Caffe Lavena, Venice

Dating back to 1750, Caffè Lavena traces its origins to the vibrant Venice of the 18th century. Like other renowned cafés in Saint Mark's Square, Lavena played an integral role in the city's intellectual and cultural life. A distinguished figure who brought prestige to the establishment, patronizing it since his first visit to Venice, was the renowned composer Richard Wagner. Almost every day, between five and six in the afternoon, Wagner would stay for half an hour, often engaging in conversations with the owner, Carlo Lavena.

Numerous other famous individuals have frequented Lavena over the years, including the Venetian violinist Raphael Frontalli, esteemed composers, writers, and a host of both renowned and lesser-known movie stars who visit during the annual Venice Film Festival.

The caffè still stands as one of the top-tier establishments in Saint Mark's Square, forming a prestigious trio alongside Quadri and Florian. For privacy, you can opt for a table in the narrow little gallery that overlooks the mirrored bar—a delightful Baroque setting. The coffee is of excellent quality, and you can reduce the cost by opting to enjoy yours at the bar, where a few euros will cover the cost, in contrast to the over €10 charge for outdoor seating. However, for an unforgettable experience of savoring caffè corretto (coffee "corrected" with liquor) accompanied by the melodious tunes of Lavena's nimble violinists, it is certainly worth indulging in a seat in the lively square.