This place was amazing! When the menu says all inclusive, it does not it was too early for dinner so we had sandwiches but not And I have to tell you about the service. We had two waiters both of the more fantastic. One of them made Thomas another one named Maria. If you go to this place is a must have as the band is playing, and even the chill was came down to our table to request something, and I said anything America, and he chose Frank Sinatra. A beautiful time with head by all. read more

See all

We were shocked at the price. We were in a hurry to get to mass so just ordered. 2 cafe Americano, 1 coronetta, 1 bottle water. We do this every morning! Always 10 euros. 56 euros when we brought us the check!! 16 euros per coffee. 14 euros for a bottle water. Stay away. read more

Caffè Lavena - Receipt - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

They're one of the business's with the live music out front which caught our eye. The musicians were dressed in formal attire like the violinists on the Titanic :) They drew a crowd. We were asked if we wanted to eat or just a drink. I feel like we were asked so he could determine where to seat us, which I don't think should matter. We said a drink and a snack. We were quickly sat at a table outside, but then we noticed our waiter kinda shouted at another couple who was also looking for a table and told them no table was available. But there was, so Idk what his deal was. He was quite aggressive and grouchy w/them and they left. The prices here are high but you're paying for the ambiance. We got a couple drinks and noticed that they bring you snacks w/the beverage so we didn't order any food. The waiter seemed upset that we didn't order anything else and goes "do you want a sandwich?", we said no and he walked off. lol. That was all they had for food and we wanted to have dinner elsewhere. This was just an in-between, been walking all day, and just wanted to sit, have a drink, and listen to the music. The musicians were wonderful! There was also another group further down also playing. Our musicians were taking a break and I got up to ask in how long they were going to play again, and he said like 10 minutes. He said they'll play a song or two, then the other group plays a song and they take turns to not drown each other out. He then asked me where we were from, and I said "California, with Mexican roots", and he goes "Mexican music is a gift to the world. VIVA MEXICO!". I was like awww thank you!!! When they came back from the break, I recognized the song they were playing and was like AWWWW. They played a Mexican classic! just for us! and gave us a nod. The guys even got closer to the corner of the stage so we'd know it was dedicated to us. Hearing Mexican music being played in such an iconic location made my heart happy. I noticed in the super super touristy spots like this one, the staff is not shy about asking if you want to leave a tip as they have the machine in their hand, and this waiter was no different. His service wasn't the best but we did leave something b/c I read on here that the servers can be aggressive if you don't leave anything and I was not about to enter a screaming match. We just copied what another table did for their tip (I overheard) and they too seemed thrown off by the question. The guy said like, 'sure..2 euros', so we did the same. 2 euros. Restrooms: Go inside, up the stairs. PRO TIP: So the next day, we found ourselves walking through this plaza again, and we had to use the restroom. and you know finding a public restroom is a nightmare here w/o buying something. We knew there was a restroom here, so hubby held my bag while I went inside and I just walked up the stairs confidently, so it'd look like we were sitting outside. and then we switched :) read more

Went for an afternoon cocktail and to listen to live music. Bellini and apple spritz hit the spot but the music was minimal. They played one song then took and break and then another song another break. The other caffès around had non-stop music with a short break. Located at St Marks square so very touristy and prices reflect that too. read more

See all

If you need a spot to sit down in San Marco for a morning cappuccino or need a break after the jaw-dropping magic of the basilica, this is a great spot to get a tasty treat and people watch. The waiters were great, and there was live music out front! An elderly couple even started dancing in the square. Venice is so special. read more

This is a beautiful and historic coffee house on St Marks square. We went in to get away from the crowds and the rain. It is a beautiful place. The mirrors are original to the 1800's. The chandelier is also and merino. Beautiful place to sit, relax, watch people. Restroom upstairs. It's pricey. The coffee was good, too sweet for me. I suppose though that is my fault. Ordered the special with vanilla and creme. But I didn't leave a drop!! Very Venetian!! And live string music and piano right outside!! read more

See all

We found this cute little restaurant/sidewalk cafe while strolling around Venice in the early evening in the San Marco Square area. There are cafes all around but this place caught our eye with a sign adverting a great happy hour deal. Its also in an ideal spot for people watching. We were quickly seated at a little table for 2 facing the Grand Canal and pedestrian traffic. There were lots of people passing by in both directions. We ordered drinks; an Aperol Spritz for me, under $5 USD, and my husband ordered a medium-sized Italian beer that was also about $4-5. We decided to order a a pizza with spicy sausage to share. (I was worried it would be too spicy; but I guess spicy sausage is what the Italians call pepperoni.). It was served hot and it was absolutely delicious; and just the perfect size for 2. We were just her for about an hour; but they did have a full menu for both food and drinks. I'm not sure about everything they serve.....but they definitely have great deals for happy, good service, and tasty pizza! read more

