Are these the most expensive coffees or hot chocolates in Venice? It is certainly the best hot chocolate I have ever had. And I tried hard. This is by far the most expensive coffee or hot chocolate I’ve ever had too. So was Cafe Florian worth visiting? Yes.
Cioccolata Casanova – Hot chocolate, mint cream and chocolate shavings, €13.50
Frozen Furian – Cold coffee cream with whip cream, €13.50
It’s not just the luxurious hot chocolate and coffee that make visiting Caffè Florian worth it, it’s the experience too.
Founded in 1720, Caffè Florian is the oldest operating cafe in Europe. It was also one of the first to welcome women while famous visitors include Charles Dickens, Marcel Proust and even Casanova (which explains why our hot chocolate is named after him.
We had not planned to visit Caffè Florian. We were wandering under the arches in Piazza San Marco killing hours before our flight back when we noticed the luxurious facade. From the outside, Caffè Florian looks like a cafe from the past.
We didn’t actually read the menu before we enter. It was only when we sat down at the table that we realized how expensive everything inside was. Afternoon tea is €35 (maybe we should have bought this in hindsight…).
As you walk through the doors, you will notice the beautiful tile floor. A waiter in a smart white shirt and black waistcoat and trousers greets you and shows you to your table. You are surrounded by elegant mirrors, stuccos and frescoes. Clearly we are not dressed correctly for this, but the staff are all very friendly.
Caffe Florian is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I recommend visiting if you have extra cash to spend!