Breakfast in Innsbruck
"At breakfast one is rested and refreshed. One has not yet had time to get angry or annoyed. It is a meal for new hopes and plans." German writer Heinrich Spörl was, it seems, a big fan of breakfast – and so am I. Here are some of my best spots in Innsbruck to enjoy the most important meal of the day.
Hot coffee, freshly baked bread, creamy butter, a potpourri of home-made jams, a soft-boiled egg – or maybe scrambled eggs with bacon? Freshly squeezed orange juice, the finest ham, and thin slices of cheese. All topped off with a glass of Prosecco. Who said breakfast is just about fuelling up for the day ahead? Innsbruck has plenty of places serving up breakfast at its best, from early-morning spots drawing skiers and hikers keen to hit the mountains to downtown locations where breakfast turns into brunch, and brunch into lunch. Here are my favourite places for breakfast in Innsbruck.
Das Lavendel – start the day the purple way
Das Lavendel, which means lavender in German, certainly lives up to its name when it comes to the colour code at this chic café. Serviettes, decor, table decoration and much more come in a shade of purple reminiscent of the lavender fields of Provence. Breakfast guests are invited to sit in small groups, with high-backed chairs offering plenty of privacy. The breakfast menu is designed as a newspaper providing not only details of what is on offer but also plenty of other information about the café and what's going on in Innsbruck.
Talking of the menu, there is something for everyone – from the classic Austrian breakfast of cold meats and cheeses to a vegan option with raw vegetables and humus. Those who have had a heavy night before will want to try the "Katerfrühstück" (literally "Hangover Breakfast) including lots of hearty ingredients such as salmon and pickled fish in tomato sauce as well as, of course, a glass of Prosecco to get you back up and running. Just right if you're feeling a little delicate.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Wrap filled with scrambled egg, tomatoes, mozarella and basil.
Drink of choice: "Klarer Kopf Smoothie" with cucumber, mint leaves, lime juice and dates – perfect for clearing a fuzzy head.
Why you should give it a try: A place where everyone will feel at home.
Schmeckeria – hip, vegan and organic
The Schmeckeria is a stylish café located on the pretty Sonnenburgplatz in the hip district of Wilten. Vintage chic is the best way to describe the look inside, while a large garden is a great place to enjoy a long, lazy breakfast in summer. The café is known first and foremost for its numerous vegan and vegetarian options, with produce such as fruit, veg, eggs and herbs all sourced from local farmers. The coffee, which comes in three different variations, is from the people at Unbound Coffee Roasters in Wattens, around 20 kilometres east of Innsbruck. The menu changes with the seasons, so make sure you pop by regularly to see what is currently on offer. Highlights include the simple but delicious bread and butter to hot pancakes, and Greek yoghurt with granola, fresh berries, honey and nuts. Or why not try the "Tapas Schmeckeria" sharing plate for two or more?
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Homemade humus with veggie sticks and crispy bread.
Drink of choice: Freshly made mini smoothie.
Why you should give it a try: Come here if your breakfast starts nearer lunchtime and continues on into the afternoon.
Das Schindlers – stylish downtown breakfast
Located right in the centre of Innsbruck, Schindlers is known as one of the most stylish and elegant breakfast spots in the city. Large windows open up onto Maria-Theresien-Straße, Innsbruck's main shopping street, meaning guests can watch the world go by as they enjoy one of the best breakfasts anywhere in Tirol's regional capital.
Schindlers is normally a café by day and a bar by evening but opens early on Saturdays for breakfast. Highlights include Eggs Benedict and omlette with ham, bacon, cheese, tomato and herbs all the way through to French toast and beef tartare. All the ingredients are fresh and regional. If you are struggling to decide what you want, I recommend the tasting menu giving you a little bit of everything.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Five-course breakfast tasting menu.
Drink of choice: Rosé Moët champagne.
Why you should give it a try: A great place to impress friends.
Die Faktorei – quiet hideaway in the city
Die Faktorei is bright, modern and very cosy, with lots of attention to detail throughout this charming café set away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I immediately noticed an old country-style cupboard with lots of small compartments, which I personally find very beautiful. The café is part of the boutique hotel of the same name, whose guests also have breakfast here à la carte. The service is friendly and attentive, and there is a small, sunny garden where you can have breakfast outside when the weather is nice – the noise of the traffic on the adjacent road is screened off by a wooden wall.
