Caffè San Marco
A historic literary café since 1914, boasting stunning Art Nouveau interiors and a rich cultural legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed vibe
Caffè San Marco
Best Time
Quieter, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic literary café since 1914, boasting stunning Art Nouveau interiors and a rich cultural legacy.
"Step into a living piece of history at Caffè San Marco, where coffee, books, and art intertwine."
☕ Savor the House Blend
Try their signature coffee blend, roasted locally, for an authentic Trieste coffee experience.
🍰 Don't Miss the Cakes
The desserts and cakes are a highlight, especially the signature sweet options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Interior
Main seating area
Immerse yourself in ornate stuccoes, rich woodwork, and vintage café charm. A true feast for the eyes!
The Integrated Bookstore
Adjacent to the café
Browse a curated selection of books in a historic setting, adding a unique intellectual layer to your visit.
Literary History
Throughout the café
Imagine literary giants like James Joyce and Italo Svevo discussing ideas within these very walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Literary Atmosphere
Pace Yourself for Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Savor the House Blend
Try their signature coffee blend, roasted locally, for an authentic Trieste coffee experience.
🍰 Don't Miss the Cakes
The desserts and cakes are a highlight, especially the signature sweet options.
📚 Explore the Bookstore
The integrated bookstore adds a unique charm; browse while you wait or after your coffee.
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, so relax and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Savor the House Blend
Try their signature coffee blend, roasted locally, for an authentic Trieste coffee experience.
🍰 Don't Miss the Cakes
The desserts and cakes are a highlight, especially the signature sweet options.
📚 Explore the Bookstore
The integrated bookstore adds a unique charm; browse while you wait or after your coffee.
⏳ Be Patient with Service
Service can be slow, so relax and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
🌱 Vegan Options Available
Appreciated for offering vegan menu choices for cakes and other items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caffè San Marco is celebrated for its stunning, well-preserved Art Nouveau interior and its rich literary history, offering a unique blend of café, bookstore, and cultural venue. Visitors rave about the delicious cakes and coffee, and appreciate the vegan options. However, some patrons note that the service can be quite slow, particularly during busy periods.
"• Founded on 3 January 1914
• Art Nouveau style - ornate stuccoes, brass lamps, rich woodwork, marble tables, and vintage caféscape. Caffè San Marco is a historic and literary icon in Trieste.
• The interior features painted allegories of rivers, coffee leaves, nude medallions, lion-paw iron table legs, and elaborate stuccoed ceilings—still largely original and preserved
• In 1915, Austro-Hungarian soldiers attacked and destroyed parts of the café. However, much of the décor survived.
• Literary luminaries like Italo Svevo, James Joyce, & Umberto Saba, have been regulars
• Recognized as a Historic Café of Italy since 2005.
• Functions as a café, restaurant, pastry shop, enoteca, bookstore, and cultural venue, & event venue.
• Cuisine blends Austrian, Slavic, and Italian traditions.
• Drinks include a house-blend of Arabica/Robusta roasted locally, fine Eastern European wines, and a strong coffee tradition central to Trieste’s identity.
Visit “The Four Chains Travel” on YouTube to see our full-length Italy travel videos and reviews. (Honest, unsponsored opinions!)
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angie moran
"Such a hidden gem in the heart of the beautiful city of Trieste. An absolute recommendation for every visitor here. The coffee and the cake are amazing, the stuff are welcoming; i changed the order 2 times and the waiter was cool about it. There was just a delay in delivering the my order but it is explainable because there were too many people.
4 stars 🌟 are well deserved
Update: being a person who does not consume alcohol i did really appreciate the fact that at each time i ask the waiters either a cake or a product does contain alcohol they were very clear about it and helping me choosing."
abdelmouiz charef
"It wasn't too busy when we went there and it was a lovely experience. The staff was a nice and fast and the coffee was delicious. But as a person with a sweet tooth the absolute highlight was their signature cake. But caution, if you don't like desserts that are quite sweet, this may not be for you."
Raluca R.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caffè San Marco is centrally located in Trieste, making it easily accessible. You can walk from many key attractions like Piazza Unità d'Italia. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby.
Street parking in Trieste can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages if you're arriving by car.
From Trieste Centrale train station, you can take a short bus ride or a taxi. It's also a pleasant walk if you enjoy exploring the city on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Caffè San Marco. It operates as a regular café and bookstore.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
There is no formal dress code. Visitors typically dress casually, but given its historic and elegant ambiance, smart casual is also appropriate.
Reservations are generally not required for the café section, but for larger groups or special events, it's advisable to inquire directly.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
They serve a house-blend of Arabica/Robusta coffee, roasted locally, reflecting Trieste's strong coffee culture.
Yes, Caffè San Marco offers pastries, cakes, light meals, and a blend of Austrian, Slavic, and Italian cuisine.
It's a popular spot for breakfast, offering coffee and pastries. However, some reviews mention limited vegetarian breakfast options.
Historically, it was a meeting place for intellectuals and artists like James Joyce and Italo Svevo. It also houses a bookstore. 
Information on Wi-Fi availability and quality is not widely publicized, but it's a good place to relax and disconnect.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and the café's stunning Art Nouveau interior is a popular subject for visitors.
The ornate ceilings, detailed stucco work, brass lamps, and the integrated bookstore offer many picturesque opportunities.
It's always polite to ask for permission before photographing individuals. Focus on the architecture and ambiance for general shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for potentially slower service, which might require extra patience with younger children. The café also offers vegan options, which can be helpful for families with specific dietary needs.
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
+1Explore the Art Nouveau interiors and soak in the rich history. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, browse for books, and imagine the intellectual conversations that once filled these rooms. Recognized as a Historic Café of Italy, it's a pilgrimage site for those who appreciate cultural heritage.
☕ Coffee Connoisseurs
Experience the traditional way of enjoying coffee in a historic setting. While the focus is on the quality of the brew and the ambiance, be aware that service can be leisurely, allowing you to savor your coffee and the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Culture
+1The café's true allure lies in its literary legacy. It was a favored haunt for renowned intellectuals and artists, including James Joyce, Italo Svevo, and Umberto Saba. These figures gathered here to discuss politics, literature, and life, making Caffè San Marco a vibrant intellectual hub. Today, it continues this tradition by functioning not just as a café and restaurant, but also as a bookstore and a venue for cultural events.
+1Recognized as a Historic Café of Italy since 2005, Caffè San Marco offers a unique experience that blends culinary delights with a deep sense of history. The cuisine itself reflects Trieste's diverse cultural influences, blending Austrian, Slavic, and Italian traditions. This historical depth, combined with its aesthetic beauty, makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural fabric of Trieste.
The Culinary Experience at Caffè San Marco
The coffee is a central element, with a house-blend of Arabica/Robusta roasted locally, a nod to Trieste's strong coffee culture. Visitors often praise the quality of the coffee and the delicious cakes and desserts, with some highlighting a signature sweet option as a particular standout. For those with dietary preferences, the café also offers vegan menu options, which have been appreciated by guests.
While the food and drinks are generally well-received, it's worth noting that some patrons have experienced slow service, especially during busy periods. However, many find the unique atmosphere and the quality of the offerings make the wait worthwhile. The integrated bookstore also provides a pleasant way to pass the time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit