Caffè Quadri

Bar · San Marco

Caffè Quadri

Bar · San Marco

P.za San Marco, 121, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Highlights

Opulent cafe opening onto St Mark's Square, dating from 1638, serving coffee, martinis & snacks.

P.za San Marco, 121, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy Get directions

alajmo.it

@alajmo

$$$$$$ · Menu

Reserve

@michelinguide

"Situated on the second floor of the historic café of the same name, this elegant restaurant, with chef Sergio Preziosa at the helm of the kitchen, offers skilful reinterpretations of Venetian and Italian classics . With its ornate wallpaper, sumptuous chandeliers, view of St Mark’s Square and carefully restored 16C features, this is truly a restaurant for a special occasion. The opulence of the setting is deliberately lightened by the friendly service, which is occasionally playful and yet impeccable at all times." - Michelin Inspector

Quadri

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@infatuation

"Gran Caffè Quadri is a historic spot in Piazza San Marco underneath the that we like to visit on a cold winter afternoon, when there are no orchestras playing outside and no summer surcharges. Find a spot in one of the pastel frescoed rooms and order a signature spritz made with Barbaresco Chinato and tonic water that gets served in a hand-blown Murano glass. There’s also a great fine dining restaurant upstairs that serves a six-course tasting menu and is great for special occasions, and has an equally fantastic view of Piazza San Marco." - Gillian McGuire

Gran Caffè Quadri Review - San Marco - Venice - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@afar

"Gran Caffè Quadri is one of the oldest cafés in the central square, established in 1775. It was taken over by brothers Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo about a decade ago, and its interior was restored by designer Philippe Starck. The café is known for its fine dining and is managed by Stefano Munari. Despite the typically overpriced, multilingual menus and cheesy bands at the Piazza San Marco, the experience of enjoying an Aperol Spritz or a Bellini while watching the sunset and Italian families is quite captivating." - Lisa Abend

A Guide on Where to Find the Best Aperitivos in Italy - AFAR

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@cntraveler

"Quadri is one of the classics of piazza San Marco, a remarkable historic landmark that's been in business since 1775. Now run by the dynamic Alajmo brothers, the venerable café got a revamp in 2018 by French designer Philippe Starck, and has been revitalized without losing any of its 18th-century charm. Quadri has all the standard Italian liquid offerings but more. And with a largely foreign clientele, it’s more attuned to details like lactose intolerance and picky diets than some other Venetian spots." - Anne Hanley

10 Best Coffee Shops in Venice

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

Aslı Özcivelek

Google

Went here for breakfast. The menu was quite limited- many variations of pastries and croissants but no eggs. Only if you get the breakfast packages which were quite expensive and filled with other items that I didn’t want to eat for breakfast. The croissants were crisp and tasty but for some reason came in a prepackaged plastic bag. The outdoor experience is nice but the tables are very uncomfortable and not easy to sit together. The inside atmosphere is a totally different and beautiful vibe. However they didn’t let us sit in the bistro area unless we ordered food even though we had just had breakfast and wanted to have another cup of coffee in the airconditioned room. It was also almost completely empty inside so we didn’t understand why they refused to sit us there. We had another coffee at the bar. The interior decor is amazing. The waiters are very polite and the service is very classy. It was pretty expensive though.

Heather B

Google

Of course, had to try this once recommended on the show Remarkable Places to Eat, simply because of the history. Chef Fred takes viewers to Quadri in San Marco square, where he explains why there’s white bow ties and black bow ties (seniority which can take 10+ years). It’s €10 to sit outside and have a cappuccino, plus whatever else you might like to enjoy. HOWEVER, here’s a hint! Walk up to the bar side of the restaurant, choose to stand, and you can enjoy your drinks and nibbles at a fraction of the cost and still enjoy a moment understanding the history. I spoke with a waiter, black tie, and he told me he’d been there over 20 years. His sidekick, white bow tie, only 2 years. Sit where revered artists, poets and writers sat, and soak it all in.

