You think of Verona and you think of Romeo and Juliet. If it’s true that you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Juliet’s balcony, it’s also true that you should also pay a visit to the many historic cafes of the city.
It’s no surprise Verona inspired Shakespeare to write one of the most romantic stories of all times: Romeo and Juliet. Verona is really charming and has a lot of beautiful spots and architectures. The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature and landscapes. But, as you may have guessed, a lot of historical cafes are also worth the visit here! In these cafes the local tradition is very much present and espressos are absolutely amazing!
Caffè alla Costa
Caffè alla Costa is one of the most ancient bars in Italy. It was established in the 18th century when the French were ruling in the area, and Napoleon Bonaparte had established right in the city.
That’s why this café’s style is Parisian and it is located in via Costa, hence the name. Juliet and Romeo were said to have kissed for the first time right in this street. The name of the street (literally “rib”) is due to the fact that for a period of time a giant whale rib had be hanged here, the legend has it.
In the 30s a pastry chef took ownership of the place, and pastries became one of the main reasons to visit this café. The main delicacies were pandoro (a Christmas Italian traditional cake) and nougat.
Later in the ‘60s the place took a more “savoury” turn and became popular for its homemade pizza.
Today the café has a new prime location, having left Via Costa for the more fashionable Piazza Bra in front of the arena. It also changed its name to “Costa in Bra”.
Antico Caffè Dante
Dante (the most important Italian poet of all times) was from Florence, but this cafe is located in one of the main squares in Verona: Piazza dei Signori. The name came from the Dante’s statue that has been placed in this square since 1863. Right here, in fact, Dante spent his exile time during the political disorders in Florence.
The café is popular for its elegance and its retro vibes that attract local people and tourists alike.
Caffè Carducci
This café is maybe the main historical café in the city. At its establishment in 1928 it was named “Osteria Carducci” by its first owner, Guglielmo Bianconi. The place is located, in fact, in Carducci street, in the Veronetta area.
Caffè Carducci has always been very important for the city of Verona, and locals were very close to the Bianconi family, whose story was tied very closely to the story of the café itself. The place underwent many renovations along the years, and today it features a very modern open kitchen.
Caffè Borsari
This café owes its name to the street it was established in during the ‘60s: Corso Porta Borsari. It is historically known as Caffé Tubino. It is very popular because its menu counts more the 120 different kinds of coffee! You won’t be bored here.
Caffè Rialto
From this prime location café, you have a beautiful view of the Roman entrance gate to the city of Porta Borsari. Vibes here are retro and made elegant by the amazing frescoes. Costumers of Caffè Rialto are mainly locals.
Caffè Fantoni
This is one is outside the border of the city, in the town of Villafranca, where it was established in 1842 by Mr Giovanni Fantoni. Mr Fantoni was not only the owner of this beautiful café: he also invented some of the sweet delicacies that are today part of the Italian tradition. We are talking about the “sfogliatelle” which he created for Prince Umberto and the “Cake of Pace” which he baked for the first time to celebrate the peace between the Austrians and the French in 1859.
In the 20s it was renewed and given a Liberty touch and it also displays plates and other commemorative objects dedicated to many illustrious personalities that had been customers here. Its style is clearly from the Risorgimento era, especially on its beautiful open-air patio.
How did you like Verona and its historical cafés? Remember to check out our blog to discover where are we going to take you next time!
