Review of Caffe Lavena: A Den of Thieves I feel compelled to share my recent horrific experience at Caffe Lavena, a place that shamelessly robs unsuspecting customers. If you're considering visiting this establishment, let me spare you the agony and anger by recounting my encounter with these despicable thieves. Upon entering the cafe, my jaw dropped when I saw the audacious price tag of 14 euros for a mere 50cl of Pellegrino water. Are they out of their minds? It's as if they believe water from the heavens itself was used to fill those bottles. This outrageous price alone should serve as a warning sign to anyone contemplating entering this den of iniquity. As if the exorbitant pricing wasn't enough to boil my blood, when I expressed my dissatisfaction with the cost, the waiter, who apparently lacked any semblance of human decency, responded with blatant rudeness. Without a shred of respect, he snatched my card from my hand and forcefully tapped it on the machine, as if trying to make a point that they had the power to exploit and abuse their customers at will. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. The waiter, whose conduct was a disgrace to the very notion of hospitality, proceeded to unleash a barrage of profanities at us. It was as if he had forgotten the meaning of the word "service" and instead embraced his role as an antagonist in this culinary nightmare. This behavior was not only aggressive but completely unwarranted. Is this how Gran Cafe Lavenna chooses to treat its patrons? What disappoints me the most is that this establishment boasts a long-standing history, supposedly serving customers since 1750. One would expect such a supposedly venerable institution to uphold principles of integrity and respect. However, the behavior of their staff suggests otherwise. It appears they have forgotten that without the very tourists they exploit, their city would be reduced to nothing more than a forgotten relic. In conclusion, Gran Cafe Lavenna deserves nothing but our collective scorn and contempt. This is not a place to seek refreshment or enjoy a pleasant dining experience. It is a haven for thieves who exploit their customers without remorse. The waiter's aggressive and rude behavior was a stain on the reputation of this purportedly historic establishment. I implore anyone reading this to steer clear of this garbage-infested establishment. Save your money, your sanity, and your dignity by avoiding Gran Cafe Lavenna at all costs.

Do NOT stop here. Staff are Very aggressive. They had nice music and even if you are happy to pay the extreme prices, it’s not work it. When I got the bill I was told tip was not included. Then I went to pay with card I was asked how much tip I was adding. I said I would do the tip separately. When my wife came back from the WC I went myself. The waiter was super aggressive with her asking why I didn’t leave a tip. We hadn’t even left our seats yet! I would love to see his reaction if I treated his family this way!

We ran into this cafe when it was raining. Hadn’t realised it was SO EXPENSIVE. €10plus for coffee. Presentation was, however, lovely - a bit OTT and elaborate but enjoyable on holiday - but still not worth the hefty price tag I’m afraid!

It was a bit expensive, but really worth it. Having a gelato, serenaded with live music on the Place St Mark, was a real pleasure. Highly recommended.

to have an aperol spritz for 18€ with weird not caring attitude of stuff is insane. nevertheless, cocktails were served with some olives and chips, what looked nice. here you pay only for the best location, view, life music, charming atmosphere, and opportunity to make nice pictures.

Great live music to sit and enjoy the square and the buildings. But service here is shocking and non-existing. You got to sit here for 15min + to be served. Drinks and food are extortionate prices, and left over plates and glasses are not removed which then attracts millions of pigeons. The staff will see the plates, they would move the plates about but won't remove it? When paying they specifically ask for a tip,too.

The biggest scam and the most rude employees ever. I asked the waiter why the price on the terrace for cappuccino is 16€ (2.20 standing in the bar) on what she very rudely replied "do you even know where you are? You are at the most beautiful square in the world", and then she suggested that next time I should take the coffee standing again if I can't afford to sit on the terrace... JUST WOW Picture from their terrace attached from 19.10.2023...

This place is complete trash! Servers don’t accommodate the customers even with ample time for waiting. You can ask for a cup of ice it will never come. And when you tell the servers that they’re not up to par they demand tips which is already included in the price of the menu. It states that vat and service is included. They are understaffed but also highly undertrained. I give the benefit of the doubt that it’s solely in a tourist area, but again overpriced and nothing to show for it. Don’t be lured into sitting at st marks square. It isn’t worth it. And you’ll agree with me once you experience it for yourself.