Caffè Lavena - Entrance facing the Grand Canal - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

This was our first stop at any eatery in Italy. It was busy but staff were nice. A good selection to choose from. Gelato was great and the sandwich I had was awesome! We took everything to go as we were jet lagged but they have seating available and it's in a good location in San Marco square read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Somehow we had a terrible waiter, refused to share the menu. Horrible attitude to the point of yelling back at me. I go inside the Store and explained that there is not so much of a cordial man waiter, and they are just clueless. They understood Spanish, and English, the waiter walks in yelling out loud and coworkers just looked at him and he does as he pleases. read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

We have a relaxing day to sit down in the middle of San Marco Square and have a drink and snack with the excellent service at the same time. This is what Caffe Lavena has done for many people over many years. The excellent location comes with a premium price. But it is worth it. How often are we supposed to be able to have the same kind of experience in one of the world's most famous places? The service we receive from Caffe Lavena is one of the best in Italy. Five stars service in a five stars location. The only question I have is about the menu. Why do they have a fancy menu like all the restaurants that charge the same price? I don't understand! There are lots of pigeons and other birds flying around. Make sure you're keeping yourself in the covered area. You can pay attention to the top of those covers, and you'll agree with what I mean! Lol! read more

See all

A lovely and traditional café on Piazza San Marco. Waiters in white jackets will take your order. The spritz was very well made. And of course there were lots of nice salty snacks to go along with the drinks. Fortunately it was not too crowded when we arrived so we were seated immediately. Being in a very touristic area, it can be packed at times. read more

TOURIST TRAP--we wanted to experience lunch in St Marks Square. Looked nice, well dressed waiters, outside tables under umbrellas AND a live string quartet, how much better can it get? I just told you the high points. Service was grumpy and rushed. He asked for and we gave our drink order. Great, but 10-15 min later, we said we were ready to place our food order. Waiter said 'I wish you would have told me earlier'. Why say that? Place had plenty of empty tables. Food was very marginal. And when I paid, waiter asked 'do you want to leave a tip?' WHAT? I felt rushed and said OK. Don't do what I did, say NO. TOTAL-SCAM. I hate myself....Go somewhere else. read more

Best gelato in Venice! The cafe itself is very beautiful. Enjoying gelato while listening to the orchestras on St. Marks square is such a wonderful experience. read more

Caffè Lavena - Gelato - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Good service. Free water, small chocolate and two small cookies with your Americano. However, You are paying for all that with 11 Euro cup of Americano. Our bill was more than the breakfast at a cafe nearby. This is a rip off!!!! read more

See all

I was visiting Venice and saw this restaurant first at St. Mark's Square. The first night I had a cocktail and listened to music. The second day, I had a sandwich, strawberry shake and sparkling water. I loved the group that was playing music. The service was excellent and very attentive. They have several other outdoor seating for drinks and food. read more

Now having been to all of the cafes in St Mark's Square, I upgrade my rating to five stars. Being in the "high rent district," it's still relatively expensive but the cocktails and service are top notch. Live piano music in the evenings. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the birds! read more

Do NOT come here. Got scammed by the waiter and was treated very poorly. 1) THE SERVICE: We were first seated by a nice man, but the man who was our waiter was a complete jerk. When we ordered our three (extremely over priced) drinks, he legit rolled his eyes at us, didn't say a word, and walked away. It was so weird. When he brought us our tray of drinks, again, he very visibly rolled his eyes and had the nastiest look on his face. We were absolutely polite the entire time but he had a problem with us for some reason! I though he might just be a grump, but then I saw him at other tables that were just getting a few drinks also, and he was all smiles and laughing with them. I think it may be because my husband's family is Mexican because when I went up to take these photos after we got SCAMED by him he saw me (a white woman) and said with a smile, "thank you!" When I didn't acknowledge him, he dropped his mouth open in surprise. 2) THE SCAM: this place, like almost all other restaurants in Italy charges a cover fee, which I completely understand. When he brought us the check at the end, he handed my father in law the card swipper and said "you're total is $45, would you like to give $55 to include the tip?" My father in law said "no, I will do $5 tip". The waiter then proceeded to charge him $55. So, on top of paying a cover charge, he put us on the spot by asking us to tip him, then he charged more tip than we said we wanted to give. I read on the internet that you have to be careful of pick pockets and scammers on the street in Venice, but I guess you have to watch out for the waiters too. Absolutely do not come here to this awful place. read more

