250 YEARS OF GRAN CAFFÈ QUADRI

This year, the Alajmo Family proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of Gran Caffè Quadri, first opened on May 28, 1775, by Giorgio Quadri.

To honor this remarkable milestone, a special menu has been created featuring the beverage that has long made Quadri a timeless meeting place and point of reference in Venice: coffee.

The Giamaica Caffè Roasting Lab in Verona, a longstanding partner of the Alajmo Family, has crafted an exclusive blend for the occasion. It is made from a single origin of whole Arabica beans sourced from an unclassified area of the Indonesian Archipelago, notable for its chocolatey notes, full body, and rich, almost textured crema.

In addition to being served as a traditional cup of espresso, the Special 250th Anniversary Coffee features in a number of original preparations — from cocktails and cicchetti to dishes at Quadrino Bistro — offering a culinary journey that celebrates the ingredient’s versatility.

Adding a further tribute to the anniversary is a signature porcelain cup designed by Geminiano Cozzi, the historic Venetian manufacturer founded in 1765. The pattern on the cup recreates the architectural friezes of the Doge’s Palace, paying homage to Venice, its origins, and its immense artistic heritage.

A LEGACY OF TASTE

Gran Caffè Quadri's origins trace back to 1638, when it was first known as "Il Rimedio", a venue famous for serving Malvasia wine, believed at the time to "reinvigorate the body and awaken the spirit."

The turning point came on May 28, 1775, when Giorgio Quadri and his wife Naxina, newly arrived from Corfu, invested their family fortune in a venue that would serve “black boiling water” — Turkish-style coffee. The couple purchased what was then Il Rimedio, located under the Procuratie Vecchie, thus beginning the story of Gran Caffè Quadri.

In 1830, the café was taken over by the Vaerini brothers, who renovated the interiors and added a restaurant upstairs, in what were once the official quarters of the Procurators of the Venetian Republic. This upper-floor restaurant will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2030.

A new chapter began in 2011, when the Alajmo Family took over the management of Gran Caffè and Ristorante Quadri. This journey culminated in a major restoration in 2018, passionately led by brothers Massimiliano (Max – chef) and Raffaele (Raf – CEO and Maître des lieux) Alajmo.

The restoration project, curated by visionary designer Philippe Starck and architect Marino Folin, former rector of the IUAV in Venice, came to life through the exceptional craftsmanship of Venice’s finest artisans, under the supervision of the Venetian Heritage Authority.

Each detail was carefully considered to reveal the location’s original beauty. Highlights include the brass signage treated by Fonderia Valese, wall fabrics designed by Tessitura Bevilacqua and reinterpreted by Starck, the stunning mirrors by Barbini brothers, renowned Murano glassmakers since 1570 (responsible for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles), and a modern reinterpretation of a Rezzonico chandelier crafted by Aristide Najean. The restoration of the original ground floor décor was handled by Anna de Spirt and Adriana Spagnol.

TODAY

Today, the three venues — Gran Caffè Quadri, Bistrot Quadrino, and Ristorante Quadri — are managed by Giovanni Alajmo, son of Raffaele, and Michele Pozzani, a long-trusted collaborator of the family. Each venue has its own distinct soul and gastronomic identity.

At Gran Caffè Quadri, guests can enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful views — the Basilica of San Marco — while spending an entire day in Piazza San Marco. From continental breakfasts to lunches featuring cicchetti, pizzas, sandwiches and desserts, all the way to aperitivo and after-dinner drinks, the experience is enhanced by live music from the 121 St. Mark’s Band, a group of professional Italian musicians.

The Bistrot Quadrino, located on the ground floor in the right-hand room upon entering, is a more casual dining space. The walls are adorned with late 19th-century frescoes depicting 18th-century scenes in the style of a festive Giandomenico Tiepolo, painted by Giuseppe Ponga. Surrounded by history and art, guests can enjoy a view of St. Mark’s Square while savoring Italian and Venetian traditional dishes, complemented by a rich wine list and a young, dynamic team.

Upstairs, Ristorante Quadri — recipient of 1 Michelin star, member of Les Grandes Tables du Monde and Relais & Châteaux — is the only fine dining restaurant overlooking Piazza San Marco. Here, guests are free to choose among tasting menus that reinterpret Italian and Venetian culinary traditions through a contemporary lens, celebrating the region, the lagoon, and its local ingredients. The wine list reflects ongoing research and a distinctive, original selection.

With this important milestone, Gran Caffè Quadri reaffirms its role as a symbol of elegance and conviviality — a timeless meeting place for Venetians and travelers alike, where history, art, and haute cuisine continue to blend in one of the most iconic squares in the world.