More like a 1950’s hotel lobby than a bar, and always very busy, Harry’s Bar is still an irresistible institution. You will naturally want to order a Bellini, they were 15 Euro last visit, but then this is their birthplace! My tip would be to order a ‘Rogers’ second – pretty much a Bellini but with an extra shot of something and at only one Euro more it’s better value and very tasty. People talk of the old clientele (Hemingway, Capote and Orson Welles) the place used to attract and expect something grander, but they went for the atmosphere and because Harry’s is a Venice institution, part of the cyclical life of the place. It was opened in 1931.

The staff, in their white coats and black bow ties, are always charming and demure and will bring you a Beef Carppaccio, the bar’s other signature dish, in the same way that they have been since the place opened. Things here just don’t seem to change. My Dad swears he has been served by the same person at ten year intervals.

People supposedly come to try Bellinis but come back for the atmosphere, which apparently hasn’t changed since it was opened. It’s expensive. But you would expect that and it is somehow more of an experience than just a drink or meal.

Written by  romantic poet.

“Harry's Bar, Venice”

By Jay Rayner for The Observer Sunday November 11, 2001 Jay Rayner takes a vaporetto to the birthplace of Bellinis and Carpaccio where the prices are steep and nothing is too much trouble, including carrying the Aga Khan to the table in his own armchai… Read more...

Written by press. Full Article on The Guardian Website

Comments, reviews and questions

Photo of Yasmine Beverly Rana

Harry's Bar, Venice

I found Harry's Bar to be a delightful, refreshing experience with a top notch staff, thanks to Nevio and his team who were so generous and lovely.

 
Review posted 21st December 2008 by Yasmine Beverly Rana.

Add a comment, review or question

Review title
Your comment
Your rating
Your name
Your email address

 
 

Sponsored ads

  • Central & Eastern Europe

    Visit the heart of Europe: mediaeval towns, imperial splendour & bistros in remote villages. Discover the variety of this region.

    www.tauck.com
  • Hotels in Venice

    A unique selection of hand picked luxury and character hotels. Great Rates, Reviews, Special Offers & Direct Online Booking!

    www.splendia.com
  • Battlefield Tours to Italy

    Specialist guided battlefield tours charting the history of the Italian campaign in world war two. Coach pick ups from various UK locations.

    battlefields.leger.co.uk
  • Venice Hotel Offer

    Book 2 nts at the Ca' Pozzo Inn, Venice & receive complimentary tickets to either the Guggenheim Exhibition or Museo Correr …

    www.capozzoinn.com
  • Hooked on Walking Holidays

    Hooked on Walking specialise in European Walking & Hiking holidays & offer a complete range of itineraries from gentle walks to high alpine tours.

    www.walking-europe.co.uk
  • Advertise here

Who's been here

No travelers have told us they have been here. Have you?

Similar experiences

  • The Opera Bar

    Underneath the Opera House, this bar doesn't just have location, location, location – it's got another couple of usages of the …

  • La Champagneria

    Cava is good, cheap cava is better, and cava with a toasted cheese or bacon bocadillo (sandwich) cannot be beaten by anything o…

  • Carrer de la Mercé Leche de Pantera

    Carrer de la Mercé is a small street, running parallel to the Passeig de Colum, and home to a varied collection of cocktail bar…

What's nearby

  • Bauer Il Palazzo

    "More refined and exclusive cousin of the Bauer, with Grand Canal views"

  • Hotel Flora

    "Charming hotel of Venetian antiques and a garden, close to St Marks"

  • Riding with style in Venice

    Few visitors to Venice think of combining the cultural and architectural riches of that unique city with an equestrian vacation…

Related content

Subscribe to newsletter Add an experience Share