Boasts a modern transparent toilet and is a century-old Viennese coffeehouse with enduring charm

Text & Photos /Happy Cloud

"I'm either in a café or on my way to one." This line is undoubtedly familiar to all coffee lovers and was once part of a conversation between me and my friends. It actually originates from Austrian poet Peter Altenberg, whose full quote is: "If I'm not at home, I'm in a café; if I'm not in a café, I'm on my way to one."

Many also know that this quote refers to Vienna's coffeehouses, where there are numerous establishments over a century old. Peter Altenberg penned these words at Café Central, describing how the place was filled with writers, thinkers, musicians... everyone huddled in the café, chatting, creating, and passing the time. (I’ll introduce this café in more detail later!!)

Therefore, when visiting Vienna, you absolutely must stop by its coffeehouses. If you want to visit century-old ones, you might need to book days in advance. This trip was rushed, so I could only visit a few, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Vienna is even more beautiful and fascinating than I remembered. Next time, I’ll make sure to stay for at least a week to fully enjoy the Viennese coffeehouses as described by the writers.

Today, I’d like to share with you a café from this trip that truly amazed me. Not only is it conveniently located and serves great coffee, but its lunch special turned out to be unexpectedly delicious.

The familiar sight of regulars greeting the staff made me feel that locals probably outnumber tourists here. People of all ages come to the café, most dressed semi-formally, each with their own style. It feels like visiting a café is a part of life and an important social space, so there’s a bit of emphasis on dressing up. (Compared to me, the traveler, my outfit seems a bit too casual!!)

As soon as you step inside, the pastry counter will surely catch everyone’s eye, but there’s a sign saying no photos—seriously—and people have been scolded for taking them!! Apparently, they think the signs are clear enough, so no rule-breaking is allowed. When someone does take a photo, whether European or Asian, they’re promptly stopped. Luckily, I was seated nearby, so I managed to snap a quick shot of the space.

Café Diglas, a historic café near Vienna’s famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, doesn’t immediately reveal its age. The space is bright, with less heavy decor—white ceilings paired with wooden accents on some walls, red velvet sofas, and crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. Besides the usual newspaper racks and coat hooks, there’s even a piano in the café. One can’t help but wonder if someone might spontaneously start playing. It has Vienna’s traditional elements and grandeur, though it lacks the dim, historical ambiance. But don’t underestimate it—it’s been quietly operating for over a century.

After ordering, I decided to check out the restroom—this café, which opened in 1875, actually has an ultra-modern toilet. What a pleasant surprise!!

The café’s restroom features a transparent design, recently reported in the media. Once you lock the door, the originally clear glass frosts over as a barrier, and a "Do Not Enter" light projects onto the door. It’s quite amusing!!

Back at my seat, my coffee had arrived. Taking a sip, I reflected on the poet’s words: "If I'm not at home, I'm in a café; if I'm not in a café, I'm on my way to one." Indeed, in my younger years, I once thought how wonderful it would be if that could describe me too!! The coffee here is delicious. Though it lacks fancy latte art or thick foam, the balance of coffee, milk, and foam is just right. That simple, unpretentious taste is a forgotten kind of coffee flavor.

Today, I ordered the lunch special—a pan-seared salmon. The bone in the middle was removed, and the skin was folded back to resemble a bone. At first glance, it looked like a whole fish. I never expected such effort went into it, which made it all the more amusing. And it tasted even better!!

The side dish was made with fresh pumpkin and something resembling millet, seasoned with curry, plus a touch of sweet walnuts. I never would’ve imagined such an ingredient combination, but it was surprisingly delicious!! That millet, which I usually find unpalatable, paired wonderfully today. Simple ingredients, fresh and tasty—this café food made me realize how great it is to live in Vienna, with so many amazing cafés and delicious food!!

Sitting across the aisle from the dessert counter, the temptation was irresistible. Of course, I had to have dessert. But the problem? Every homemade dessert looked irresistible—it was so hard to choose!! Looking at the pastries the staff had just served to other guests, every single one seemed to be ordered. No particular flavor stood out as the most popular. Every dessert on that full counter seemed to have its fans. Which one should I pick?? I even wanted to order multiple pieces, but since I was dining alone, I could only choose one.

It was a family-style cake called Geb Topfentorte. It looked quite plain, but wow, how delicious it was once I took a bite!! Hahaha, it had such a simple, pure flavor—milky, eggy, with a crispy, sweet taste. The topping had a delightful crunch. Hahaha, eating here, I kept thinking how my head was filled with "so good, so good." The mental image that came to mind was downright cartoonish!!

I was so satisfied and happy!! I’m glad I took my friend’s advice and came here for lunch.
At checkout, it wasn’t a big expense either. Today’s main course was €13, coffee and dessert were €4.3 each, totaling €21.6. Adding a €3 tip, the total came to under €25. Such great value in expensive Vienna—these prices are honestly adorable. Next time I visit, I’ll definitely try other cakes and dishes!!

Café Diglas
Website:http://www.diglas.at/
Address: Wollzeile 10, 1010 Wien, Austria
Phone: +43 1 5125765
Hours: 08:00–22:30 (Sundays 09:00–22:00)
English Menu:http://www.diglas.at/wp-content/uploads/Speisekarte-Diglas-international.pdf
For more café introductions, see Wikipedia:https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Diglas

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