Gran Caffè Quadri

Tucked beneath the elegant arcades of the Procuratie Nuove, Gran Caffè Quadri occupies one of the most storied locations in Venice. This centuries-old establishment sits directly on Piazza San Marco, offering front-row seats to one of the world’s most iconic squares. Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pastel-hued frescoed rooms that transport you back to a more glamorous era.

The drinks here are as refined as the setting. Their signature spritz, crafted with Barbaresco Chinato and tonic water, arrives in a beautiful hand-blown Murano glass—a small but telling detail that speaks to the café’s commitment to the Venetian artisan tradition. For those seeking a more elevated experience, an upstairs fine dining restaurant serves a sophisticated six-course tasting menu with views of the piazza that are nothing short of spectacular.

This is the kind of place best enjoyed on a quiet winter afternoon, when the outdoor orchestras have packed away their instruments and the summer crowds have dispersed. Find a seat in one of those frescoed rooms, order that signature spritz, and watch the light shift across the piazza. It’s pure Venetian magic, the kind of experience that reminds you why this floating city continues to captivate visitors century after century.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion at the upstairs restaurant or simply seeking an atmospheric spot for an afternoon aperitivo, Gran Caffè Quadri delivers an authentically elegant Venetian experience that’s well worth seeking out.