In this article, I present Harry's Bar in Veniceone of the city's most emblematic establishments!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Harry's Bar in Venice
- What you can eat at Harry's bar
- How to get here easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Harry's Bar in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Harry's Bar Venice: article summary
Harry's Bar Venice: history and anecdotes about this not-to-be-missed establishment
In most of the world's major cities, there are establishments that are part of the local heritage: Harry's Bar in Venice is one of them, and I'll tell you why.
A short history of Harry's bar in Venice
Harry's Bar has opened its doors in 1931 in Venice, a stone's throw from Saint Mark's Square. Its founder, Giuseppe Cipriani explained that he had named the establishment after a young American named Harry Pickering, whom he had helped in the early '20s.
According to the story told by G. Cipriani, he met this young student named Harry while staying in Venice with his aunt. The boy suffered from alcoholism, and it seems that the trip was intended to help him cure himself.
But following a quarrel with his aunt, the American student finds himself alone, with no possibility of finding a job. return to his native America. That's when he meets a hotel bartender Europewho will lend him the sum of 10,000 lire (a colossal sum for the time) to help him out. The man was Giuseppe Cipriani.
A few years later, Harry Pickering returned to Venice to repay his benefactor, and in addition to the initial 10,000 lire, he gave him a further 30,000 lire, which enabled Cipriani to set up his own business. This is how he opened the bar, granting him the American's first name to pay tribute to him.
Harry's bar quickly became a hit with locals, serving simple dishes based on local produce, at a time when the norm was more French gastronomy. And today, the son of Giuseppe Cipriani (Arrigo Cipriani) who took over!
Why is Harry's Bar so famous?
While its history, antiquity and location have certainly contributed to its fame, it is above all the two major creations from the mind of Giuseppe Cipriani, who went on to make this establishment legendary:
- Visit carpaccioA well-known dish for meat lovers, it owes its name to the Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio. Carpaccio was a devotee of the color red, and the thinly sliced beef reminded Cipriani of the artist's work when he created the dish in 1950 or 1963 (sources vary).
- Visit Bellinia delicious alcoholic drink that includes Prosecco and white peach puree, for a mouth-watering result. It's Venice's most famous drink - no, it's not the Spritz! - and was invented at Harry's Bar in 1948. Its name comes from the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, whom Cipriani admired.
Who are some of the celebrities to have frequented him?
Another reason for the fame of Harry's Bar in Venice is that the establishment was frequented by illustrious characters. These include :
- Charlie Chaplin
- Orson Welles
- Georges Braques
- Peggy Guggenheim (See the Peggy Guggenheim collection !)
- Ernest Hemingway
The latter wrote part of his novel Beyond the river and under the trees at Harry's Bar in Venice, and the establishment is mentioned several times!
If you'd like to follow in the footsteps of these famous figures, just push open the doors of Harry's Bar! In 2001, Harry's Bar was listed as a national heritage by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
What can you eat and drink at Harry's Bar in Venice?
Contrary to what its name suggests, Harry's Bar in Venice is a restaurant ! You'll come for a good meal or a snack... if you're on a budget! Indeed, prices are very high and you'll have to heat up the CB if you want to take advantage.
But before we look at prices, let's take a look at a few examples of what this iconic establishment has to offer.
Starters, Salads and First courses
- Melon and Parma ham salad
- Green Tagliatelle with Pesto
- Veal cannelloni
- Spinach and cheese ravioli
Main courses
- Veal in lemon sauce
- Veal liver Venetian style
- Cuttlefish with polenta
- Risotto Primavera
- Cipriani carpaccio with salad
- Milanese escalope
Desserts
- Selection of homemade ice creams
- Cream pancakes
Beverages
- The famous Bellini
- A refined cocktail section
- Italian wines
It's classic, with Venetian dishes as well as Italian dishes from other regions, and a menu with enough variety to appeal to all customers.
How do I get to Harry's Bar in Venice?
Harry's Bar in Venice is located at the following address: Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 San Marco, Venice
It's right in the center of town and very easy to get to, via the following means of transport:
- On foot, to St Mark's Square, which will be a mandatory step of your stay
- Visit vaporetto (1 or 2), getting off at the Vallessero /san Marco stop
Harry's Bar Venice: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting Harry's Bar in Venice!
Rates and booking
As I mentioned above, lunch or dinner at Harry's Bar is expensive. Here are a few examples of the prices charged:
- Salads and startersfrom 20 to 40 euros
- Visit first courses (pasta): between 42 and 44 euros
- Main coursefrom 56 euros
- Dessert25 euros on average
- A Bellini will cost you 22 euros / a cocktail between 24 and 26 euros
- Visit coffee costs 3 euros
The bill will be high, and opinions differ, with some customers describing the experience as superb, while others take offence at the prices charged. It's up to you to decide whether you'd like to give it a try, or whether you'd rather go elsewhere. Venice's top restaurants !
No need to book, there's room and when it's busy, you don't have to wait very long.
Opening hours
Open daily from 10:30am to 11pm.
Practical information
If you can, choose a table with view of the Grand Canalfor a 100 % Venetian experience!
What to see and do in the area?
Before or after your visit to Harry's Bar in Venice, you can discover several places of interest in the surrounding area:
- Visit Florian caféIf you'd like to treat yourself to a different experience in one of Venice's most emblematic locations. This is the oldest café in town!
- The wonders of St. Mark's Square, from the Doge's Palace to the San Marco basilica!
- Visit royal gardensEnjoy a moment of relaxation just a stone's throw from one of the world's busiest squares!
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