Zauner is the oldest and most celebrated pastry shop in the Salzkammergut, and one of the most famous in Austria. Founded in 1832, it supplied the imperial court during the Bad Ischl summers and has maintained its reputation ever since. The signature product is the Zaunerstollen — a rich chocolate-dipped confection of marzipan and nougat — but the full range of regional cakes, pastries, and tortes is impressive. The Esplanade branch, on the promenade along the Traun River, is the original and has the best setting: a terrace overlooking the water, busy on summer afternoons with visitors working through coffee and cake.
Prices are on the higher end for a coffee and cake, but this is not the place to economise. The interior is traditional Viennese Kaffeehaus in style, with proper table service and a display case that requires some time to navigate. A box of Zaunerstollen makes an excellent gift.