Cafe Florian, Venice

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SAN MARCO

My last night in Venice - the last night of my Holiday, and I was in Piazza San Marco. The crowds had left - pigeons paddling in the water from that afternoons Aqua Alta outnumbered the humans, music played by the cafe musicians drifted over the square.

Bother the expense!, I wanted to sit in Piazza San Marco, at one of Venices most famous cafes and enjoy a glass of prosecco.

The young, white jacketed waiter glided over with a menu, which he discreetly pointed out the printed note warning of cover charge for the music - I already knew of this so wasn't too shocked.

I'd selected my drink from the extensive menu - chosing a Prosecco and Pomegranite (or was it cranberry?) juice, which was named after Tinto - as I'd seen his house and some of his paintings earlier, it seemed appropiate.

Sadly, this was off the menu - not seasonal - so I settled for a Bellini.

While I waited, I enjoyed listening to the music, from the Florians musicians, and when they had a break, from the other cafes orchestras across the piazza.

I had a good spot for people watching, and just chilling out - (My Camponile/ CamponHell experience was nearly forgotten!- see my Things to do tip)

I was quite amused to see one fashionable young woman, who kept spinning around arms outstretched, while the boy with her was instructed to take her photograph - time and time again. He must have been besotted with her to do this !

My Bellini arrived, accompanied by a bowl of plump green olives and a bowl of puff pastry canapes - I wasn't expecting these, so it was a pleasant surprise - especially as I love olives.

I really enjoyed Florians - I thought that it was going to be a bit of a disappointment - as my visit to Harrys Bar had been, but it was even better than I'd anticipated.

It didn't feel 'too touristy', and it was nice to have 'old fashioned' service.

I think if I'd visited during the day, when the Piazza is crowded, I wouldn't have enjoyed it so much.
UPDATE I intended enjoying a drink here during my Christmas visit, but there were no outside tables, and each time I tried to get a seat inside, it was full. I ended up enjoying an Irish Coffee, sitting outside at Quadris, before catching my flight home.
UPDATE -DEC 09 - my latest Christmas visit, and I decided to treat myself, and found a table inside - I ordered a pot of tea - Bergamot and rose petal, which was delicious- I normally drink Lady Gray or Earl Gray tea at home. Sadly there weren't any 'nibbles', but I just enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere. I think this was 8 or 9 Euros!!!! When I returned a month later to Venice, I called in here to buy a pack of these tea bags- These will be for Special treats!

Favorite Dish: I ordered a Bellini, which came with olives and canapes - as expected this wasn't cheap, but- for the experience of sitting outside one of the most famous and oldest cafes in Italy, in one of the most famous squares in the world, when the crowds had gone home (well at least to their next location/ cruise ship etc) and the lights were reflecting off the waters that had seeped into the square, and music from the orchestras was drifting overhead - it was worth every euro!!!

A perfect end to my holiday - (OK- perfect would have been George Clooney sharing it all with me, but near as damn it) ;-0