Places

Caffè Lavena

Piazza San Marco 133/134, Venice

• www.lavena.it
• t +39 041 522 4070

When young and ambitious Carlo Lavena bought a small café from the Pietriboni brothers in 1860, in the central Calle Frezzeria just a few steps from the stunning Piazza San Marco, he already had big plans for his Venetian enterprise. In no time at all, hardworking Carlo transformed the small Lavena, into the meeting place of the elegant and bustling Venetian high society of the late nineteenth century, seating at his tables some of the greatest intellectuals living in the city or just passing through, including Prince Frédéric de Hohenloe Waldenbourg, Carlo Goldoni, Alberto Moravia and Goffredo Parise, not to mention Gabriele D’Annunzio and the eccentric duchess Luisa Casati, who would often bring a leopard on a leash without the waiters batting an eyelid, and famous patron known for his impeccable daily routine, none other than Richard Wagner. From the off Lavena proved to be the worthy heir of the best Viennese coffee tradition, a social gathering spot famous for its culinary delights and refined patisserie. An enlightened entrepreneur, Carlo Lavena sensed early on that constant innovation was the winning card in the catering business on which he was building his life’s fortune. He was never ashamed to get his hands dirty and “maintained a healthy relationship with work”. He was a tireless and curious traveller with a well-trained eye – immediately noting Sarotti in Berlin, the huge confectionery store on Leipzigerstrasse – and an open mind, always respectful of other traditions. At his own personal, Venetian interpretation of the Viennese Kaffenhouse, you can still order memorable vanilla cakes, lemonade, pastries, donuts, meringues and delicious marzipan sweets to enjoy from an unbeatable “place in the sun” overlooking Piazza San Marco.