Johnston Chen

Google

Beautiful location, but the prices are extreme — 6€ for a gelato and 16€ for a beer. It’s clear they have a juicy margin, which feels excessive even for a tourist spot. On top of that, the staff seemed like they were just going through the motions, lacking enthusiasm and warmth. Disappointing experience overall.

John Hornick Chef’s Apprentice

Google

This is our go-to place for a Venice nightcap (we prefer the other place across San Marco for late afternoon to dusk). The music here tends toward the jazzy, which makes the late-night view of San Marco Basilica somewhat magical. Travelers have been enjoying the drinks, music, food, white-tuxed servers, and ambiance of this Venice institution and its predecessors since 1638, which is partly why we love it.

Giovanni Bruno

Google

A wonderful experience! The Grancaffè is really good and well managed. With live music it’s also very lavish. The food is a bit expensive but considering the location it’s understandable.

Gyuna Bak

Google

The best hot chocolate of my life! The ambience and the setting is like a dream. Love this place def coming back❤️

Daniela de la Torre

Google

This place is only worth it because of the location. Even though they have live music, there are 4 similar places with also live music. Just a coffee is 16€ an aperol 18€… We were possibly at a tourist trap… but it was right in the middle of the plaza, so it was great for people watching. Beware of pigeons, they just fly into your table and grab your food.

Siri

Google

One of my list to visit in St Mark’s Square! Amazing experience, great music by the live band with an awesome view of St Mark’s. Probably the most expensive coffee on the planet €15 for a Latte Macchiato 😅 Very relaxed and romantic. You must try once in a lifetime!!

Tiff D.

Yelp

While visiting the basilica, we sat here and enjoyed live music and cocktails with a view of the basilica and square. Nice touch giving some light bites with drinks although drink prices are super expensive. The next day we came back for breakfast and the square was flooded so we weren't able to sit outside. This was the best breakfast! Actually the best meal I had in Italy. I still talk about it. The bacon was amazing! Soft boiled egg, fresh pastries. I wish I could have this breakfast back home. If you're in the area and want a nice hot breakfast, this is the place.

Eugene V.

Yelp

What's a horrible place!!! We sat, ordered food and my wife went to the restroom. On the way there she was passing the reception and stopped by a guy who was yelling at her "It is not a public restroom". Trying to explain him that she was a customer didn't take any effect - "you need to have a ticket!!". What? Nobody told us that! Our waiter was looking at that and did nothing! She returned back crying due to the rudeness and the whole day for her for screwed! Also, the food was ridiculously overpriced and was just bad: glass of wine €14, bottle of water €11, tiny pizza €21. Wtf?! Pass it. Find something better.

Roger F.

Yelp

Total tourist trap. Expensive and ordinary coffee and food. For a reason. You're in outdoor seating in the middle of the Piazza San Marco. It's beautiful. As the sun is setting across the swampy Venetian islands and the hordes of day-trippers and cruise line passengers find their way back to Piazzale Roma, you're enjoying your 13 euro or whatever cup of coffee, listening to a string quartet playing 30-second excerpts of pop hits from the past 400 years. Worth every penny.

Arpi S.

Yelp

The best tiramisu you will ever have in your entire life. Feel lucky to have had it twice. Such a beautiful and perfect atmosphere with the grand piano and whole band on the stage outside in San Marco Square. My favorite part of Venice is to sit here enjoy the tiramisu and listen to the amazing band playing a variety of music from Queen to Bocelli. A bit pricy but definitely worth it.

Chris S.

Yelp

Similar to the other cafes in St Marx Square. Prices one may expect in the high rent district. Service is satisfactory. They make a decent Negroni, although it was a bit drier than what I am used to.

Audrey P.

Yelp

Costly but enjoyable. Similar experience elsewhere for less, but the service was wonderful (prompt, attentive, friendly). Band was playing and that added to the experience. Food was decent (we had sandwiches - veggie, salmon and ham & cheese). 6,00€/person surcharge when band is playing.

