Venice is a city where the café culture thrives, and finding a great coffee is part of the experience. Whether you’re looking for a strong espresso to kick-start your morning or a leisurely cappuccino in an atmospheric square, Venice has many fantastic spots to enjoy coffee.
One of the most common questions people ask about Venice is, “Where can I get the best coffee?” Since Venice, and Italy as a whole, is so famous for its coffee culture, it can be hard to pick just one or two places. There are so many wonderful cafés to choose from! But don’t worry—we’ve done our best to narrow it down and select the top spots where you can enjoy an amazing cup of coffee in this magical city. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience or a cozy local hangout, we’ve got you covered!
Caffè Florian
affè Florian is an iconic café located in Piazza San Marco, known as the oldest continuously running coffeehouse in Venice, dating back to 1720. Here, you’re not just paying for coffee but also for the experience of sitting in one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The café’s stunning interiors, with frescoes and ornate mirrors, make it a truly luxurious setting. Sitting outside offers you a front-row seat to St. Mark’s Basilica and the vibrant square.
- Cappuccino price: Around €10-12
- Espresso price: Around €6-8
Yes, it’s pricey, but at Caffè Florian, you’re paying for more than just the drink—you’re getting a piece of history and a world-class view.
Caffè Quadri
Located right across from Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco, Caffè Quadri offers a similar high-end, historic experience. Quadri has been serving coffee since the 1700s and is known for its beautiful interior and terrace overlooking the piazza. It’s another luxurious spot, perfect for those who want to enjoy a coffee while soaking up the grandeur of Venice. Though the coffee is excellent, it’s the combination of impeccable service and location that really shines here.
- Cappuccino price: Around €10-12
- Espresso price: Around €6-8
Like Florian, it’s more expensive than typical cafés, but the setting is what makes it special.
Torrefazione Cannaregio
For a more local and authentic experience, Torrefazione Cannaregio in the Cannaregio district is a favorite among Venetians. This café is also a roastery, meaning you get to enjoy freshly roasted coffee that’s made on-site. The atmosphere is relaxed and down-to-earth, making it the perfect spot to take a break from the busy tourist areas. Here, the focus is on the quality of the coffee, and you can taste the difference. Whether you prefer an espresso or a cappuccino, the coffee here is smooth and full of flavor.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2.50-3
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
This is a much more affordable option, and for many, the quality rivals even the fancier spots in the city.
Rosa Salva
Rosa Salva is one of the busiest and most popular café spots in Venice, known for its affordable prices and great quality. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists, especially in the mornings when the café buzzes with people grabbing their daily coffee and breakfast. Rosa Salva offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, from fresh croissants to traditional Venetian pastries, all of which pair perfectly with a smooth cappuccino or espresso. Despite its popularity, the prices remain reasonable, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy an authentic Venetian breakfast without breaking the bank.
- Cappuccino price: Around €3-4
- Espresso price: Around €1.50-2
It’s a great mid-range option, offering high-quality coffee without the premium prices of the Piazza San Marco cafés.
Caffè del Doge
Located near the Rialto Bridge, Caffè del Doge is known for its dedication to high-quality coffee. The café specializes in different blends of coffee beans from around the world, so it’s perfect for those who take their coffee seriously. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and it’s a bit more off the beaten path, giving you a break from the main tourist areas.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2.50-3.50
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
For coffee lovers, this is one of the best spots in Venice to truly enjoy a well-crafted cup.
Pasticceria Dal Mas
If you’re arriving by train or leaving Venice from Santa Lucia station, stop by Pasticceria Dal Mas for a coffee and a sweet treat. This café and bakery is known for its incredible pastries, and their coffee is the perfect companion. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and it’s a great spot to grab a quick espresso or sit down with a cappuccino and a pastry.
- Cappuccino price: Around €3-4
- Espresso price: Around €1.50-2
It’s an affordable and delicious stop, perfect for starting or ending your Venice journey.
Bar Ai Nomboli
Tucked away in the Dorsoduro district, Bar Ai Nomboli is a small, cozy café where locals go for their daily coffee. It’s a simple spot with no frills, but the coffee is excellent. If you want to experience the true Venetian way of enjoying coffee—standing at the bar with a quick espresso—this is the place to do it.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2-3
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
It’s affordable and authentic, perfect for a quick coffee break during your exploration of the Dorsoduro area.
Pasticceria Tonolo
Also in Dorsoduro, Pasticceria Tonolo is famous for both its pastries and coffee. This family-run bakery has been around for over a century, and it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The coffee here is smooth and strong, and the pastries are hard to resist. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast or an afternoon snack, a cappuccino paired with one of their fresh pastries is a winning combination.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2.50-3
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
Tonolo is the perfect place to experience a true Venetian breakfast or an indulgent coffee break.
Fondamenta della Misericordia Cafés
For a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio. This canal-side area is lined with small, charming cafés where locals go to enjoy their coffee in a quiet, peaceful setting. You can sit outside, enjoy the view, and take your time with a coffee and perhaps a small snack.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2.50-3
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
This area offers a great mix of affordable, high-quality coffee in a more local atmosphere away from the main tourist spots.
Pasticceria Rizzardini
In the San Polo district, Pasticceria Rizzardini is a tiny, traditional bakery with a lot of charm. Though primarily known for its pastries, the coffee here is excellent and pairs perfectly with one of their sweet treats. The space is small, but it’s a favorite among locals for a quick coffee and pastry in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Cappuccino price: Around €2.50-3
- Espresso price: Around €1-1.50
It’s a small, cozy spot, perfect for a more intimate, authentic Venetian coffee experience.
Bonus: Illy Caffè
Illy Caffè is an internationally known brand, famous for its high-quality coffee, and while it’s not a Venice original, it’s still a popular choice among coffee lovers in the city. You can find Illy coffee in many cafés across Venice, or visit a dedicated Illy Caffè for a premium coffee experience.
- Cappuccino price: Around €3-4
- Espresso price: Around €1.50-2
Illy is perfect for those who want to enjoy a trusted, high-quality cup of coffee in a sleek, modern environment.
If you’re ready for a coffee adventure, why not take on the challenge yourself? Explore the charming cafés of Venice and see which one earns the title of the best coffee in your book. Try them all, from the historic elegance of Caffè Florian to the cozy charm of local spots like Torrefazione Cannaregio. Each café offers its own unique flavor and atmosphere, so your taste buds will be in for a treat. May the best brew win!