Breakfast at Die Faktorei leaves nothing to be desired, with several options (including vegetarian and vegan) on offer. From the small "Walk-In Breakfast" with bread, butter and two ingredients of your choice to "The Quick Frenchman" with croissant, butter and jam to the popular "Faktorei Breakfast" with wafer-thin ham, cheese, egg, homemade spreads and many more. A particular highlight are the jams, which not only taste homemade but actually are – they come from the owner's grandmother. Everything is regional and of the highest quality, with much of the produce also organic. The breakfast menu is always adapted to the season, so pop in on a regular basis and you will be sure to find something new each time.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Faktorei Breakfast with homemade spreads, cheese, ham, etc. all presented on a beautiful etagère.
Drink of choice: Mimosa.
Why you should give it a try: Friendly service, stylish location, delicious breakfast. What more do you want?
Café Sailer – all-day breakfast in the city
The Café Sailer, located in a small side street on the outskirts of Innsbruck, has a surprisingly modern interior design where diners will feel at home the moment they arrive. The garden with a shady chestnut tree in the centre is a green oasis where you can enjoy a wonderfully lazy breakfast on a warm summer day. The clientèle ranges from businesspeople with laptops to friends enjoying a cosy morning chat. The breakfast menu is small but offers something for every taste and the products are of very good quality (you really can taste the difference) Oh, and the best thing of all is that breakfast is served all day.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Couples and groups of friends should share the Sweet Express Breakfast or the Savoury Express Breakfast.
Drink of choice: Cafe Mandel (flavoured coffee).
Why you should give it a try: The menu includes options where you can try a bit of everything.
Hotel Nala – the perfect place for early-risers
With its striking design and lush garden, the Hotel Nala is an architectural highlight in its own right. The breakfast menu includes parmesan cheese, mortadella ham, scrambled eggs, home-pickled salmon with fresh oranges and homemade bread. There are also plenty of sweet options on the menu, with honey from local beekeepers and cloudy apple juice from fruitgrowers in the village of Navis south of Innsbruck. Espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato (with cows milk or a range of plant-based milk alternatives) are available non-stop and as much as you want. Perfect to get the day started!
My recommendation: Set your alarm for an early start – breakfast is served from 6:30.
Drink of choice: Naturally cloudy apple juice from Navis.
Why you should give it a try: A place where design meets cuisine.
Penz Hotel – breakfast with rooftop views
The PENZ Hotel is right in the heart of Innsbruck and a special place for a special breakfast. The views from the fifth floor overlooking the city are a highlight in their own right. If you do manage to drag yourself away from the windows you can look forward to all the classics (cheese, ham, jam, eggs) plus some more unusual antipasti, spreads, terrines and meat dishes. A selection of vegan options including lots of fresh fruit means there really is something for everyone.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: The homemade Bircher muesli.
Drink of choice: First cappuccino, then prosecco.
Why you should give it a try: Here you will find things on the menu that you almost certainly won't find anywhere else.
Manna Delikatessencafé – central yet peaceful
The Manna Innsbruck Delikatessencafé is located in an historic building in the centre of the city. Natural light streams in from above through the glass roof. It's still a little dark towards the back, but it doesn't feel cramped. The seating is very cosy. There is also a terrace out on Maria-Theresien-Straße. The service is friendly and attentive.
When it comes to breakfast, Manna has plenty to offer including two vegan breakfasts with humus and avocado mousse. Or how about trying Viennese Breakfast with bread, butter, jam and coffee? Maybe ham & eggs? Or the Manna Breakfast with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and pancakes? The choice is yours.
One thing on the breakfast menu you should definitely try: Breakfast with eggs and avocado.
Drink of choice: Freshly squeezed orange juice.
Why you should give it a try: A great place to load up on energy ready for a long shopping day in the city.
With a passion for detail and a twinkle in her eye, Christina Schwemberger takes you on a journey to meet amazing people, visit interesting places and experience all that Tirol has to offer.
