Harry's Bar is one of my most favorite spots in Venice, and definitely a place I would not want to miss when visiting.
It was founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, and it is still run by the Cipriani family.
Giuseppe's son Arrigo (italian for Harry) was born a year after it
opened, and he started to work in the family business age nineteen. To this day, he makes his rounds greeting his guests, or joins them for coffee or a chat.
Famoulsy,
Giuseppe Cipriani invented the Bellini
cocktail (the main ingredients are peach and prosecco) and - a perhaps a
little less known fact- the
Carpaccio dish (both inventions were named after italian painters). And
according to DH, their special dry Martini is excellent too.
Harry's
Bar has a rich and colorful history, which is why it has been declared a
national landmark in 2001. It was a favorite of Ernest
Hemingway and Humprhey Bogart, and today's clientele is still very much
the same eclectic mix of people who've frequented Harry's Bar for
decades: some are well known, others are long-time local regulars and
then there are visitors from all over the world, from all walks of life.
The backdrop is a seemingly unchanging decor and setting, and even the
way the staff operates feels exactly how I remember it from my very
first visit, almost twenty years ago. The combination of all this
creates a compelling and special atmosphere, which I have not found in
any other place to this day.
The
low tables and chairs make for a cosy, intimate and comfortable seating
(ask for a corner table in the back of the room). We were lucky when we
had our lunch... (the très charmant) Harry told us that we were
surrounded by Venetian families (the night
before
we came for a quick drink, and it seemed that there were just as many tourists as in the whole of St Mark's Square).
the food is fresh, simple and delicious
and the Carpaccio simply perfect
The
upstairs dining room is small, cosy and beautiful, and offers
breathtaking views over the Grand Canal and the Canal San Marco ~
perfect for private functions
However, I prefer downstairs... it is such fun, and there is so much to see.
Harry's Bar, Calle Vallaresso 1323 (right next to St Mark's Square), Venice, Tel: +39 041 528 5777
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Stunning stunning stunning! Those artichokes look amazing - I have a thing for them - look forward to more Venice pics x
ReplyDeleteLove artichokes too, and these were divine! Bought some today, although I know they'll be bland in comparision.. x
DeleteI feel I a m there. I love also the Ciprianis' hotel.
ReplyDeleteBut your pictures once more are fabulous you should be a pgotographetr dear Mai Tai. Which camera do you utilize?
Warmly.
Monica
P.S. I also prefer downstairs when not too crowdef but t's nevet.....never never
I sometimes use a compact (Nikon coolpix P300), and sometimes a SLR (Nikon D5200). Both are excellent, happy you enjoy the resulting pics!
DeleteDrooling here! I want, I need, I have to have a Bellini ASAP! I love your description of this famous place and even more that you and DH had such fun there! La vita e bella, T xx
ReplyDeleteWe should both be in Harry's Bar, right now! Peachy hugs to you xx
DeleteJust let me throw a few things in the suitcase and I am ....there;-)
DeleteDoing a happy dance!!
DeleteA very belated happy birthday Mai Tai. Oh your pictures bring back memories..I visited Venice when I was a student and we cooukd only imagine how it would be to eat there. Thanks for sharing. Your pictures are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteXx,
Chantal
Thank you, my dear Chantal! Hope you can make it back one day soon xx
DeleteVor so vielen, viele Jahren ... Regata Storica und danach Harry's Bar ... unvergesslich. Danke für die wunderbaren Impressionen. Herzlich - S
ReplyDeleteUnvergessliche Erinnerungen sind die Fäden die unser Leben weben... wie schön, dass wir ein paar davon gemeinsam haben!
DeleteMonica again! What was it on this fabulous carpacio cream cheese? May be it was at lunch time becsusr of the light and it's why it looks still calm upstairs....
ReplyDeleteSpend a goid we dear MT
Yes, it was lunch time. The dressing is called 'Univeral sauce', and consists of home-made mayonaise, lemon juice, Worchester sauce and milk.
DeleteDearest MaiTai,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, rare treasure - time does stand still indeed. How wonderful it must have been to linger and enjoy a delectable feast, celebrating your special occasion with your DH - paradise! Thank you for sharing their remarkable history <3 Much love to you with happy sunny weekend hugs xxx
It was paradise indeed, my dearest Scarf Enthusiast! DH and I enjoy similar things, and it was such a treat to have these magical days of exploring. Much love to you, and a most wonderful and happy weekend too xx
DeleteOh it's one of my favourites too, I love how Arrigo still works everyday and takes time to come and sit with everyone, it's also so relaxed and unpretentious, come rain or shine in Venice it's always wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAgree with every word, dear B&P! I am in awe of his energy and esprit, one would never imagine he turned 80 last year.
DeleteI couldn't think of a more romantic place to celebrate a birthday than Piazza S. Marco and Harry's Bar is such an amazing and gorgeous place! Thank you so much, dearest MaiTai, for sharing the story behind it <3
ReplyDeleteSending you s lot of sunshine from Copenhagen, Manuela xx
Please send more sunshine, my dearest Manuela, we are having torrential rains yet again! The weather is the hottest conversation topic at the boulangerie, no one can remember a spring as miserable as this... Hope you'll enjoy the upcoming Venice posts too, and have a most wonderful weekend xx
DeleteSunshine is on its way to you, my dearest MaiTai:) The last days have been great Summer days up here with more than 20 degrees.
DeleteHope soon sun and high temperatures reach you too. M*
Sunshine's arrived! Merci, my dear x
DeleteI love Harry's Bar too (and their lovely Bellini cocktail!)
ReplyDeleteTell us...what scarf were you wearing that day?
Barbara A
Ah yes the Bellinis! Could drink them all day long.... Chez Harry's, I wore my new Venice birthday scarf (pics to come soon) for lunch, and my gemstone necklace the next evening. Hope the physio is going well, and have a great weekend!
DeleteBrings back incredible memories...what a place!!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that famous places still keep high standards. That Carpaccio looks so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNext time I get to Venice I will definately go to Harry's Bar.