Cafes

  • Gams 1648

    Gams 1648

    Bezau

    I’d been wanting to try this café–pizzeria–winery for ages, and after a ride on the Wälderbähnle, we finally booked a table for lunch. It was every bit as good as I’d hoped. Since our first visit, it was top of my list to book a table again when we spent the weekend recently in Bregenzerwald.

    From the moment you step through the door, you’re met with a welcoming, almost curious atmosphere. This traditional house has been completely renovated from the basement right up to the fourth floor, and wandering through it feels like exploring a maze of beautifully curated rooms. It’s not just a restaurant — it’s a showroom filled with culinary products, decorative pieces, and design details that make you want to stop and look at everything.

    Design Meets Pizza

    We were lucky enough to be seated with a perfect view of the pizza oven. And not just any pizza oven — this one is covered in gold mosaic tiles and is genuinely the prettiest oven I’ve ever seen. My girls were mesmerised. The whole concept encourages you to get up, move around, and explore. You choose your own drink from a huge ice bucket or browse their impressive wine selection and pour your own glass, before settling back at your table.

    The menu is smaller than your typical pizzeria, but it’s very much a case of quality over quantity. You’ll find classics like salami and margherita, alongside a changing pizza special that’s seasonal, and offers something a little different and definitely worth trying.

    A House Worth Exploring

    While waiting for our food, we wandered through the house. Every floor has its own charm, from shelves of beautiful items (all available to buy) to an entire level dedicated to their florist, overflowing with flowers. Even the trip to the bathroom becomes part of the experience — climb the central spiral staircase and admire the lighting design as you go.

    Pizza Worth Travelling For

    And then the pizzas arrived. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever eaten. The dough was incredible, the bake was perfect, and my chorizo pizza was unbelievably good. If you live nearby, I’m jealous — having this as your local takeaway feels almost unfair.

    Although the hotel itself is more suited to adults, the pizzeria was wonderfully kid‑friendly. And if you have even the slightest interest in design, you simply have to visit. The interiors alone are worth the trip — but you’d be missing out if you didn’t order a pizza while you’re there.

    Website: hotel-gams/1648

    Address: Platz 44, 6870 Bezau

  • Culinary Gems Just Across the Border

    Culinary Gems Just Across the Border

    If you are happy to travel just a little bit — just a hop, skip, and jump across the border — you’ll find some wonderful culinary gems waiting for you.

    Schmidt am Bodensee

    Photo credit @ Schmidt am Bodensee

    Wasserburg

    This beautiful winery has it all, amazing views, wine and food. Even my husband, a pure beer drinker, drank their house wine on our entire visit. The winery is situated on top of a hill and so the views out over the lake are fantastic. We went for the wine, but had the best meal, with their menu filled with fresh, local, seasonal dishes. We rode our bikes here the first time, but then realised that we couldn’t get a case of their wine home again, and so drove back a few days later to stock up.

    Photo credit @ Hopfengut

    Hopfengut No. 20

    Tettnang

    If you are more of a beer drinker, then head over to Hopfengut. This brewery is also a restaurant (kid friendly), a museum and a popular wedding venue. It location is stunning, and the food exceeded all of out expectations. My husband even stated that it is one of the best schnitzels he has eaten. Their menus offer something for everyone, and the quality of the ingredients that they used was obvious straight away. They offer numerous events throughout the year, including family tours, so this really is not just for the beer drinkers in the family.

    Photo credit @ Max&Moritz

    Max & Moritz Brauerei

    Kressbronn

    Another brewery, but another definite hit with the entire family. This place is huge (but I would still recommend booking a table) and again offers stunning views out to the lake. The children are the really spoilt ones here, with a great playground, and indoor play area, but in summer they bring out a huge inflatable that both young and old kids will spend the entire time on, leaving you to enjov a good meal in peace. They also host various events, and offer brewing courses.

    Carderie by Pierre

    Wangen

    Since the Landesgartenschau in 2024, Wangen has undergone huge developments. This newly opened café in the Spinnerei is one of the standout additions, offering a fantastic space for all occasions. Their food menu — especially breakfast — is excellent, and their selection of cakes is truly mouthwatering. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a coffee, but also a great meeting place for families. Their playroom is the kind of space both children and parents dream of. Despite being family‑friendly, the café never feels overrun. The space is large enough for those without kids to find a quiet corner, or you can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy a peaceful moment.

    https://www.schmidt-am-bodensee.de/weingut/das-gut
  • Denkerei | Buchcafé

    Denkerei | Buchcafé

    Wolfurt

    A cosy book haven in the heart of Wolfurt

    On a rare slow Friday afternoon, we found ourselves in Wolfurt — a place my husband and I used to call home, but don’t visit nearly as often as we should. We took the chance to wander through the village centre, and I couldn’t believe how much has changed. New buildings, new shops, and a whole new energy.