Total rip off. I understand that you will pay more than at other places due to the location, but to pay 77€ for 3 aperols and 2 espressos, that’s absolutely insane and is not in line with their menu prices, so would not recommend at all. Plenty of other nearby places will offer you way much more for way much less, for no addittional (hidden) cost.

Stunning location but servers are quite happy to hustle for tips. Shame. Decent spot and decent selection, but servers are pretty horrendous.

Be prepared to pay TOP $ here. Possibly the most I’ve ever spent on a bottle of water, €14! You DO get a show in the evening when musicians play some nice classical & modern music. Consider an aperol spritz is €18 here when on the other side of the piazza it’s < €8. My €25 old fashioned cocktail was average & felt watered down. I’m ok to pay a premium for a premium experience - Caffe Lavena is not premium, in my opinion.

Tourists trap. A coffee by 11 euros! Run away from here if you don't want to be robbed. The waiters are very kind and polite with you until you order something less than they are expecting. I came here because I wanted to eat a torta di ricota, by the way, the most expensive cake I have eaten in my life, 19 euros! They offered me to seat, before see the prices, when I ordered just a cake, the waiter was rude, saying it is not like that things work there. Worst experience I had.

We have a good time here at Caffe Lavena. Very relaxing with one of the best views in the world in the middle of San Marco Square. The service was excellent! Of course, it comes with a very expensive bill. But I think it was an unforgettable experience!

It is not that expensive when you stand at the bar and drink a cup of espresso. Its taste was really good.

Proper Robbery for the turist!! No very expensive super expensive! This prices is In London on the night clubs ! Nothing is about to say we don’t have money!! Not is about scamming the turism and the turist who is sitting there ! Nowhere I paid this price for the drinks on the terrace. Hello is only terrace on the earth not on the moon strontzo

One of few coffee shops with tradition. This one is around 1750 and it can offer very renaissance vibe :) Of course, with its proximity to the square of San Marco it can offer higher prices too. We had two coffees and the total (with water) was 45 euros. 10 euros was the water allone. But again, its one of those place where you have to expect it. Service, on the other hand, is a thin 4. Nothing badly wrong about it, just not what you’d expect.

I honestly don't know why the rating is so low - it has an excellent location, servers were nice and polite, the service was quite fast as well. You enjoy live music, the drinks were decent as well. Of course, the prices are high but that's pretty understandable for the location. I am not giving 5 stars, as the tables and chairs could be more fancy - the tables are too small, the chairs are not as comfortable and they overall don't fit in the otherwise exquisite atmosphere.

The most amazing cafe in all of Venice. Forget the Florian (which is just opppsite), this is where all the rich locals can be seen. Expensive, yes - but more than worth it.

Best is order take-out the homemade Gelato and eat at the square. Less crowded and is better use of your time. But if you need a place to sit, then is a different story.

Look it’s 20 yards from St Marks Basilica, the primary attraction in one of the most heavily touristed cities in the world. It’s going to have a pretty hefty tourist tax attached to it. However we were happy to pay the tourist tax via our drinks for the location, people watching and the live band. The service was passable however I did leave with a little sour taste. The menu speaks to service charge included, however the waiter hustled me for a tip all the same. I acquiesced, however it is deeply saddening that English speaking customers are hassled for additional tips to, presumably, subsidize customers who do not.

The prices are indeed quite high but the food isn't the only thing you're paying for. The musicians were absolutely wonderful. Our waiter was also really friendly, professional and quick.

Sure its pricy but it includes the band! The musicians need to get paid too! Great place and good service to have a glass of wine and enjoy the concert. Very touristic but lots of fun and a great experience when the music is playing. Have a drink and enjoy the show with the endless free chips they provide.. Elegant interior as well. Your a tourist just do it. There's another place with a band just next to it as well which I did not try but it looks to be the same gig. Pick one and smile Mr Tourist!

