The culinary aspect rounds off the experience with cicchetti that evoke the lagoon’s traditions, whilst the interiors – characterised by warm tones, gilded details and refined materials – harmonise with the spaces overlooking the water. For those wishing to linger a little longer, the Terrazza Gabrielli on the sixth floor offers a panoramic view of the lagoon, stretching from the island of San Giorgio to the Lido: a setting where the Venetian ritual of the aperitif meets a contemporary approach to hospitality.
Housed within Palazzo Papadopoli, a monumental 16th-century building overlooking the Grand Canal, The Bar Aman reinterprets mixology through a direct dialogue with Venetian history and artistic heritage. The drinks menu is curated by Antonio Ferrara, bar manager and mixologist, who draws inspiration from the palace’s historic rooms and the figure of the English poet Lord Byron, known for his connection with Venice. The signature cocktails translate the building’s charm into aromatic profiles and visual details: ‘Armonia’ recalls the beauty of the Sala Rossa, ‘Incanto’ evokes the city’s romanticism, whilst ‘Indomabile’ is inspired by the strength of a member of the Papadopoli family. Even the presentation of the drinks becomes part of the narrative, with elements that echo the stucco work, frescoes and fabrics of the palace, including Rubelli fabrics used as a reference for the menu. Beneath the ceiling frescoed by Cesare Rotta, the tasting is accompanied by reimagined Venetian cicchetti and light dishes, in an experience that combines mixology and gastronomy.
On Riva degli Schiavoni, the Hotel Metropole is one of the most recognisable names in Venetian hospitality, where the ritual of the aperitif blends with a retro aesthetic and oriental influences. The Orientalbar & Bistrot features red velvet sofas, Fortuny lamps and antique 19th-century armour, as well as the ‘Freud Series’ by conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth. The cocktail menu, curated by bartender Andrea Brunello, features great classics and reimagined creations that reflect the venue’s identity, suspended between Venice and the East. Signature drinks include the Oriental Spritz and the Spritz Antico, made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside personal interpretations such as the Signature Negroni.
LPV Bar at the Londra Palace Venice is a historic venue for the city’s aperitif scene, frequented by Venetians and travellers alike in search of a more intimate atmosphere. The interior, refurbished in keeping with the identity of the hotel founded in 1853, evokes the Art Deco style of the early 20th century, with elegant wood panelling, terrazzo floors and Murano blown-glass lamps. The cocktail menu is curated by Marino Lucchetti, head barman with over twenty years’ experience at the hotel, who has developed his own take on Venetian mixology. Among the most iconic creations is the Achille Spritz, prepared according to a secret recipe, whilst the seasonal Bellini showcases the tradition of the prosecco and peach-based cocktail. Lucchetti is also renowned for his takes on the Dry Martini and for his exploration of so-called ‘innocent cocktails’ – non-alcoholic options designed for those seeking an alcohol-free aperitif. The menu is rounded off with wines, spirits, selected coffees and small gastronomic accompaniments.
Palladio Bar, featuring desserts by Cédric Grolet
On the island of Giudecca, within a 16th-century residence overlooking St Mark’s Basin, the Palladio Bar reinterprets the Venetian aperitif ritual with an elegance reminiscent of the city’s great historic cafés. The interiors combine warm-toned panelling, a marble bar and Murano glass chandeliers, whilst the large windows overlooking the Fondamenta offer views of the lagoon to enhance the experience. The drinks menu features Italian classics such as the Negroni, Americano and Spritz – also offered in signature versions inspired by the venue’s history – and extends to an international selection of gins, vodkas, whiskies and rums, as well as Italian wines. Rounding off the experience are tapas by abc kitchens – the group’s restaurant that brings Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s contemporary cuisine to Venice – and the fine patisserie creations of Cédric Grolet, which add a sweet touch to the dining experience.
Dining and Cooking