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"At the Bar with Hemingway: The Timeless Charm of Venice's Harry's Bar"

Review about Harry-s Bar Venice. Drinks, Lunch, and Carpaccio

I always thought this Harry-s Bar Venice you must visit! But I had an awful experience. I will tell you later on how it happened.

Harry's Bar in Venice was opened in 1931 by Arrigo Cipriani. The bar's name is related to the American who funded this establishment.

This establishment is the legendary place in Venice of Ernest Hemingway. He visited this Bar frequently, drinking and eating lunch. If you have the privilege to taste the carpaccio. Thin slices of raw beef are invented here at Harry-s Bar Venice by Mr. Cipriani. Harry's Bar is, therefore, very popular among Americans.

Harry 's Bar Venice Italy

But, for me, it was not good. The servers welcomed us, but it was not very pleasant. Like we were not their cup of tea. And we could not go to the 1st floor with window seating and less cluttered.

Drinks and lunch are pricey. This carpaccio is not exceptional. There is too much mayonnaise and too minor. I do not recommend it to you. €27.- for a thin slice of raw meat. I would like to hear about your experience with Harry's Bar Venice.

If it is not the food, it has to be the...

...History of Harry-s Bar Venice

Harry's Bar Venice

A long time ago, in 1929, a wealthy young American named Harry Pickering stayed for months in Hotel Europe Venice.

He enjoyed his life until he discovered his parents had blocked his bank account. To pay for the hotel and return to his home in the USA, he had to collect 5,000 dollars.

The hotel's bartender (Mr. Cipriani) worked for many difficult years, but he also had a generous heart. He gave all his savings to Harry.

Front view of Harry s Bar Venice Italy

For two difficult years, the bartender didn't hear anything. Suddenly, Harry Pickering visited again and paid the bartender an extra 20,000 dollars.

With this amount of money, the bartender started his bar! He named it to the American Harry, called 'Harry's Bar.'

What do you need to know when...

...Visiting Harry's Bar Venice?

Carpaccio Venice Italy Harry Bar

The bartender took his chance, and nowadays, this establishment is a must visit. Harry's Bar in Venice is famous among Americans.

Address: Calle Vallaresso 1323, San Marco. Near San Marco Square opposite vaporetto station S. Marco (Vallaresso).

Drinking Tip! Drinking a Calle Vallaresso Cipriani's famous Bellini cocktail (Prosecco with peach) and eating thin slices of carpaccio upstairs in the restaurant.

Opening the guest book will surprise you who visited this famous bar. From 'Truman Capote' to the 'Ernest Hemingway'...

The famous bartender Cipriani soon opened his luxury hotel (the well-known Cipriani Hotel) and restaurant. Yes, Venice, Italy, has its own beautiful success story. I know that during my next stay, I will definitely visit Harry's Bar Venice never again. And you?

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The bill of my most expensive carpaccio ever!

Wondering how much I paid for my lunch at Harry's Bar? This overrated food was a total of EUR 91.30.

And what did I eat?

  • 2 Bellini cocktails = EUR 33, -
  • 2 Small Carpaccio's = EUR 50, -
  • 1 basket with bread = EUR 8.30

And service was not as good as they tell on many sites and in books.

🍝 Discover Why Everyone Loves Trattoria alla Madonna

Read Reviews on Tripadvisor →
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For over fifty years, Trattoria alla Madonna has been a true Venetian icon — loved by locals and travelers alike. Fresh seafood, authentic Venetian dishes, and a warm atmosphere that captures the spirit of Venice.

Curious to know what others say about their experience?
Read real guest reviews on Tripadvisor and see why this trattoria remains one of Venice’s all-time favorites.

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