    While the kids were happily occupied at the playground, a building nearby caught my eye: Denkerei. At first glance, I assumed it was simply a bookshop. But then I noticed the tables and chairs outside, people enjoying coffee and cake, and I knew we had to investigate.

    With the promise of a snack and a drink, I managed to bribe the girls off the playground, and we headed inside for a look.

    More than a bookshop

    Denkerei is not just a place to buy books — it’s a cosy haven for book lovers. Nestled among the shelves are inviting tables, beautiful sofas, and comfortable chairs that make you want to sit down, stay awhile, and get lost in a story.

    I instantly loved the atmosphere and was so glad we stumbled across it. We ordered drinks and some cinnamon buns to share, then found a spot right next to the huge display window. It was the perfect place to pause and soak in the charm of the space.

    A community hub

    What makes Denkerei special is how much it offers beyond books. Yes, you’ll find all kinds of titles — from children’s stories to novels to non-fiction — but it’s also a true community hangout.

    They host events such as:

    • English book club for youths
    • Book recommendations and themed evenings
    • Collaborations with Kolibri, the beloved local ice cream shop
    • Children’s readings
    • Movie nights
    • Reading nights

    It’s the kind of place that encourages people to come together, discover new stories, and enjoy time away from screens.

    For book lovers (and cake lovers)

    As someone who still loves the feel of a real book in my hands, I loved this place. Add in a good coffee and a slice of cake, and you really can’t go wrong.

    Whether you want to check out their upcoming events, curl up inside with a hot drink, or sit on the terrace with a friend enjoying a cold soft drink or a refreshing glass of wine, Denkerei is a spot worth visiting.

    Instagram: Denkerei

    Address: Kirchstraße 22a 6922 Wolfurt

  • Café Bardeli

    Café Bardeli

    Hohenems

    “What is worth serving is worth doing right.” That’s the philosophy at Café Bardeli, and in my opinion, they are doing it exceptionally well.

    I’ve now visited this beautiful, cosy café twice—once for brunch with my family and once for lunch with a friend. On both occasions, the food, service and atmosphere were outstanding, making it somewhere I know I’ll be returning to again and again.

    A warm welcome

    Our first visit was for Saturday brunch with our two daughters. We’d booked a table but, surprisingly, arrived a little early (quite an achievement for a family with young children!). As we approached the café, my youngest suddenly announced she urgently needed the toilet—a far more familiar moment.

    I explained that we were early and would have to wait, but Aina, who was setting up outside, overheard us and immediately welcomed us in. She insisted it was no problem at all and encouraged us to make ourselves comfortable. It was such a simple gesture, but it instantly made us feel at home.

    Having noticed us speaking both English and German with the girls, Aina kindly asked which language we would prefer, and we ended up chatting with her about the café and its story. Together with Morne, who leads the kitchen, they’ve created a place that feels genuinely warm and welcoming.

    One thing that really stood out was how accommodating they were for families. They happily offered to prepare something different for our daughters if the brunch menu wasn’t suitable. In the end, our youngest enjoyed a simple plate of freshly cooked eggs, while our eldest had no trouble polishing off the brioche French toast!

    As for me, I chose the Eggs Florentine—something I hadn’t eaten since moving to Vorarlberg—and it was every bit as good as I’d hoped. The soft brioche, perfectly poached eggs, creamy hollandaise and fresh vegetables made for an absolutely delicious breakfast.

    Back for lunch

    After our first visit, I started following Café Bardeli on Instagram, and every day their lunch specials seemed to tempt me a little more. Eventually, when I had the chance to meet a friend for lunch, there was only one place I wanted to go.

    It was a beautiful sunny day, so we sat outside and enjoyed watching the world go by. The lunch menu is inspired by the slow food philosophy, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find colourful bowls, and vibrant salads, with options to add chicken, falafel or halloumi, as well as flavoursome curries and lots more (follow them on Instagram for their actual lunch menu, as it changes often).

    We both chose one of their summer bowls, filled with grains, crisp seasonal salad, fresh vegetables and a mouth-watering salsa, accompanied by a glass of wine. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and it was clear that quality ingredients are at the heart of every dish.

    Their homemade buns and focaccia also looked delicious, and I already know what I’ll be ordering on my next visit.

    The menu changes regularly according to the season,—although it does leave me wishing I lived a little closer, because I’d happily become a daily visitor.

    To finish, we enjoyed one last coffee, although we simply couldn’t find room for one of their homemade cakes.

    Café Bardeli is one of those places where you instantly feel welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is genuinely friendly, and the food is thoughtfully prepared using excellent seasonal ingredients. It’s the kind of café where time seems to slow down, encouraging you to stay just a little longer over another coffee, another conversation… or perhaps another plate of delicious food.

    If you’re looking for somewhere that combines outstanding food with genuine hospitality, Café Bardeli is well worth a visit.