David W.

Yelp

Beware of the 6 euro charge per person when the band is playing. Great people watching though. Yeah, it is a tourist trap, but you should stop... listen to the music and have a over priced drink in one of the most spectacular locations in the world!

Nyota W.

Yelp

Perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or appetizer on a beautiful day. They have a live jazz band and hanging out right in the Piazza San Marco is definitely a good option while in Venezia. The service was ok, but it really does get quite packed here on nice days so you may have to wait around for a bit. I'm not quite sure of the menu as we only enjoyed champagne during our time. Since the focus is on the piazza the lure is to be seated outdoors. I'm pretty sure a lot is lost if you are unable to sit outdoors.

Ayano K.

Yelp

Atmosphere: 5 Service: 4 Drink: 3 My Pick: latte macchiato Extra: +superb location +fantastic view of San Marco Square +live entertainment -overpriced 12€ for a cup of coffee Will I come back again? when in Venezia, yes.

Ryan D.

Yelp

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Venice dating back to the 1600s. It is also one of the most expensive restaurants there as well. Don't get me wrong, the food was pretty good, but the prices were outrageously expensive. I got a garden salad which was around $25 and my main entree of suckling pig and mashed potatoes was around $90. The food was overall above average, but nowhere near the prices they were charging. The other members of my family had similar priced dishes as well. I will say part of the price is due to the amazing service and friendliness of the restaurant. They brought out the wine list on an iPad which had hundreds, maybe thousands of bottles listed. They also even went to a gelateria to get some gelato which they didn't have on their dessert menu just for my wife. The final completely unexpected event was when they invited us to go on a mini, private tour of their kitchen after our dinner. I'm glad to say it was an immaculate kitchen packed with young, eager chefs. After dinner we went outside and had a drink in front of their restaurant where they have a small band playing out front for the crowds to listen to throughout the night. The service of this place gets a resounding 5 stars, but the food/price gets a 3 starts for being insanely expensive. Lucky for us this was paid for by a friend so I didn't have to empty my bank account to eat here.

Shawn M.

Yelp

Espresso was weak and one of the most expensive which wouldnt have been a problem if it only tasted good. Went to the first floor cafe on a busy afternoon and asked for 2 cappucinos. The waiter delivered the bill --28 Euro. I can only comment on the espresso and cappuccino because I decided not to eat here after i took my first sip.

Warren M.

Yelp

Five stars for ambiance. We only had 1/2 bottle of wine, but it did come with shelled peanuts, Chips, pistachios and crackers. Right on San Marco, live orchestra, People watching, listening to the bells, watching kids chase the pigeons and marvel at the fact that you are fortunate enough to be here! Presumably all the cafés on San Marco are similar. We chose the one with the best orchestra, prettiest table clothes and available seats in the shade. Perhaps not the best of criteria but who cares. A must do for your once in a lifetime excursion.

Bonnie L.

Yelp

Come at night to enjoy a drink or snack while watching the live jazz band outdoors! It is pricey but you are paying for the ambiance and for the entertainment.We had a great time and enjoyed the live music!

Anthony H.

Yelp

Excellent little cafe for lunch but a little on the pricey side. The food was amazing, best flavored club sandwich and ravioli I have had. Highly recommend the local brew, it was ice cold and one of the better beers I have had

Carl B.

Yelp

This place is excellent food is very nice very lovely views nice drinks good selection of food and drinks but I'm only giving it 4 out of 5 stars as I bought a cheese and ham toast which you can't get wrong tbh so it wo nice but I had to sell my left bollock to pay bill so eat and drink here if your rich

Mark H.

Yelp

We had evening drinks and pizzas with other nibbles provided while the orchestra was playing in the piazza. It was expensive. No regrets. Magic. (But FYI, you can stand nearby Caffe Quadri and other places on the piazza and listen to the bands for free.)

Mari I.