Caffè Lavena - The scammer - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Don't pay attention to the prices. This place is more about the experience sitting outside in the square and sipping away your favorite beverage and nibbling at some goodies. Service - 4/5 Food - 3/5 Ambience - 4/5 read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

The Lavena and the Florian are two of my fave Caffè spots in the Piazza San Marco area in Venice. Come here to experience Venetian architecture, history and Art strewn everywhere. The wait staff are in topcoats & ties, but no fret it's just the standard in the city especially bars and sit down cafes. Venice is one of the richest cities in Italy as reflected in the prices of everything, even coffee. Don't expect Starbucks or NYC prices at this cafe. Prices are much higher. But you're on vacay. Chill and flourish! Great place for drinks and dessert though after a bit of shopping and wandering. We would meet up here before the Carnevale, have a few drinks and go to parties. Visits: over 50 since college Tip: Spring is a great time to come to Venice Unless you have relatives or local friends, don't come in summer or during storms (water rises above ground). read more

See all

We went here during the Carnival.my daughter and I decided to go here to eat and relax. So we ordered at the cafe.My child had to use the bathroom upstairs on the 2nd floor where there were morethan 20 seats unoccupied.So I sat,I was rudely told by the waiter that I cannot sit ,only for customers of the restaurant only.The waiter said that the customer of the cafe is different from the customer of the restaurant.So I just ignored him and stood up. If you are not their own,they woudn't care at all. read more

Waiter aggressively demanded a tip and followed me out when I declined to give it to him. Made racist comments to me

This is one of those tourist places in St. Mark's Square that will bleed you euro dry with their prices. After some walking in very bad heat and humidity, we stopped here for some coffee and some water. Many euros later, we departed. Paying a premium for the location, we knew before we went in that there would be a hefty premium. It was an OK place and the service was good. The piece de resistance came when the server asked me how much tip I wanted to add to the bill as it wasn't included. It's Europe, sir, I know it's not included and you're not getting any. Avoid if possible. read more

Caffè Lavena - Gelato Liset ordered. - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Caffe Lavena is providing you with a sit outside option with live music and the best view in the world in the most expensive real estate area in San Marco plazza. I tried their food with my Spritz and I loved it. read more

See all

Cafes line St. Mark's square and one evening, Gayle, Erin, Jim, and I decided to sit down at Caffe' Lavena and listen to a small combo play a selection of classical and pop hits. The most popular was a Sound of Music medley. I thought it was all kind of magical as the music, atmosphere, and companionship came together is a very special way. This was also an expensive experience, as we were paying for our wine, snacks, cover charge and the music. Plus Jim added another 15% for a tip! Erin and I were a "bit" outraged by that, while Gayle and Jim were simply content to let the music play. And they were probably right. read more

See all

A friend and I grabbed a drink at Caffe Lavena while visiting Venice in September 2017. The music and people watching was delightful, and the staff was courteous. Our drinks were tasty (I had wine, she had an aperol spritzer). They had a good variety of snacks to munch on during our stay. I'd go back! read more

Caffè Lavena - the band - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

See all

Sure it is a splurge for a fancy coffee if you sit down. Remember you can stand at the bar and still enjoy your caffe at cheaper prices. We splurged and took a seat inside (still cold in March to sit outside). We enjoyed courteous service with a tray of our coffee and treats. They added water with a few cookies and chocolates, which was a nIce little surprise. Yeah, it's the little things you remember. Those of you who are opera fans, Wagner is said to have frequented this place, when he lived in Venice. He apparently sat upstairs, although I don't know which table. read more

Didn't acknowledge we were there. Very small menu. Super overpriced. Restaurant was small.

So extravagant but worth it! Hey! You're in Venice,Italy!! You are in St Mark's Square looking at the Basilica of St Mark's! Listening to beautiful music, people watching, sipping a Mimosa and snacking on potato chips, a beer and aqua minerale! All for only 45€ ...Worth it!! Memorable spot in the square! Love the waiters all decked out in their tuxes! Live musicians playing wonderful Italian music! The best! Happy couple! Get there early is my tip for doing most everything in Venice. Doge's Palace and Basilica a must but as I said get there early especially if you see cruise ships in the port! Venice is very popular with worldwide travelers! No wonder! It's gorgeous! The canals are amazing, gondolas, gondoliers, shopping, and historical points of interest! Again, get there at 8:30am, have a cappuccino, and head for the Doge's castle and Basilica of St Mark! Leave by noon after having a coffee, or cocktail or lunch at Caffe Lavena! Spent 3 days in Venice! Too much time.. 2 days max next time! Crowd overload!! read more

