1.04.2010

Cruisin' Cafes: Venice, Italy

My loves, I have no qualms in telling you right now that I find it a true abomination for one to state that they have not yet been tempted by the tantalizing sights, scents, and surroundings of Italy’s Venice. There is a fascinating factor about the location; a bewitching charm that virtually consumes your mind, body, and soul, making it impossible to escape the luxurious lure of the Piazza San Marco or Grand Canal. But darlings, I digress; in a place brimming so richly with history and romanticism, there is no question in my mind that it is littered with some of the most captivating cafes simply awaiting your arrival!

Gran Caffe Chioggia There is perhaps no finer way to savor a mug of steaming hot chocolate overwhelmed with multiple cocoa flavors and piled high with luscious snow-white whipped cream than in the accompaniment of subtle sounds served up via a live violin player to create the perfect ambrosial ambiance for an evening spent in St. Mark’s Square; but that is precisely what you get when you snag a seat at Gran Caffe Chioggia.

Nestled under the Libreria Sansoviniana’s opulent arches in the palatial Piazzeta, Gran Caffe Chioggia sits within a piece of architecture crafted during the 16th Century, a position which adds a touch of grandiose glamour to the aesthetic that juxtaposes between old-fashioned elegance and modernistic cosmopolitanism. Order a bubbling Bellini during twilight and devour the dreamy strains of the talented violinist until The Camanile rings the bell signifying that it is midnight and the evening is over; or pop in for a coffee just as the sun is rising for a truly heavenly view of the city! Piazzeta San Marco 8-12 Venice Italy.

Caffe Florian For those curious to see what Venice’s blissful Caffe Florian is all about, one need only to envision waiters styled in Chuck Bass-inspired black bow ties and white suit jackets, dainty cups crafted out of porcelain materials, and silver pots that shine as brightly as the gilded mirror hanging upon the wall in your foyer; for these are the things you will first notice upon entering the chic spot.

A sophisticated staple of St. Mark’s Square since its opening back in December of 1720, Caffe Florian has become a true symbol of the city over the years, one that proffers a décor synonymous with that of a church with vaulted ceilings courtesy of the stained-glass windows, and cozy rooms – many of which harbor the presence of celebrities sipping away at their drink du jour. And should you find yourself plagued with a desire to sit out of doors, be prepared for a fantastic setting for people watching for hours upon hours. The coffee? Celestial. The hot chocolate? Heavenly. The lattes? Lush. Just remember to pick up a velvet bag full of Pure Cocoa before leaving, kitty cats – that way you can make your own scrummy beverages at home! Piazza San Marco Venice.

Harry’s Bar Darlings, how can one possibly refuse an atmosphere loved and lusted over by classy film stars and starlets of the 1960s and 70s? A zone cornered off for the rich and elite donning dark, oversized sunglasses and canoodling with handsome suitors in the throes of hush-hush trysts? Admit it kittens; a task of this magnitude is downright unfathomable, let alone attainable – especially in the year 2010. Hence the reason why it is encouraged that you spend at least one afternoon nursing something sinfully delicious within the chichi confines of this stunning stop-off.

A virtual stone’s throw from the Vaporetto and Gondola dock area, Harry’s Bar is the birthplace of the bellini; yet still manages to offer the customer a dazzling variety of warm beverages to help one take the chill off. Still, it is not solely the array of drinks which make Harry’s Bar so alluring; rather it is the gritty noir of the inner design which make’s it appear as if the decorator took a page out of one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s prestigious tales of all things fabulous and fancy! Come for the Sunday Brunch; stay for the memories! Calle Vallaresso, 1323, Venice.

Which of these Venice cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Cozy Up to Shopbop and Ugg Boots Giveaway for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com.
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59 comments

Dream Sequins said...

Well I'm heading to Venice (for the first time in years) around August I think! Can't wait to check out these recommendations :)

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Harry's! I went there for the famous Bellini and 25 euros later... haha :)

Be sure to enter the new year, new giveaway on my blog!

COCAMIA said...