Yelp

I am not afraid of 'tourist' restaurants because I am a well seasoned traveler and also a tourist. And a place like Quadri, smack in the middle of Piazza San Marco, is 'touristy', yes --but also wonderful for its location, its history and the small orchestra that played oldies like Et Maintenant and many popular parisian songs and created a wonderful ambiance. I was there 10 days ago alone, for lunch --and had the most pleasant and harmonious time for 1 hour, as I sat on the terrace and ate a sandwich (a tower of 4 dainty pieces of a crustless toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a lightly spicy mayonnaise) -- and my usual Coca Light (accompanied by a slice on lemon on a tall, thin, glass) and crispy chips.. It was so very charming & peaceful, since Venice was nor overrun by thousands of people --and although I paid $37 (including a 3 euros tip to the great waiter, who was very pleasant) it was worth every penny. I love the history behind the Quadri which dates to the 17th century. (That week they had a white triuffle menu and the fragrance inside the restaurant was amazing)

Andrew P.

Yelp

For a Michelin star restaurant and the most expensive one in Venice, this place is subpar. Save your money plenty of other good eats around that won't cost you 600 euros.

Adolfo G.

Yelp

Food is good to regular .... Some plates are good some regular to poor , fish was good , pizza is moré like a puffy bread with tomato sauce than an Italian traditional pizza no good At all Service is ok , but in our particular case the waiter forgot my last course , I had to wait another 20 min to receive my fish .... You have much better option at walking distance in Venice .... I will not come back and would not recommend to anybody I know

Natalya P.

Yelp

Prices at the bar are great, quality wines and various snacks excellent

Qype User (a11iso…)

Yelp

Once my favourite place in Venice, Quadri still has a place in my heart, though now mostly to grab a coffee at the bar just 1EUR, like any other locals bar. Sit out in the square (Piazzo San Marco, after all) and the official price is 7EUR. The band is ok, but better to walk around the corner to Caffe Chioggia to hear Joseph Miotti's band (he played at Quadri for 30 years before a silly management mess forced him to move Quadri's huge loss) and see / hear a man who loves his job.

@michelinguide

Quadri

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@infatuation

Gran Caffè Quadri Review - San Marco - Venice - The Infatuation

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@afar

A Guide on Where to Find the Best Aperitivos in Italy - AFAR

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

@cntraveler

10 Best Coffee Shops in Venice

View Postcard for Caffè Quadri

Aslı Özcivelek

Google

Heather B

Google

Johnston Chen

Google

John Hornick Chef’s Apprentice

Google

Giovanni Bruno

Google

A wonderful experience! The Grancaffè is really good and well managed. With live music it’s also very lavish. The food is a bit expensive but considering the location it’s understandable.

Gyuna Bak

Google

The best hot chocolate of my life! The ambience and the setting is like a dream. Love this place def coming back❤️

Daniela de la Torre

Google

Siri

Google

Tiff D.

Yelp

Eugene V.

Yelp

Roger F.

Yelp

Arpi S.

Yelp

Chris S.

Yelp

Similar to the other cafes in St Marx Square. Prices one may expect in the high rent district. Service is satisfactory. They make a decent Negroni, although it was a bit drier than what I am used to.

Audrey P.

Yelp

David W.

Yelp

Nyota W.

Yelp

Ayano K.

Yelp

Ryan D.

Yelp

Shawn M.

Yelp

Warren M.

Yelp

Bonnie L.

Yelp

Anthony H.

Yelp

Carl B.

Yelp

Mark H.

Yelp

Mari I.

Yelp

Andrew P.

Yelp

For a Michelin star restaurant and the most expensive one in Venice, this place is subpar. Save your money plenty of other good eats around that won't cost you 600 euros.

Adolfo G.

Yelp

Natalya P.

Yelp

Prices at the bar are great, quality wines and various snacks excellent

Qype User (a11iso…)

Yelp

Caffè Quadri

Photos

Highlights

Postcards

You might also like