One of those cafés which immediately give me an urge to review, so I am happy it is now on Yelp…read more
The concept of a shop and café mix has been brought to life quite successfully here, which is not an easy task and shouldn't be taken for granted. Most of my stars go to excellent breakfast and coffee (to-go also available) though. My visit has stayed in good memory and was a great introduction to one Saturday morning on Karmelitermarkt. My starting mood was already happiness, and I was not hard to convince, though I can be the pickiest breakfast eater in cafés in town.
Of course some things could be optimized. By some things I mean, despite the quiet background music, it was impossible to have a private conversation. You are a bit too exposed from the moment you enter, and that is the toughest part about cute little café-shops. This probably gets better if all three or so seating possiblities are occupied. On the other hand, only the fact that it is so small probably allowed for the breakfast to be so lovely.
The lady who owns the place is extremely welcoming, and you tend to believe she will feed you as a friend, not as a customer. This is the illusion I need for my weekend-breakfast too - if it already doesn't take place in bed, than at least it has to be made with care and include some sort of warm dough. Here for example, in form of a soft, heavenly tasting French toast, with a bit of crisp bacon - fried just right, and maple syrup of good quality on the side. I wouldn't think of this combination, but here it all fit together. Even the most normal "Semmel" was exceptionally fresh and tasty. Everything is beautifully arranged too, made especially for you, with the ingredients you would probably wish for yourself. In normal restaurants, I often end up thinking a piece of old bread at home would have made me happier than whatever extensive loveless nutella menu I possibly got... and breakfast often comes down to socializing. But Werkbuchcafe, even though not primarily a restaurant, made it to the top of my list for the tastiest - though maybe least suitable for a conversation - hidden breakfast in Vienna.
The diy book selection, as well as the workshops I have seen to be offered might be of interest to a normal hobbyist too. Most importantly, the whole ambience seems to be inviting enough to really sit on that sofa, have some excellent coffee and cakes, and flip through the books, or crochet indeed if that is what you want to do. At least that is how I perceived it at first glance.