of their yeast buns in vanilla sauce. Though disappointed, we completely understood and even commented to each other that we were happy that the establishment, having such a lovely mission, was doing so well that they were selling food out.

A short while later, that same waiter brought that exact dessert to a local couple sitting at our communal table. I also looked around and saw it at another table. We were a little bewildered, but paid with a tip. Reflecting afterwards, we realized signs of disrespect from that waiter. When I ordered an espresso off the menu, the waiter very conspicuously smirked and laughed to himself. When my partner respectfully asked for his eggs cooked a different way, the waiter’s reaction was rude. We are from out of the country, but we were respectful, friendly, showed interest in the mission and yet we were not shown kindness back.

I would not recommend this place for those visiting from out of the country- they will not treat you equally, they see you differently, and they will make it known.

Update: the restaurant responded apologizing that we were not informed when the dessert became available. I would like to stress that we were there 1 hour after opening, there was no wait, and they served the dessert to our neighboring party 15 minutes after we sat down. Classic case of an establishment not truly taking accountability for...