Coffee In Venice For Beginners: The Essential Guide
We will be exploring the coffee in Venice, Italy, with its culture, history, aromas and iconic coffee bars in an amazing city on the water.
Of all the cities in Italy, Venice is the one that is most closely tied to the history of coffee in Italy. During the 17th century, Venetian merchants took the curious powder with them from what was the Ottoman Empire and brought it back to Venice.
Venice was the first major trading port who imported coffee into Italy and Europe, which led to the popularization of the Viennese coffee houses,which were supported by the Royal family. These became popular and spread throughout Italy with some of the most historic in Venice.
Soon after its arrival, it was marketed as an “exotic” new beverage and the merchants began selling it exclusively to the elite. However, coffee faced suspicion for its stimulating effects, as well as its origins in the Arab world. The clergy condemned it, but when Pope Clement VIII actually tasted it, he declared: “we should cheat the devil by baptizing it.”
In this article, we will discuss the Venetian coffee culture, history and iconic bars that define what it means to have an espresso in Venice.
The History Of Coffee In Venice
There is a -year-long history of coffee in Venice that begins after being discovered in Ethiopia and spreading rapidly in the Middle East. Its fame soon reached Venice, then one of the main ports in Europe, thanks to the stories of merchants and diplomats fascinated by the many virtues of the “stimulating beverage”.
When coffee arrived in Europe, which was at the time considered Christian, it was viewed with suspicion since it was the drink of the “Infidels”. Not surprising by today’s standards, but some even took to calling coffee: ”Satan’s Drink”.
As with anything new, it eventually made its way to the Vatican for a ruling on its acceptability. While many of the advisors to the papacy had recommended his condemnation and ban, the Pope, to his credit, decided to taste it first, and after realizing how amazing it is, gave it his blessing.
Coffee Culture in Venice
Coffee culture is everywhere in Italy. Though the coffee beans are not native to Italy, and never will be, when they were first imported into Venice in the 16th century the Italians quickly learned what can be created from these beans.
Throughout the day Italians get their espresso at a “bar”, like the Caffè del Doge bars that you will find throughout Vence. These bars can run the gamut from basic corner bars to elegant historical coffee houses, and this is especially true in Venice.
Beyond that, Venetian coffee culture is not unlike the rest of Italy, so if you are experienced ordering your favorite coffee in other cities, no need to worry about it in Venice.
Signature Coffee Styles And Flavors Of Venice
As one who has enjoyed Caffè del Doge for years, I can say with confidence that the coffee popular in Venice is typical with northern Italy. It is smooth, balanced and not as bitter as its southern rivals. Among the coffee roasters that have an amazing history with the city, here are my favorites:
- Torrefazione Cannaregio – This roaster perpetuates, in fact, over time the attention handed down through generations to the raw materials and processing of coffee beans, activities carried out by hand in the shop, which come from the best sustainable coffee areas in the world. You may need to check before a visit here because your friendly search engine indicates that it is now permanently closed, but they have been wrong before.
- Torrefazione Girani – This is the oldest artisanal coffee roaster in Venice and was founded in 1928 by Giuseppe Girani, legendary coach of the Venice soccer (calcio) team. After being introduced by friends from Trieste, his wife’s hometown, to the art of coffee he embraced coffee in a way that reminds me of Will Ferrell’s movie: Kicking & Screaming.
- Caffè del Doge – This is one of my favorite coffees and luckily for a visitor to Venice, you can find it almost anywhere in one of their ubiquitous coffee shops. The roasting plant was founded in Venice in 952 by Sir Ermenegildo Rizzardini, a Venetian roaster and coffee lover. Located next to Rialto Bridge, the artisan roasting plant became famous among the locals for its finest coffee blends and for its delicious blend.
Famous Coffee Bars And Cafés In Venice
- Caffè Florian – With more than 300 years of history, Caffè Florian opened in St. Mark’s Square, where it still stands today, on December 29, 1720. “Andemo da Florian!” (“Let’s meet at Florian’s!”) is a motto that has been around for almost three centuries and invites Venetians and visitors to immerse in its unique atmosphere.
- Gran Caffè Quadri – This is another one of the classics of piazza San Marco, a remarkable historic landmark that’s been in business since 1775. The venerable café got a revamp in 2018 and has been revitalized without losing any of its 18th-century charm. Prices reflect the location.
Tips For Visitors: In a coffee bar or restaurant that is situated on such a popular tourist site, as is Piazza San Marco, you can expect to pay a premium to sit and enjoy your coffee. It is important to realize that what you are paying for is not entirely for the coffee and/pastry, but for the amazing views, history and beauty that surrounds you. The coffee is just incidental.
Insider Tips For Coffee Lovers Visiting Venice
The coffee culture in Venice is mostly similar to the rest of Italy. As such, there aren’t any special ways to order or drinks to try. However, it is likely that you will be enjoying your coffee and pastry outside along the canals. When you do, be VERY conscious of the seagulls. They are aggressive and can easily fly off with your cornetto, if you give them a chance.
Finishing The Cappuccino In Venice
If you are looking for a historical place to enjoy Italian coffee, culture and tradition, it would be hard to beat along the canals of Venice. Grab a coffee, then a gondola and layback and enjoy all the beauty that Venice has to offer.
If you enjoyed learning more about coffee in Italy, check out some of these articles that you might find interesting:
- The Best Coffee Cities In Italy: The Ultimate Guide
- Coffee In Rome for Tourists: The Beginners Guide
- Coffee In Florence For The Curious: The Beginners Guide
- Coffee In Milan For Noobs: The Essential Guide
- Coffee In Naples For Beginners: The Ultimate Guide
- Coffee In Trieste For The Uninitiated: The Essential Guide
- Palermo Coffee for Tourists: The Essential Guide
- Torino Coffee For Beginners: The Definitive Guide
- Genoa Coffee for Beginners: The Essential Guide