Cafes
Cafes
Coffee is as important as pasta for the Italians. And as the place where it all began — coffee was introduced to Europe through the port of Venice — it is no surprise the city is full of cafés. If you want to act like a local, there are some unwritten rules you should keep in mind when ordering your coffee. - Cappuccino or any other kind of coffee based on milk should only be drunk in the morning. - When ordering an espresso, do not use the word espresso, which is actually just a technical phrase. Ask the barista for simply "un caffè". - And last but not least, when ordering "un caffè", you do not usually sit down, you simply stand at the bar and enjoy your cup of coffee.
iryna1/Shutterstock.comCaffè del Doge
Located in a quiet side street, out of the way of the tourist crowds, yet only a short walk from the famous Rialto bridge, Caffè del Doge is a cozy espresso bar offering excellent coffee prepared by expert and friendly baristas along with fresh and tasty pastries. We suggest you try the cappuccino Veneziano, which is made with dark chocolate.
Ivan Torres/UnsplashCaffè Florian
Caffè Florian opened its doors in 1720, and it's the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy as well as one of the oldest in the world. Located in the famous Piazza San Marco, Caffè Florian offers coffee, cocktails, and snacks in a gorgeous Neo-Baroque setting, plus a daily permanent orchestra that livens the elegant cafe with the sounds of classical music. There are also tables outside on the square if you prefer to people-watch.
TracyElaine/CC BY 2.0/FlickrTorrefazione Cannaregio
For any coffee lover, this is the place to come to get your caffeine fix while in Venice, plus its lovely location on a side canal makes the trip even more worth it. Torrefazione Cannaregio offers an amazing range of house-roasted coffees along with sweet treats in a rustic-chic setting with exposed bricks and bags of coffee beans. The pistachio cream croissant comes highly recommended.
Brent Gorwin/UnsplashLa Mela Verde
La Mela Verde is a small, artisanal ice cream shop as well as a charming creperie. Ice creams are produced with first-class products such as the Sicilian pistachio, the Piedmontese PGI hazelnut, and a great selection of seasonal fresh fruit. You can't miss the divine stuffed crepes either.
MNStudio/Shutterstock.comRosa Salva
Being one of the city’s best patisseries, especially recommended for breakfasts or coffees, Rosa Salva offers several local specialities like zaleti and baicoli, which are typical Venetian cookies, as well the famous tiramisu, as well as a vast patisserie selection. At lunchtime, they also offer light meal options.
Roberto Binetti/Shutterstock.comGelato Fantasy
Gelato Fantasy opened in the space of a blacksmith's former workshop. Since 1998, it has been an artisanal ice cream shop where workers share a deep love for tradition. Here you can try the cream of the Doges — a Venetian speciality — as well as tasty fresh fruit sorbets, seasonal flavors, and crepes.
Mark Cruz/UnsplashMajer - Piazzale Roma
Majer is a combined bakery, café, and wine shop located in a quaint alleyway facing the Rio Novo Canal. You can try fresh pastries, cookies, and typical Venetian cakes, or buy fresh bread and baked products.
Coffee Lover/Shutterstock.comGran Caffè Quadri
Dating from 1638, Quadri is a traditional and luxurious café opening onto St Mark's Square offering breakfast, dinner, and everything in between. It's an excellent venue to either sit down during the day and have a sandwich and a cup of coffee or enjoy martinis in the evening.
Mirelle/Shutterstock.comPasticceria Rizzardini
Established in 1742, Rizzardini is the oldest Venetian patisserie and as such, values tradition and quality. The interiors may be tiny, but the offer of sweet treats is huge. Here, you'll be able to choose among many types of biscuits and pastries and be sure to either try their signature tiramisu or indulge in some frittelle during Carnival time.
Piyato/Shutterstock.comPasticceria Tonolo
This corner patisserie is a Venetian institution, and you'll always find it bustling with people. Having a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry standing at the counter might be exactly what you need to start the day off right. The types of pastries, cakes, and baked goods you can choose are numerous, and the prices are kept affordable.
Tsuguliev/Shutterstock.com