    Website: https://cafebardeli.at/en/

    Address: Marktstraße 40, 6845 Hohenems

  • Obstgarten | Genusskiste

    Obstgarten | Genusskiste

    Hörbranz

    A Hidden Summer Retreat in the Orchard

    If you’re looking for a place to slow down, enjoy nature, and let the kids roam freely, Obstgarten is one of the loveliest summer spots in the region. Tucked away behind Genusskiste Bodensee, this seasonal café sits among the fruit trees, offering a peaceful escape that feels far removed from everyday life — despite being only moments from the motorway.

    What began as a small trailer serving coffee and cake has grown into a charming café with seating inside, on the terrace, and directly in the orchard. The atmosphere is relaxed, calm, and just easy going. Families especially will appreciate the small playground, go‑karts, and plenty of space for children to explore while adults unwind with a drink.

    Whether you stop by for an ice cream, a local beer, or something from their food menu, it’s easy for a quick visit to turn into an entire afternoon. Throughout the summer, they also host special events such as themed barbecue evenings and fish grilling nights — these book up quickly, so reserving ahead is a good idea.

    It’s a place we return to again and again, simply because it offers that rare combination of a laid back, uncomplicated atmosphere, good food, and space for everyone to relax.

    Genusskiste Bodensee: Fresh Produce and Local Delights

    Before you reach the orchard café, you’ll pass by Genusskiste — their shop that celebrates local, seasonal produce. Their fruit and vegetables are always beautifully fresh, and apples from their orchard are a particular highlight, with varieties available for almost every recipe and occasion.

    Alongside all the fresh produce, the shop also stocks a great selection of meats from Fesslerhof, locally made cheeses, and a variety of flavoured yoghurts. They also offer a curated selection of oils, syrups, and dressings, many made in their own on‑site manufactory. Flavours range from classics to more adventurous options like chilli, walnut, fig, raspberry, and wild garlic. Their Instagram page is full of ideas if you’re unsure how to use some of the more unusual varieties. This local gem makes it easy to put together both a last‑minute weeknight meal or a show‑stopping three‑course dinner — all made with the very best ingredients sourced right from the region.

    They also produce their own cider, including a rosé that’s perfect on a warm summer afternoon. I’ve already tested this one for you. Decorative items and small accessories make the shop a lovely place to pick up gifts, and if you can’t make it during regular opening hours, their self‑service option means you can still grab fresh produce whenever you need it.

    Why It’s Worth a Visit

    Genusskiste and Obstgarten together create a destination that’s more than a farm shop or a café. It’s a place to enjoy local products, spend time outdoors, and let the whole family relax. Whether you’re picking up apples, enjoying a cider in the orchard, or settling in for a summer evening under the trees, it’s somewhere that always offers something special.

    Website: Genusskiste | Obstgarten

    Address: Salvatorstraße 37-33, 6912 Hörbranz

  • Elastisana

    Elastisana

    Dornbirn

    Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, and I love how the breakfast scene in Vorarlberg has evolved over the last few years. If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you’ll know that our gold standard involves avocado on toast for me and French toast for my husband. So when I spotted a new café in Dornbirn offering both — plus pancakes and açai bowls — we planned a visit as soon as possible.

    First Impressions

    The interior is fresh, bright, and welcoming, with thoughtful design touches that bring the space together. Even on a Tuesday morning it was already busy — clearly word travels fast.

    I knew exactly what I was going to order, but my daughters had a much harder time choosing between the pancakes, French toast options, and bowls. They may still be little, but I’m definitely raising a couple of foodies.

    The Food

    When the food arrived, it looked every bit as good as we’d hoped. Roger’s French toast was impressively tall and fluffy, with homemade granola adding a perfect crunch. One daughter ordered the traditional breakfast — bread, jams, ham, cheese, soft‑boiled eggs, and homemade granola with fruit — and the warm, freshly baked croissant was the clear highlight. Although when someone at the next table ordered the chocolate pancakes, I did spot a moment of food envy. My other daughter chose the big bowl of homemade granola with fruit.

    My avocado toast was exactly what I wanted: generous slices of fresh avocado rather than a spread, topped with a whole burrata just waiting to be broken open. Absolutely delicious. You certainly won’t leave hungry, and the quality of the ingredients shines through in every dish.

    The Heart Behind the Café

    The owner, Pinar, was warm and friendly from the moment we arrived. She chatted with us and the girls, and it was lovely to see how genuinely happy she was that we enjoyed our breakfast. After our visit, I looked through the café’s Instagram page — not only are the photos beautiful, but they also share Pinar’s journey from deciding to open the café to bringing it to life. I felt every emotion in those videos, especially being able to relate to taking a risk and moving somewhere new.

    Before You Leave

    On the way out, it took every ounce of self‑control not to buy one of everything from the display of cookies and cakes. They’re firmly on my list for next time.

    There is clearly a lot of heart behind this place. Every detail — from the carefully designed interior to the thoughtfully crafted menu — reflects the passion that has gone into creating the café.

    Website: https://elastisana.at/

    Address: Am Kehlerpark 1, 6850 Dornbirn