A few days after arriving in Vienna last month and browsing Instagram, I noticed that Wild Kaffee had established a coffee shop in the city with none other than 2024 World Brewers Champion Martin Wölfl. However, when I checked the address on Google Maps, I found nothing… there was no such café in Vienna, only in Germany – where Wild Kaffee is based. While visiting Balthasar, I happened to meet the owner, Otto, who confirmed that they had indeed opened at Pilgramgasse 6. So, on one of the days when my wife, son, and I had some spare time, we decided to look for it.
Oops, where are you?
In fact, we unintentionally entered another café first and, while I enjoyed my coffee there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Martin’s place was actually across the street. Sure enough, once we crossed over and entered, I instantly realized we had arrived.
Décor and First Impressions
The ambiance has a fresh, unique vibe, featuring bright green brand colors and an attractive granite brew counter that lends the space a sleek yet inviting atmosphere.
The area was larger than I expected and pleasantly bustling. Best of all, Martin was there. The last time I had seen him was at World of Coffee Dubai earlier this year, so it was a joy to reconnect at his own café.
Coffee Setup
As a coffee enthusiast, my attention immediately went to the setup: a custom-made Slayer espresso machine, neatly arranged coffee bags for a tidy appearance, and three Mahlkönig grinders lined up across the counter, which I assumed were designated for various espresso-based coffees intended for house blends and guest offerings. To the far left of the setup was the top-of-the-line brew bar, naturally.
Coffee
After Martin served a few customers, we had a brief conversation, and I mentioned I had been advised to sample the Panama espresso. However, in the mood for something milk-based, I chose a cortado instead, and Martin graciously offered to prepare it himself.
Really, who could refuse coffee made by a world champion?
He presented it in one of the most distinctive cups I’ve seen – the 2-way cup “barista series”. Its asymmetrical shape featured one flatter side and one more rounded side, and Martin explained that each side accentuated a different characteristic of the coffee.
From one perspective, I detected more body and depth, while from the other, I experienced brighter, fruitier notes. This thrilled the coffee enthusiast in me.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying a filter coffee made under the watchful eye of a World Brewers Champion. Following Martin’s suggestion, I opted for an El Salvador that boasted notes of blueberry, vanilla, and apple pie.
He brewed it for me, and I shared it with my wife, which added an extra layer of meaning to our entire visit.
Retail Offering
I took some time to explore their retail coffee selection and was impressed by the variety available, and similar to Square Mile coffee in London, they also offered 350g bags.
There were espresso blends, single origins, and numerous options for filter brewing, along with pastries for those wishing for something sweet alongside their coffee. Naturally, I couldn’t resist purchasing a bag to take home, which I requested to be ground for AeroPress brewing during my stay in Vienna.
I actually returned another day with a friend, and the café was packed, which is always a good sign, but this time I tasted their long black.
On my final visit, I knew I had to buy some coffee to bring back to Dubai, and as I was uncertain about which one to choose, the barista kindly brewed their house blend as an espresso, which I adored, so that’s what I purchased.
But I wasn’t finished, as I was particularly intrigued by their filter bags that offered a fun and convenient way to brew excellent coffee without too much hassle, especially while traveling or on flights. For about €10.5, you receive 10 bags, which I considered excellent value, especially for something so practical and well-conceived.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is probably my favorite coffee shop in Vienna right now. Why? Because I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail, the variety of coffees, the cozy atmosphere, and, most importantly, Martin’s generous hospitality.
He was approachable, eager to share tips, and clearly deeply engaged in the craft. Yes, I can see it becoming quite busy, and rightly so, but it’s precisely the kind of place that makes a coffee trip memorable. If you are looking for something sweet to accompany your coffee, a selection of pastries is also available.
Thus, if you find yourself in Vienna and have any affection for exceptional specialty coffee, I would certainly recommend adding this café to your itinerary.
Wild Kaffee, 6 Pilgramgasse, Vienna .
Title: A Delightful Experience at Wildkaffee in Vienna
Situated in the heart of Vienna, Wildkaffee presents a distinctive融合 of traditional Austrian charm and modern coffee culture. My recent visit to this cozy café proved to be utterly delightful, and I am keen to share my experience with fellow coffee lovers and travelers alike.
Upon stepping into Wildkaffee, I was instantly captivated by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior beautifully blends rustic wooden elements with contemporary design aspects, creating a space that feels both cozy and stylish. The gentle lighting and soft buzz of conversation enhanced the inviting ambiance, making it perfect for unwinding or a casual gathering.
The menu at Wildkaffee reflects their dedication to quality and variety. As a coffee aficionado, I was thrilled to find an expansive range of brews, from classic espresso drinks to more experimental offerings like cold brews and specialty lattes. The baristas, evidently passionate about their craft, were more than happy to provide recommendations and share insights about the origins and profiles of the beans employed.
I chose a flat white, one of my personal favorites, and it did not disappoint. The coffee was skillfully prepared, achieving the ideal blend of rich, smooth espresso and creamy milk. The latte art atop was an added visual delight, showcasing the skill and attention to detail of the barista.
In addition to their remarkable coffee selections, Wildkaffee also features a delectable assortment of pastries and light bites. I treated myself to a freshly baked croissant, flaky and buttery, perfectly complementing my coffee. For those desiring something more filling, the café offers a variety of sandwiches and salads made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What truly distinguishes Wildkaffee, however, is its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. The café proudly utilizes coffee beans that are not only of high quality but are also sourced from farms that emphasize fair trade and environmentally conscious practices. This dedication to sustainability is reflected in every cup served, adding an additional layer of satisfaction to the experience.
As I savored my coffee and observed the world outside through the café’s large windows, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Wildkaffee is more than just a place to grab a quick caffeine boost; it’s a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of coffee and the pleasure of a well-crafted brew.
In summary, my experience at Wildkaffee in Vienna was truly memorable. The blend of exceptional coffee, delightful food, and a warm atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone in the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a stop at Wildkaffee will certainly enrich your Viennese adventure.