I want to cruise all of them!!! It's Italy!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely adore the cafes you have chosen in Venice, Italy! I, myself, would love to snag at seat at Harry's Bar (wishful thinking, no?). Lovely blog. :-)

Diane said...

i'd cruise all of them. this morning i'm in serious need of caffeine...

FASHION SNAG said...

I haven't been to Italy yet so any of these sound good, but the birthplace of the bellini...I think Harry's has my heart! xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

Mimi said...

Ahh how I would love to journey to Venice and take in all the beautiful sights I have only seen in my dreams and pictures. Caffe Florian seems like such a glamorous place to have some tea. You talk of the vaulted ceilings and pretty windows and making me swoon over your description of the beverages there.

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

hmmmm how much I would loooove to have a delicious cup of coffee at San Marco's! have a great week! xo

Couture Carrie said...

Oh I want to go to Italy so badly!
Gorgeous post, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Taylor Sterling said...

such cool posts! I want to go to Cafe Florian! WOW talk about amazing!

Nicole Marie said...

i would just like to be anywhere in italy :)

Cloud P. said...

i love Venice. i hope to go there again this year, thanks for those places :)

Tights Lover said...

Venice is an amazing city. I wish I had known about Harry's Bar when I visited!!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Thank God that today I actually have coffee in hand when you did this post! Yummmm!

Valentine Devlieghere said...

Oww I want to be there nowwww! ;D

Jen Hsieh said...

i'm so regretting that i didn't find your blog over the summer and that you didn't post this entry earlier! i went to venice this summer and didn't stop by any of the cafes because i wasn't sure which one to go to (i wasn't willing to go to multiple cafes as that would be very pricey).
what a lovely entry :)

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

My sister is going to Venice! I am definitely going to have to show this to her.

The Blonde Duck said...

I just like all the cute heart coffee pictures.

K said...

While the descriptions of these cafes are quite intriguing, Venice conjures up images of dirty canals full of sewage.

M said...

Last time I was in Venice, I was too young for Bellinis as well as any kind of coffee. I'd say all these places sound pretty interesting to me! :)

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to visit Venice! I have a terrible phobia of pigeons, so I have to divert my path every so often in town... No way I can visit St.Martins/St.Marks, I'm not quite sure what it's called, but they have amazing Lions. And also I probably couldn't venture into Rialito Market. I know this all because of a fictional book - The Thief Lord by Cordelia Funke!

J'aime x

Jen said...

I wonder if you've done a Paris Cruisin' Cafes? I;m going in March and would love a CF coffee shop guide. :) x

Anonymous said...

Cute pics, love it.

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I cannot tell you enough how much I enjoy reading your posts. Everything is always so beautifully written!

I would love to visit all of the cafes you write about. Wouldn't that be fun?

Gran Caffe Chioggia sounds absolutely pleasant, especially with a live violin player. That would just create the most perfect atmosphere for relaxing and drinking some coffee.

Sherin said...

*sigh* I would love to relax in Venice, in a coffee shop. It definitely sounds like a dream come true.
Harry’s Bar does sound magnificant.

Also, a huge thank you for your Christmas card. I got it after coming home from a long day at work and it definitely put a smile on my face.

Jessi said...

Omigoodness, I would visit all 3!! The thought of cozying up in a Venetian coffee shop with a good book or fashion mags in is divine! On the "someday" to-do list :)

xoxo J

Ela said...

Caffe Florian - Chuck Bass inspired styled waiters and heavenly hot chocolate, yes please!

Happy New Year, Erika! Wishing you all the best 2010 has to offer!
xo

Anonymous said...

Oh how I LOVE this post.. not only am I a coffee addict, I love discovering cute cafes in foreign countries. And, I am hoping to visit Italy sometime in the near future so I will absolutely have to stop by these cafes. xo

http://labelllefille.blogspot.com/

monica said...

another great post!

this makes me wish i was going to venice any time sooon!! but will be forwarding this to my friends who are going to europe :)

michelle_ said...

lovely blog post erika :D

i just joined ur ugg boots comp . i hope i get to win !
oh and i've got an award for you waiting at my blog :D

Anonymous said...

oh how i love venice (except sometimes, the smell) and harry's is just one of those "must go" places!

