Caffe Brasilia — Restaurant in Venice

It was our first time in Venice and my husband & I decided to go to this place, unfortunately.

We noticed the entire menu was overpriced compared to other places we had been but decided to stay as the location was convenient and we needed to take a tour nearby right after. I ordered a cheese & ham sandwich which was ok and my husband ordered the waffles (PLURAL). What my husband got was a kid’s size waffle (yes, ONE waffle) which we thought was a mistake and decided to bring it up to the waiter. The waiter agreed it must had been a mistake as the menu said “waffles”. To our surprise, the owner did agree it was a mistake on their end but that if we wanted another waffle we needed to pay another €6.50.

Clearly the owner needs to take some sort of business management class as this decision only reflects their poor business management skills. The LEAST they could’ve done AFTER agreeing it was a mistake on their end is serve us another of their kid’s size waffle.

We went to Nikki Bar the following day and not only do they serve quality meals but the prices are mor reasonable and the owner is a true Italian who loves to keep her customers happy (go check out this place instead).

We won’t be returning to Caffe Brasilia and I’m making sure everyone knows about this scam. The owner clearly only cares about making profit off...

For over 13 years, Brasilia has been my go-to spot, witnessing two changes in ownership and numerous staff rotations. Throughout these years, the consistent quality of produce and the warmth of the staff made it a beloved local haunt. There was a sense of community here, with locals often enjoying special attention and even occasional discounts—a gesture that didn't go unnoticed when comparing prices at the counter. My friends and I were always mindful, ensuring we didn't overstay our welcome during peak times, prioritizing space for new customers or tourists.

However, the atmosphere has shifted in recent weeks. Not long ago, I found myself hurried through my coffee and dessert post-lunch. Then, to my surprise, days ago I was charged €2.50 for a quick coffee, despite the café being nearly empty and my stay lasting barely 5 minutes. The last straw came when a cappuccino and a coffee cost me €5...(it means the Cappuccino is gone up again in price since two days ago) , during a 20-minute sit-down in an otherwise vacant café—this time, we weren't even provided with a till receipt. :-)

While I understand the pivot towards catering to tourists, it's with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Brasilia. It's been a wonderful 15 years, but it's...

Caffè Brasilia quickly became our go-to spot during our stay in Venice, whether for a morning espresso and pastry or a refreshing Aperol Spritz in the early afternoon before dinner. Nestled in a quiet corner just a few steps from our hotel, Ca’ Alvise, this charming café offers an authentic Venetian experience at exceptionally reasonable prices.

The friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the café’s appeal. Inside, you’ll find a cozy setting with good music playing in the background, while outside seating provides a prime location for people-watching. From this hidden gem, you can observe the steady flow of visitors heading towards iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco.

What makes Caffè Brasilia truly special is its ability to offer a peaceful retreat from Venice’s bustling tourist areas. Despite its central location, it retains a sense of exclusivity, making it feel like your own little slice of Venetian paradise. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cappuccino or lingering over a spritz, this café embodies the charm and relaxed pace of Venetian life—an ideal way to start or pause your day while...