Caffè Dante

Caffè Dante is Verona's most historic café, facing the elegant Piazza dei Signori — sometimes called Piazza Dante for the statue of the poet at its centre — in the heart of the old city. Established in 1865, it occupies a prime position beneath the arcades and porticoes of one of Verona's most beautiful squares, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance palaces including the Loggia del Consiglio. For more than a century and a half it has been a gathering place for Veronese society, and its outdoor tables on the piazza remain a coveted spot for watching the city's unhurried social life. The offering spans the day: morning coffee and pastries, a light lunch, and the all-important aperitivo, with the Veneto spritz — Aperol or Campari with prosecco and soda — a local ritual taken as the late afternoon turns to evening. The café also functions as a more formal restaurant, with a menu of Veronese and Italian dishes for those wanting a full meal in a refined setting. The atmosphere blends historic elegance with the everyday rhythm of an Italian piazza café; sitting outside with a drink as the light fades over the surrounding palaces is the quintessential experience. Prices for the piazza tables carry a premium in keeping with the prime location, though they remain more moderate than the grand cafés of Venice's San Marco. No reservation is needed for a coffee or aperitivo, while the restaurant may be booked for a meal. For travellers exploring Verona, Caffè Dante offers both refreshment and a front-row seat onto one of the city's loveliest squares.