Caffè Florian

Caffe Florian is a historic cafe under the arcades of Piazza San Marco in the San Marco district of Venice, in the Veneto region of Italy, and is widely described as the oldest cafe in Europe in continuous operation, open since 1720. Its interior is a sequence of small frescoed, gilded and mirrored rooms that have changed little in style since the nineteenth century, and the cafe functions as much as a historic sight as a place to eat. The menu is built around coffee, hot chocolate, pastries and light Italian fare, served at sit-down prices that reflect the location. Signature items include the Caffe Florian blend espresso, thick hot chocolate and traditional pastries, and the venue also serves cocktails, aperitifs, sandwiches and Venetian sweets. The atmosphere inside is formal, elegant and hushed compared with the square outside, with waiters in formal jackets and a mix of visitors, families and older Venetians. Outdoor tables in the piazza carry a music cover charge, listed at around six euros, when the house orchestra is playing, and the charge is not always obvious until the bill arrives, so visitors should ask before sitting if it matters. Smart-casual dress is typical, although not strictly enforced. Prices are high by Venetian standards, with a coffee at a table costing several times the standing-bar price, and the total climbs with the orchestra surcharge. The cafe is open daily from nine in the morning until eleven at night. Reservations are not required, though evenings in high season can mean a wait for an outdoor table. Visitors who want the historic rooms without the surcharge can sit inside, and those who only want the coffee can drink it at the bar for a lower price. The cafe suits a slow morning break, an evening aperitif with music, or a short visit to see the interiors.