(Snacked 11/10/17 FR @ 12:00pm): There was a bit of "Eden" people-watching in St. Mark's Square while drinking!
A friend and I roamed the many alleys and pathways of the beautiful city of Venice and finally opted for a nice leasurely break at Caffe Eden in the iconic St. Mark's Square. We were sold on the sounds of the live band next door https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=dy9K9mTa8Zp-ppMExYIPYg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw and the wonderful people-watching opportunity. But it must be known upfront --- this place was expensive beyond your wildest imagination! How would you think I rated this place!?
PURCHASE
Tuborg Green Pilsner Euro Pale Ale Beer 4.6% ABV (13 Euro): Basically, a 12 fl. oz. bottle (for USA folks), it had a very light color, a slightly carbonated mix of light hops and a hint of skunkiness aroma, a weak taste, and a clean finish with a slight hoppiness aftertaste. This was certainly a one-and-done beer for me, and the price I had to pay for it added insult to injury https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mcgwVhsVB78DghOBFTLpjA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Chips (Complimentary): Seemingly homemade, they had a nice freshness and crunchiness about them with a slight oiliness. These were enjoyable but never asked if they were refillable.
SERVICE
Gentlemen clad in tuxedos, we were able to sit anywhere there was an open table. We were immediately approached with menus, asked for some time to preview them, and then flagged the same waiter once we were ready. Our respective drinks came out quickly with glasses and chips to snack on. We also asked for some water which we surprisingly received along with a pitcher. As we lazed away while being serenaded by the music and drifted away pn the fact that we were kicking it in St. Mark's Square, we were checked on periodically. Once we finally decided that it was time to move on, we requested the check, easily paid, and off we went. We had no issues whatsoever and never felt rushed or the need to leave.
PARKING (N/A)
Just to be clear, Venice was a walking city where no land-based vehiculars were allowed. Sure, there were plenty of boats, gondolas, and water taxis but no cars whatsoever.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A small restaurant adjoined by a tiny café next door https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iuokB8xlqLd3e6U15BvaFA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, it was all about the open outdoor seating https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Gk1HjrW6Il1HwHCsgi07CQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw which offered the best opportunity to take in all that St. Mark's Square had to offer from the sights and the sounds. Be mindful of the birds as they honed in and swooped upon any unattended food. We witnessed an entire sandwich fly away! Sure, there were seats inside the actual restaurant and café, respectively, but the space was so cramped and truly seemed unpleasant. Natural lighting was all around since you were outdoors; 'nuff said. There were no TVs but the aforementioned live music was easily heard and seen next door https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=dy9K9mTa8Zp-ppMExYIPYg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Caffe Eden was all about location...location...location, but sadly nothing else. Although they offered a full drink and food menu, just imagine what those prices were based on the bottled beer I bought! Definitely a tourist trap for sure, and although this was my third time to Venice it was my first time to dine or drink here...which would be my last. But at least I did it. I found minimal value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around 13.00 Euro BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, although I paid in cash, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! read more