Caffè San Marco

Restaurant · Trieste

Caffè San Marco

Restaurant · Trieste

2

Via Cesare Battisti, 18, 34125 Trieste TS, Italy

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Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null
Caffè San Marco by null

Highlights

Caffè San Marco is a historic coffee house in Trieste that blends literary charm and elegance, boasting a cozy bookstore and delectable pastries amidst a classic ambiance.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Via Cesare Battisti, 18, 34125 Trieste TS, Italy Get directions

caffesanmarco.com
@anticocaffesanmarco

€1–10 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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Via Cesare Battisti, 18, 34125 Trieste TS, Italy Get directions

+39 040 203 5357
caffesanmarco.com
@anticocaffesanmarco

€1–10 · Menu

Reserve

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 25, 2025

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@travelleisure

Italy's Best-kept Coffee Secret Is This Stunning Port City and Its Timeless Cafes

"At the Antico Caffè San Marco, my first stop after getting off the slow train from Venice, the closest thing to a macchiato was a goccia, an espresso topped with a drop of milk foam. If you want a standard espresso, order a nero — which in other parts of Italy will get you a glass of red wine. Most people ask for a capo in b, which a server told me is like a cappuccino, but with less milk, and served in a bicchiere, or glass, rather than a cup. Mine arrived on a silver tray, along with a small glass of mineral water, the way it might at a Kaffeehaus in Austria. Indeed, with its intricate woodwork, Comedy and Tragedy masks, and patrons quietly examining the day’s broadsheets, the cafe felt more like one in Belle Époque Vienna than modern-day Italy." - Taras Grescoe

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trieste-coffee-culture-italy-8747261
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@cntraveler

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Is an Italy Far Removed from Its Stereotypes

"My next stop is the historic Caffè San Marco, previously a haven to literary giants like James Joyce— who, disillusioned with Dublin, came here and wound up writing the first part of Ulysses—and, at least in my fantasy world, an array of spies. I can see them in their dour, colorless trench coats, taking off their hats at the door, scanning the rooms for hostiles, sitting down for a drink. It’s another grand, handsome place in the Viennese tradition, well preserved but not without its scars. This café has survived many wars but has managed, like Trieste, to reinvent itself while maintaining its identity. It houses an enormous bookstore, and the food—a modernish take on Italian cuisine with a few Austro-Hungarian touches—is much better than I expected."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/friuli-venezia-giulia-is-an-italy-far-removed-from-its-stereotypes
View Postcard for Caffè San Marco

Christina F

Google
A beautiful and interesting cafe / restaurant/ book shop. 1st visit: We had drinks and lunch. 2nd visit: We had delicious coffee and a pastry. Their wide pastry selection all look yummy. 3rd visit: We had dinner and it was delicious. A definite visit is needed here when visiting Trieste.

Polina List

Google
The atmosphere is amazing, the interior design is very unique and beautiful. There is a boon store at the same place. We liked it, but the service was veeeery slooooow, we waited for 20 min to get a menu. Unfortunately there were not many vegetarian options for breakfast in the menu. We tried sandwich and beige and they were not tasty. I would recommend them to improve the menu and to add more breakfast options (especially with no meat/fish).

Ana Paya

Google
Worst experience ever!, after 4 weeks in Italy in different regions where service, food and waitstaff were amazing! Looks beautiful, cosy and inviting with books, cafe and restaurant setting. We arrived at 7pm for the restaurant service, unable to reserve online on the day we were told restaurant fully booked… We sat in a close area and observed the restaurant “fully booked” from 7 until 8.30 with only 2 customers! Wait staff too busy chatting and setting tables focused on anything but clients so we approached the bar to order a drink and were told we would be waited on at the table… 20 min later and Waiter was unable or unwilling to explain the different local wines which they sold so we stuck to a known Merlot without any recommendation for a full bodied wine… really? STAY AWAY from this place , many lovely places in surrounding streets, possibly more casual but much more welcoming.

Carol Wong

Google
We actually came here end of December 2024 for a breakfast on a Sunday morning. The atmosphere was quiet, and I loved the seat with the view over the bookstore within the cafe. There is at least one option of vegan cake. Cappuccino with oat milk at extra charge. The vegan cake was a bit dry while the Sacher cake was really good. Staff not super friendly but nice. In general food and drink price on the higher side but I expected that, knowing that it is one of the most historical cafe in Trieste. Still worth a visit.

Jon Carroll

Google
Everything you have read about this historic coffee shop is true and then some. A built in bookstore and very clean facilities plus a two page menu of all the coffees plus friendly service plus just the historic vibe combine to make this cafe a must stop. Great pastry too!

