Bites Nearby: Old Vienna Café

Located in the northeastern corner of Austria, Vienna is famous for the waltz, opera, fine arts and psychotherapy. But this picturesque city is also known for its schnitzels, vineyards, microbreweries and strudels.

Located at the southwestern corner of the 71^st Rd.-Queens Blvd. intersection in Forest Hills, the Old Vienna Café opened this week, offering a wide array of the sweet, meaty, savory and tangy delicacies that do honor to its namesake burg.

In the Viennese tradition, the new eatery has a center table with cookies, cakes and chocolates that are free to any patron who buys other items. In the middle of the table stands an array of flowers, and immediately above is a crystal chandelier which was imported from Poland.

The European café ambiance is further enhanced by the marble tables, the wooden chairs and the paintings on the wall. The high ceiling and natural light – thanks to a plethora of windows on two sides – add to a comfortable atmosphere.

On Friday and Saturday nights, a German-speaking accordion player performs from about 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Jamie Valente, the restaurant’s manager, opined that that there’s nothing like Vienna (which she has visited and loves) and that Old Vienna aims to be the perfect local spot for a light meal in a friendly environment. The menu offers different salads and sandwiches with a variety of French, Italian, German, Austrian, Argentinian, American and Spanish wines.

The Weiner Schnitzel ($23) comprises a panko veal cutlet with herb spaetzle and veal jus. The Duck Confit Napoleon ($15) incorporates layered phyllo, micro greens and cherry coulis, a fruit-based sauce. Meanwhile, the Bratwurst Pretzel ($12) features grilled spiced German sausage wrapped in a hand-rolled pretzel with whole grain mustard. A $10 option is the Assorted Tea Sandwiches, a potpourri of farmer’s cheese, tuna, smoked salmon, cucumber and tomato.

Old Vienna also looks like a great place to enjoy a coffee beverage and something sweet. Thanks to an in-house pastry chef, the eatery offers daily dessert specials, such as raspberry mango mousse.

With prices running from $5 to $8, dessert options include Sachertorte, a chocolate biscuit with apricot confit, walnuts and chocolate nougat; Romantica Torte, coffee biscuit and cream with dried plums and Bacardi; and Duet, a biscuit with milk and white chocolate mousse and feuilletine (thin, crispy flakes).

Address: 108-22 Queens Boulevard.

Phone: 718-268-8436 (or email via cafeoldvienna@gmail.com).

Plastic: Visa, MasterCard and Discovery cards are accepted.