No nationality takes coffee as seriously as Italians do. Let’s be honest, you can’t go to Italy and not try the coffee, and Venice is no exception. We can promise you you’ll drink a lot of espresso on your trip to Venice, but if you want the best cups the city has to offer, you need to add these five places to your travel to-do list!
Caffè Florian
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the floating city to pop into Cafe Florian, one of the world’s oldest cafes. In continuous operation since 1720, it holds the honor of being the oldest cafe in Italy and the second oldest in the world. Need I say more?
Heh, no trip to Venice is complete without visiting this historical cafe. Located in the gorgeous decorated archways of the Procuratie Nuove in Saint Mark’s Square, here you’ll observe all types of people passing by, the tourists or locals, and discover the Venetian world in its essence. The elegance of the ambience, the furniture, the friendly staff, and the attention to detail makes it a quintessential must have experience in Venice. The frescoed walls and ceilings adorned with giant mirrors and gilded frames give a classical approach the the place. Marble tables, chairs and red velvet sofas, waiters in elegant white jackets. A sense of calm and refinement is all around this place. The desserts on the menu are on a rotation basis, changing throughout the year, but there are some regulars which are a must try: Gianduiotto, Tiramisu and Tartufo. Walk in, sit down and relax while you relish their thick coffee and sweet treats in the one of the most beautiful cafes ever!
Caffè del Doge
If you’ve come to Italy expecting some amazing coffee, then take visit Caffè Del Doge in Venice. Founded in Venice in 1952 as “Torrefazione”, or coffee beans roasting factory, the now “Caffè del Doge” continues selecting the best coffee beans and artisanally roasting them with the ancient Venetian method. It is hailed by locals as the best coffee shop in the city — once you take a sip you’ll see why.
Located near the Rialto Bridge down a sleepy lane, you can smell the freshly-ground coffee from down the street, almost like it’s leading you to the cafe. It offers up a selection of brews bound to tickle even the most refined tastebuds. Pick up one of their famously creamy and indulgent cappuccinos, or splurge on a specialty coffee for which a portion is donated to helping children who work on coffee plantations.
Torrefazione Cannaregio
Torrefazione Cannaregio is an old laid-back café located on the lovely northern Ormesini canal since 1930. The word Torrefazione means roastery and they not only serve coffee of their own production, but they also sell ground as well as whole beans in various qualities. The staff are super knowledgeable and are ready to help you find the perfect blend for your tastes. If you’re visiting in summer, cool down with a shakerato: an espresso shaken with ice and a little sugar until foamy. Neatly tucked into mahogany shelves behind the counter are a vast array of coffees, just waiting to be tried. You’ll be glad you stopped by once you see the range of delicious roasts on offer.
Pasticceria Da Chiusso
If you’re suffering from a sweet tooth, there’s nothing like the Pasticceria da Chiusso, the tiny patisserie located a few minutes walk from San Zaccaria. This family-run shop not only serves great coffee, but also a wide selection of freshly made pastries that are insanely delicious. Load up on some of their delicious cannoli brimming with mascarpone, flaky croissants or freshly baked jam tarts and pair it with cappuccino or a light drink before a day of Venetian adventure and sightseeing. Also try the baba, a spongy, sweet cake soaked with rum.
Rosa Salva
Founded in 1870 by Andrea Rosa, Rosa Salva began life as a mobile catering service, delivering freshly made delicacies to Venetian villas along the Brenta River. Today, they have cafes dotted in various locations throughout the city. Whichever you choose, it will make for a great spot to soak up Venice’s rich atmosphere and watch life go by – especially if you’re an espresso fan. In their pastry shops you can always find fresh pastries, creams, cream puffs, trifles, baba, browse and tarts, traditional cakes or finely decorated cakes and refined sweets that are to die for. You can lounge in the gorgeous interior, or eat at the counter for normal prices. Once you’ve had the pistachio cream puffs, you’ll find yourself dreaming about them for years to come.
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