See all

Caffe' Lavena is a cool but rather touristy sidewalk cafe smack dab in the middle of San Marco Plazza (St. Mark's Square) in Venice. Obviously, while this is a unique location to take in the views of the iconic and historic landmark structures that form this internationally famous plaza, they also have a captive . . . even monopolistic . . . stranglehold on the market if you want to be seated in the plaza itself. Our tab was a fairly outlandish 44 Euros (approx. $55 at today's exchange rate), including tip, for coffee and dessert for 3 persons. We ordered Hot Chocolate, Caffe Latte, Capucino and Tiramisu. This was the one and only place we visited during our week-long visit to Italy where any waiter chose to, . . . rather matter of fact-ly, . . . tell us with no hesitation that the tab didn't include his tip !! This alone gave our experience here a very touristy touch . . . but then some would say that is pretty much true of most of Venice today. There are certainly few remaining local residential areas. Much of Venice has become a tourist trap . . . However, if you look hard, you might be able to find the local residential areas and avoid the touristy areas. Search hard to find the best of what remains of the Historic Venice 'of Old'. read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Enjoy one of the most historic and amazing historic sites ever built at the Caffe Lavena! This Caffe was opened in 1750 and sit outside and enjoy a chilled glass of white wine looking at the amazing Basilica of di San Marcos. The architecture and sculptures are truly amazing. You also have an amazing view of the Piazza San Marcos. Service is awesome and they have live classic instrumental music in the background. It's a late afternoon or a before dinner must experience when in Venice! read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Don't spend your hard earned money here. Just got through the threshold and immediately felt unwelcome by the girl at the front. As soon as she heard me speaking English I got a dirty look. We walked out and vowed to share this with as many people . read more

Caffè Lavena - Rude staff behind the counter , don't spend your hard earned American dollars here, spend it where they appreciate your business. - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

Our nightly go-to place. Suggestion: stand at the bar to order/drink/snack. It's much more expensive at the tables and, truthfully, the bar is more fun. read more

Service nice, but watch out!!! This place is very expensive! 1 cappuccino 11 euro! We had 2 cappuccinos, a small sandwich and pastry, 52.00 euro!! read more

Caffè Lavena - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Venezia, VE

We had a very good experience here in St. Mark's plaza on our last night in Venice. Server was very friendly and affable, the quintessential Italian waiter. He treated my daughter very well, ever brought her a separate little table for her milkshake. We had a bottle of white wine, listened to the music from the live band and enjoyed the evening. Prices are high so we had just drinks and the little snacks they gave us. "Tip is not included" the server told me twice. I get it, signore! It doesn't bother me since we are used to tipping being a huge part of every waiter's livelihood in the States. If you are coming during the warmer months, wear mosquito repellent! These little things are all business near the water. We had it on and they were still after us. I can imagine if we had none. An enjoyable evening. read more

Ok. I thought there was a mistake with my bill first but then going over it I had it right. Surcharge for everything, extra for music to way over priced drinks. THIS PLACE IS A SCAM. It's a shame. In a lovely city like Venice, an establishment as such gives a black eye. Enjoy the ambiance of the San Marcos and grab a bite in the next street or bring your own, seat on the stairs/podium and watch the people/pigeon. Enjoy life. read more

Terrible experience. Rude staff, outrageous prices (29 euros for two glasses of orange juice), racist caricatures on the walls. Absolutely horrible. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Venice. Don't give this place your money. read more

Very rude costumer service. They heard us talking in English and began saying rude things about us in Italian, thinking we did not understand. Furthermore, we ordered an espresso and it has taken a while to come, even though the bar is not even busy. Overall, very poor customer service and I would not recommend this bar to anyone. read more

Came in because couldn't find any washroom nearby and turned out to be my most expensive pee ever!! Didn't care about their menu before sitting down and had absolutely no expectation on their food or service what so ever. It was very expensive obviously- 9 euro for a cappuccino and we also ordered some cookies. They were not bad but not worth the price for sure. The ambience was nice but nothing super. Many ppl seemed to get in for a romantic/tourist must experience at the San Marco plaza, which I can see why though not sure if this would be the best place for it :P. To be fair, I think there should be a nicer place with more reasonable price than this tourist trap. read more

22 euro for 2 cappuccinos... highway robbery. And then reminded us 3 times this price was without tip.

"Tourist trap" or not, this place had very friendly service and great drinks. It doesn't seem common for restaurants in Venice to have friendly, responsive service but they certainly do here. We ordered the Spritzers,a Venetian favorite (one with aperol one with bitters) and they were delicious. They had live music along with free appetizers at the bar. My favorite were the olives & the pickled capers! I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the spritzers were well made. The term "Tourist trap" doesn't do this place justice and doesn't seem fair. They have great service and good products. I thought it was a Great way to spend our last evening in Venice. read more

See all