Emily said...

I only dream of going to Venice! If I ever do, I will most definitely keep these cafes in mind :)

Unknown said...

caffee florian! i'm packing right now! xo M

Anonymous said...

ahhh I just love love looooove these posts, lovely lady!! I could literally get lost in them. My mom and sister went to Venice a few summers ago. While they didn't say anything about the coffee, they did RAVE about the gelato! Hmmm I must travel to Venice soon and sample their wares :)

Anonymous said...

Ahhh Venice, such an intriguing place. I agree with every word, although I couldn't believe how rude the cafe staff were... the coffee was worth it, best coffee I had in Italy!

Treacle said...

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like European coffee culture. When I went to Venice two winters ago, I loved sipping on my cappuccino while watching other tourists stroll by. Great people watching. :-)

Confessions of Lingerie Addict

Nina said...

Coffee in Venice?! What a delightful picture ... Would love to do that for real someday!

Erika, wish me luck. Wearing my sequinned leggings tomorrow at a high school do. Can I pull it off?!

meraldia said...

Venice is such a romantic destination! The last picture is amazing!

Leah said...

I want to visit Harry's Bar... if you say it's fabulous and fancy, then it is indeed a must-see.

I'm in LA. The flight was great, made it to the US in less than 12 hours, breezed through immigration and customs. I was out of the airport in 15minutes.

Rachel Scarlet said...

Erika, we should go to Venice! I am thinking of gondolas and river cruise and of course cafe! My pick will be Gran Caffe Chioggia. I adore anything classical.

XOXO :)

yiqin; said...

The heart shape on the coffee is rad <3

nicole said...

What I wouldn't give to be in Venice right now. SIGH. I take it you've been before? Hence your extensive knowledge on their little caffes?

p.s. buy those marc by marc jacobs boots! c'monnnnn you know you want to. they're calling your name erika ;)

Audrey Allure said...

mm hot chocolate - that's my latest obsession. i've been having a cup every night haha

deliciously organized said...

I was in Venice 2 years ago, sounds like I need to go back!

Fashion Court said...

oh how i would kill to go to venice!

i am also SO caffeinated this morning and this post was so fitting haha :P

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

This post makes me want to jump on a plane so bad!

Chicago Chic said...

Darling I actually have not been to Venice yet!! I loved reading this post and Caffe Florian sounds like my kind of place... :)

Thanks for the inspiration ♥

xoxoxo
Rachel

All Women Stalker said...

Ahh to be in Venice, sipping coffee and staring at beautiful Italian men.:D

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

How about you, me and Liz hop on a plane right now? I want some Italian java STAT!

Frannie said...

Italian coffee is fantissimo!!!
LOL
:)

Aline said...

i'm going in 2011....sigh, too far away!

Marz said...

yummmm, I want to try all of these places.
-Marz

Midtown Girl said...

ALWAYS wanted to go to Venice - and you just reminded me of how much I NEED TO GO.

Love these cafe posts - if fact I am drinking some right now, lol ;-)

Posh Peach said...

Oh what pretty visions you are painting in my head. They all sound wonderful! Happy New Year to you! (I am finally back!)

Shopgirl said...

I LOVE Venezia!!! And Harry's Bar is a dream!! Had to stop by for a Bellini when we were there!! :))

ediot said...

love these photos, so cute!

Cathi said...

I would like to try all of the cafes you listed WHEN I get to Venice....hopefully in the next year or so! :) xxoo

Mark Leslie said...

I was in Venice in November for 5 glorious days. Every caffe' and bar is its own experience. Thanks for sharing some of your favorites. I went to several of them while I was there. I have currently gotten to "Venice" on my blog: www.mark-leslie.net, which is all about traveling in Italy. Thanks for being another person extolling the virtues of traveling to Italy. E' una bellisima paese!
-Mark

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