Caffe Florian started as 2 simple rooms in Piazza San Marco in 1720, making it the oldest continuously running caffe in Italy. Casanova was a frequent visitor, largely because it was the only coffee house that allowed women. Later on Lord Byron, Proust and Charles Dickens liked to take their coffee there.
Today the caffe is sumptuously decorated and the prices reflect this. Florian is ridiculously expensive, but it is necessary to try it at least once during your Venice stay. How could you not visit a place that has been open since before Captain Cook sailed along the coast of Australia? (8 years before he was born, in fact)
In the warmer months there is an orchestra playing under the portico, adding a delightful touch to the already wonderful atmosphere. Expect to pay €6 per person if the music is playing…it is worth it.
Although it is fun outside, I prefer to sit inside in one of the gorgeous rooms.
We ordered affogato (which means drowned…gelato drowned in espresso)
It was brought to us by a beautiful boy. Actually he was a handsome man, but there is no alliteration in that. Here he is…don’t say I don’t think of you.
Hahaha.Thanks, Debra. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on June 7, 2014
at 7:00 pm
There are lots to choose from in Italy and they are usually happy to pose.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on June 9, 2014
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Florian is a delightful place, worth the extra money, but you had a much more handsome waiter than the ones we generally had….
By: mulino dominillo on June 7, 2014
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It never hurts to look at something pretty.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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Merciful heaven! I love those beautiful boys, thank you for thinking of us.. and don’t you think it a little weird when you see people is shorts and gawdy T shirts with sneakers and White socks pulled up, walking through these superb spaces.. I mean I know they need to be comfortable but there is a wee contrariness in me that wants to demand beautiful clothing to go with the beautiful decor. c
By: cecilia on June 7, 2014
at 8:57 pm
I agree. I am often horrified what some tourists wear. They probably would get around in their own city wearing shorts, an old Tshirt and an ugly pair of sandals, but feel quite comfortable doing so in some of the most beautiful locations in the world.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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Yes Deb, see what you mean – love that blue room and the boy with the blue eyes – memorable all of it. And bet the affogato was memorable too.
By: Dianne Cant on June 7, 2014
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The affogato was delicious and the handsome chap made it all seem so much better.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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Beautiful cafe and beautiful boy. I hope he’s there when I go to Florian. 🙂
By: Jackie Cangro on June 7, 2014
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Keep an eye out for him.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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That is what friends are for! Thank you.
By: Jim & Kerry on June 7, 2014
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I like to share my finds.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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well spotted – I would like my espresso delivered by him but they don’t have any like that in Clayfield!
By: Alison Downey on June 8, 2014
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Perhaps he could be persuaded to move to Australia.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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Priceless!!!
By: janinevasta on June 8, 2014
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Indeed.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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some beautiful italian girls please!
By: chris oconnor on June 8, 2014
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You had Annalisa recently.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 9, 2014
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Now there’s a thought!
By: chris oconnor on June 10, 2014
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Mmmm, looks tasty and the ice cream looks good too!! Must check if he’s there tomorrow….! Great post too, thanks!! ;o)
By: lizbert1 on June 9, 2014
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Say hello from me if you spot him.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
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Haven’t spotted him yet but will keep looking….!!!!
By: lizbert1 on June 22, 2014
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He must turn up for work soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 22, 2014
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He probably does, I’m just not there every day!!! Fingers crossed next time!!! ;o)
By: lizbert1 on June 23, 2014
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The beauty of the customers was even better when we were there to enhance it, Debra! Nice post and great to see the place again.
By: Richard Tulloch on June 10, 2014
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I love Florian. I know the prices are nuts, but it is fun to go there.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
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I couldn’t take my eyes off the affogato!! 🙂
By: Madhu on June 10, 2014
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It was excellent.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 11, 2014
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The art piece … WOW, WOW, WOW! And affogato … equal WOWs! 🙂
By: rommel on June 11, 2014
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It is a fabulous place to go to when you are in Venice.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 12, 2014
at 4:15 am
Deborah was this the same place that Richard Tulloch wrote of recently?
And I do love an affogato
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on June 12, 2014
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Yes, it is. We missed each other in Venice by a day.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 12, 2014
at 4:12 am
oh no! I love how the internet makes the world so connected.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on June 12, 2014
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We have seen the Florian flooded during an acqua alta. So pity.
By: Victor Tribunsky on June 13, 2014
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[…] Caffe Florian in St Mark’s square in Venice is celebrating its 300th birthday this year. It is the oldest caffe in Italy and a good reason to visit for a very expensive coffee. […]
By: Where to go in 2020? | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on January 30, 2020
at 8:54 pm