CAFÉ SINCE 1895
Located in the heart of Tartu, our Viennese-style café has been bringing
exquisite confectionery delights to Estonians since 1895, when gourmand and pastry chef Johann Werner opened the eponymous café. Over 125 years, much has changed, but Mr. Werner’s legacy of uncompromising quality and luxurious global flavors has become an inseparable part of the identity of Werner Café.
Situated on the corner of Ülikooli Street, the café has historically hosted famous writers, poets, actors, musicians, artists, and chess players, who would gather over coffee to exchange ideas, debate, and, of course, create. The prominent Estonian writer and professor Gustav Suits even used to conduct exams at Werner Café.
Today, Werner Café continues this tradition—offering inspiration for creativity, a place for discussion, Viennese-style cakes and pastries, and, naturally, excellent coffee. In addition, we prepare breakfast and lunch dishes made from only the finest ingredients.THE BIRTH OF GUSTAV
Gustav brand’s origin story begins at Werner Café, where in 2005 Õie Pritson and Joel Ostrat first met. Even back then, it was clear that the passion for food shared by Joel and Õie was bigger than a single café – which is why they needed a name that would convey the quality and regality of the dishes born at Werner Café on store shelves and café counters. Inspiration didn’t need to be sought far; the new royal name was taken from the founder of Tartu University across the street, Swedish King Gustav II Adolf.
The following year, Rivo Sisas and Siim Liivamägi joined the team, and together they discovered Gustav’s true potential. Thanks to this four-member core team, Gustav has grown into exactly what we know today – a trendsetter in the culinary world, bringing a touch of luxury to every day.