Sergi 13

Google
I was really excited to try this place — the atmosphere is cozy, the setup is charming, and everything on the menu looked amazing. Unfortunately, the service was completely nonexistent. I approached a waitress and asked if I should order at the counter. She told me, “No, just have a seat at the end near the books and we’ll come to you.” I did exactly that… and waited 20 minutes. No one ever showed up. I wasn’t the only one — a few others in the same area were also left waiting, completely ignored. Eventually, I just left. As much as I loved the vibe, it’s hard to enjoy a place when the basic service isn’t there. Really disappointing. Even the management’s responses to reviews reflect their arrogance and lack of concern for customer service. It’s clear they don’t care, likely because the place is already popular and they know people will keep coming regardless. That attitude shows they have no intention of changing anything.

Heiko Gewald

Google
Beautiful place for a decent breakfast in the morning. Inside and outside seating. The staff was very nice and the food the best breakfast we had in Trieste so far. Thumbs up 👍

Sofija Ljubojevic

Google
The coffee here is amazing. It's a very nice cafe with a cute library; the pistachio croissants are amazing. There is also an option for reservations if you plan a nice brunch or dinner with someone. They have great cocktails as well.
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Mike D.

Yelp
Service was wretched--uncharacteristic of Trieste. First waiter was surly, never brought me my caffè. Second waiter literally walked up and just stared at me. Said nothing, just stared. Then he said "Cuosa vuoi??" Like a fool I ordered a second caffè--twenty minutes later it hadn't arrived. I flagged him down: "Signore, un caffè, per favore?" He rolled his eyes. I swear, I was just being a normal, pretty meek customer, nothing weird. These waiters were epically bizarre.
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Russell V.

Yelp
Great old world atmosphere. Plenty of shaded tables outside and inside, where the ceilings are high, making every table feel intimate. No Internet, but it's not that sort of a place. One comes here to read, have a conversation, think, and write.
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Luther B.

Yelp
One of my favorite Cafe's in one of the great capital's of coffee. Whether your prefer a 'Capo in B', 'Deca' or 'Goccia' the coffee is always served proper. When you enter the café it as if time has almost stood still. The décor and furnishings are from a past time and I believe the interior structure still holds true to it's creation over 100 years past. The ornate wood boarder merges the high arching ceilings with the tall 'portrait' touched walls. You see the elderly of Trieste sitting sipping an 'Nero' for what could be an eternity while causally reading their beloved 'Il Piccolo'. While they offer some light fare I've never actually eaten much there beyond a sweet with a coffee as I believe that is how the experience is truly intended to be savored. While it may not suit the jet setting hustle and bustle of excitement starved youth, places like San Marco offer a delicious refresh to a time lost and forgotten. It suits Trieste just right allowing one to sip an espresso just to savor a pause and reflect before hustling back to running river of life. Definitely worth a stop midday during the week if you enjoy calm café life.
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Corinne L.

Yelp
Oh Italy, how I miss your coffee! Instead I'm back home, drinking this dark water called coffee in the states, daydreaming of Trieste coffee. For me as an American coffee drinker, this was nirvana. Coffee so smooth, rich & flavorful, my tastebuds were delighted & I was disappointed to ever have to leave! ;) Note ... if you order a latte, you will get a glass of milk. American latte is cafe latte. It will come in a tiny espresso cup with a spoon & 1 packet of sugar. No flavors. Please do yourself a favor, stir it & try it without adding the sugar. You'll be impressed at how much there's a natural sweetness to it. Beware - you're going to become a coffee snob when you go back.
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Amy L.

Yelp
-the whole place smells like a wet dog -wayyyyyy too bright -music way too loud -hot chocolate is disgusting +the concept of having a cafe and bookshop together +the high ceilings
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Mauro R.

Yelp
Love this old Cafe'. It's part of Trieste history, the place where forever culture mixed with coffee, chess players with teas. The place for poems reading, books presentation ot simply to relax, have a good coffee or a glass of wine, in this old but still austere cafe' that takes back to the Austro-Hungarian times. This is where writers, politicians or rebels where meeting, chatting, planning, exchainging ideas. The location is easy to reach with bus # 6 and I think also the # 9. A classic of Trieste!
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Twitty O.

Yelp
Ambiente: 5 Stars Location: 5 Stars Drinks: 5 Stars great coffee Service: 5 Stars Great place in Trieste
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Miroslava H.

Yelp
I like the atmosphere there. Cappuccino was great. Must see place when you are there. Try their cappuccino :)