Had a lovely espresso here during a private walking tour. And I’m absolutely certain our tour guide did NOT pay the same price for an espresso that we would have had we been alone. Went back another day and saw the incredibly outrageous prices. Even by Venice standards the prices for long drinks, a cappuccino and a slice of cake left me shocked…and I live in an expensive part of the US! Needless to say, we didn’t get anything. Yikes! I just don’t get it? Is it greed or do they really need to charge that much to make a decent profit? Anyway, choose this place at your own risk and bring your credit card with the most available credit.

Very expensive,nice staff,nice ambiance with the musicians.The strawberry caipirinha was very good but everything is overpriced.Cocktail 25€ and a bottle of water 14€.The chairs were very uncomfortable cheap chairs and the olives you get as tapas weren’t the best for such an expensive place

Local tip: if you order at the bar, it costs waaaay less and you get to enjoy the amazing atmosphere. One Spritz costs 5€ and it comes with chips and olives. Service was impeccable, staff is really friendly. 5 starts and will definitely recommend for a quick stop for drinks.

I do not recommend. We have ordered from menu. After 15 min. the waiter announced that they don’t have strawberry glass with ice cream (it means the waiters didn’t know what they have and what they don’t have), we have ordered something else, the waiter requires despite this tips (what is really impolite), when I want to order ice cream the lady asked me to wait a minute because she is calculating small coins in cashier ....absolutely nonsense, I strongly recommend not to sit down

After a full day of exploring Venice, this place was a welcomed relief to sit down and enjoy some live music. Awesome views of this historic square, but be aware these views come at a pretty hefty price. After 10 hours of walking, I’d pay anything to sit and relax—and I pretty much did. 16 euros for a small, iced coffee and 17 euros for a glass of wine. It did come with some potato chips, olives and cookies—which were enjoyable. This place isn’t for everyone due to the price, but I didn’t mind so much since I was on vacation and tired.

Even all coffee places are a bit pricy around St Mark’s place, Lavena food and service are really good. The coffee is so tasteful and they provide it with some water and mini cookies. Something to appreciate as in many others you pay almost the same with only the ordered drink.

Music and the location are optimal! The coffee is ridiculously priced at over 20€ and it was just ok.. For vibe and music its nice with an amazing Basilica and bell tower view!

What a magical experience we had at Caffe Lavena. The food was delicious, the cocktails, way to easy to drink, and the view - spectacular. Above all else though, it was the warm and attentive service we received that made our experience truly memorable.

Awful, tourists please say away from the cafe if you want to get a decent service and not get violently cursed out by its waiter staff. Drinks are good, however its a typical tourist trap that tries to stick you up for tips as soon as you are done. First of all - tips in Italy are very different from United States, while appreciated they are not required. Second their menu clearly states that gratuity is required. Very disappointing!

Although in a very touristic spot cafe Lavena is still a beautiful place to stop for coffee. You may have to stand as we did during busy times but you will still enjoy the top quality coffee , pastries and opulent decor.

One of my favorite place at Venice. It’s quite pricy but we are paying the live band. The band is amazing, they play all the classic music and can even play what you ask for. Service and staff are sweet and busy. We come here almost everyday to enjoy the music and sunshine during our stay. Kids can play around at the square. My kids love the pretty presented gelato. It deserves better google review. I think It’s not a place for foodies and slow service should be expected.

Lovely food and coffee. Nice place for a lazy afternoon. Great for people watching. The band at night was very good.

Such an amazing location. White glove service and live music. Hefty prices but you are not just paying for the food, you are paying for the location and service. Worth it

Visited here in 2017 and 2009. Both experiences were great. Pricey but what a location. Food is excellent and ambiance is wonderful. The Morano hand blown glass chandelier is 450YEARS old. Made in about 1650, Sid the waiter, in Italian.

We did a morning tour of the square snd our tour guide stopped here snd bought us breakfast. It was so amazing to sip on a cappuccino and enjoy the morning as people came into the square.

11 EUR for a plain caffe americano. Is the coffee worth it? No Is the service worth if? No Is the experience worth it? Absolutely

Wow. Totally worth it. You pay for the view, but the service was wonderful and the food and drinks were perfect. Ignore the bad reviews. Life is a dream, stop and taste the roses.