Am wanting to do a dinner in Venice that we can sit outside with a great view of the square. Don’t mind spending a bit more for the experience but we don’t want to be raked over the coals either.
We may just do appetizers and drinks and just hang out as well. Any recommendations?
I wouldn't recommend eating at any of them, but there are 3 cafes actually in Piazza San Marco. You'll pay dearly for the privilege of drinks and apps or dessert at any of the outside tables. They are Caffè Florian, Ristorante Quadri, and Cafe Lavena.
While you will indeed pay top dollar to sit outside at a place like Caffè Florian, it's one of those things you might want to try for the sheer 'been there, done that' factor. It's not everyday one gets to drink coffee at a historic cafe in a historic piazza, at least not where I'm from.
brett,
I agree with the previous comments. The restaurants right on Piazza San Marco with the high brow orchestras charge huge fees for the privilege of sitting in the piazza. I just checked my notes from my last visit there, and a coffee can be in the range of €20 per cup, and some cocktails as much as €50! However, if you're willing to stand at the Bar in places like Caffe Florian, an Espresso is about €5 (a bargain compared to the same thing sitting outside). You might find a compromise by sitting inside the Cafe close to the window, so that you can look outside at the Piazza as well as listen to the fancy orchestra. I'd probably ask the Waiter about costs before sitting down.
One special memory was finally doing lunch at Florians after a number of visits to Venice. Sat at a table on the square on a very humid day, enjoyed the music (more Boston Pops than highbrow), and spent 3 relaxing hours people watching - beautifully dressed business people, a wedding party having photos taken, tour groups headed to the Basilica looking enviously at those of us sitting and relaxing. Yes it was probably one of the more expensive paninis I have had, but also one of the most enjoyable. I had a prosuitto panini, an Aperol spritzer and a mineral water and it cost about €35. Definitely one of those priceless moments! If it’s what you want to do - go for it, it’s something that you are unlikely to find elsewhere.
A couple of years ago, I sat outside at Cafe Lavena with a friend. I think I paid 13 euro for an 8-oz Coke and something like 20 euro for a small sandwich. I... ate... really... slowly. Like Lesley, my friend and I sat there for 3 wonderful hours enjoying the music and watching people on the square. It was fabulous. The price was easier to swallow if I looked at it more like 20 euro for entertainment and 13 euro for a small dinner. For me, the experience was well worth the cost.
I don't think I'd want to pay to have dinner in St. Marks, but we did pay an obscene amount to have two coffees and sit outside and watch the orchestras playing. I was actually fine with that. It was quite a show. But if dinner is priced similarly, I'd rather have a quiet (affordable) dinner, then later pay for the St. Marks coffee and show.
Consider enjoying an evening prosecco on Piazza San Marco and fully immersing yourself in the thrill of being somewhere people have been gathering/celebrating for a very, very long time. Hopefully, you will be charmed by the music, the white coated waiters, the genteel ambiance, and, if pausing long enough, may consider all of it so lovely and yourself so fortunate to experience this unique and fabulous setting (and all of its incredible history). This particular experience may well be pricey, however, how much you value its benefit to your understanding of our world is entirely up to you, regardless of what you spend. Venice is known as La Serenissima for a reason; make it your mission to find out why that is so and why so many considered it as such for so many, many years. Amo Venezia, divertiti!!
I agree that an actual meal is obscenely expensive! But, having a prosecco while listening to the dueling orchestras in the piazza is something I’ve done every trip to Venice. And plan to continue doing every time I visit in the future. And, breaking down the cost between the entertainment, drink and general magical quality of the experience makes it a steal!
Some of the comments on here make me laugh- “highbrow” or “lowbrow” in the end its personal preference- some want ambiance and dont mind paying for it- others dont- live and let live- I agree with the poster who said people have been gathering there for ages- and its a once in a lifetime experience- so enjoy! Cheers🥂🥂
Happy Travels✨💫
I don't recall there being any really great restaurants right on St. Mark's Square. It's mainly sights, shops and the 3 famous cafes. I second the suggestion to have a very nice dinner elsewhere and then go to St. Mark's Square to enjoy the deuling orchestras. You could either sit at one of the cafes, or you could buy a bottle of nice Italian champagne (get a top brand like Ferrari - yes, same name as the car), stand in the square enjoying the champagne and walk from orchestra to orchestra as they play in succession. I enjoy wandering to the area of the square where the orchestas are currently playing, and the music is free as long as you don't sit down.
Standing in San Marco with your own bottle of champagne ( or Prosecco) is a bad idea. It is forbidden to eat or drink in the Piazza unless you are seated at a table at one of the cafes. You can be ticketed with a hefty fine.
Scroll down to #2 and also view the signposts.
https://www.monicacesarato.com/blog/2013/02/19/what-not-to-do-in-venice-top-tourist-mistakes/
Lola: yeah, and they're seriously enforcing these rules. And don't even think of sitting down on any thing other than the benches. I made the mistake of sitting down on the steps outside the Correr while DH was getting money from an ATM (in front of a pillar, so not blocking traffic) . A little old lady with a cane. Within a minute a guy with a badge and a laminated sign like the one in your link was literally yelling at me to get up and get out of there. So I stood up and politely asked him where I could legally wait for DH. Apparently I could stand anywhere. Just couldn't sit.
I realize that you are asking for dinner recommendations, but I have one for lunch:
The Museo Correr is on Saint Mark's Square directly opposite the basilica. The neoclassical cafe on the second floor is absolutely gorgeous and has windows that overlook the square- you could not ask for a better view! It's a good place to break after seeing the basilica or palace. Try to arrive slightly before the lunch rush to get a good seat. The menu is no more expensive than you would find elsewhere in the city - reasonably priced sandwiches and coffees- a much better value than downstairs on the square. You don't have to visit the museum to eat there, and it is a cool, quiet respite from the beautiful chaos of St. Mark's square.
Enjoy your trip!
Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions!
