Cafe Loisl, a new Viennese café, just opened in Sheung Wan on Tai On Terrace, about midway up the Pound Lane staircase between Hollywood Road and Hospital Road. It is a surprisingly authentic rendition, and you will actually feel as if you are in Austria the moment you step onto the small front terrace. Everything from the lights, counter, pastry selection, and the coffee will make you think that you are in Europe. So much so that I was mildly disappointed to see a copy of the SCPM on the table – I expected Die Presse.
The barista, Franck Chan, is passionate about his coffee. Seriously passionate. He clearly knows his craft, having worked in several countries with top-notch purveyors, and he can expound at length on the various coffees available in the city (abbreviated summary: there is no other good coffee available in the city). He knows who roasts the best blend, who pulls the best shot, and who is helping cultivate a coffee culture in this tea-based town. The memory of our conversation will, I am sure, haunt me every time I am forced to get a coffee at the multinational coffee empire’s kiosk in my building. Franck would never be caught in one of those joints – it would be like finding Jacques Pépin at a McDonald’s.
The coffee itself was delightful. Pisco ordered a macchiato, and Franck prepared it with the care and attention of a brain surgeon 
at work. The current blend (Franck calls it the “E” blend) is somewhat light, a medium roast that is mellow on the palate and relatively low in caffeine. The blends will rotate so be sure to ask which blend is available to match your desired flavor profile.
No decaffeinated coffee is served.
The café is not fully ready yet – they are waiting for Euro-spec furniture to arrive – but the coffee and atmosphere are unique to Hong Kong and well worth a visit in this gem of a neighborhood. In time, there will be an art gallery in the adjoining space; a common setup in Vienna that would make it an even more attractive destination.
Cafe Loisl is a wonderful, unique find, and you should make a point to visit and savor an excellent coffee in a first-class setting.
Cafe Loisl
G/F, Shop A, 8 Tai On Terrace
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
+852 9179 0209
[map]
Hi!!Found the cafe last night when i was running in the neighbourhood, googled it, then found your blog. I have to say they are 2 very nice founds for me;) Do you know if they serve the outdoor area too? and have you tired the place next door? Have a good day and thanks for the info on the blog for sheung wan neighbours!
sorry – if they serve in the outdoor area and have you tried*
I have now been to this new coffee shop a number of times. It is a little tricky to find but well worth the effort. The coffee is great, the best i have had in HK and the extra care and attention makes it head and shoulders better than Starbucks. They also have an amazing line in soft drinks sourced from Taiwan under an exclusive detail. This is very laid back place and perfect to relax with your wifi enabled ipad on a lazy weekend afternoon. Be careful though although the coffee is very reasonable it is all too easy to spend lots of money in the beautiful Jewelry gallery next door, another one of a kind in Hong Kong!
I’m not a coffee drinker however found this ‘gem’ on a walk around my local area a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been back 4 times since, and will continue to regularly visit, and show friends this gem.
The tea is wonderful and atmosphere excellent. There’s no doubt that Franck is passionate about his coffee and seeing him make drinks with so much pride and passion is wonderful to see.
It’s wonderful to experience a cafe different to any other in Hong Kong – quiet, relaxed, wonderful atmosphere; different to any other coffee shop.
Thanks for your post – it inspired me to visit Cafe Loisl and I was pleasantly surprised!
Pingback: Review: Cafe Loisl « bluebalu: Living in Hong Kong