Il Mercante

Nestled in the heart of Venice’s San Polo district, Il Mercante occupies the historic Caffè dei Frari, an elegant café first opened in the 1870s and lovingly transformed in 2016 into a haven for creative cocktails. The bar spans two intimate levels. On the ground floor, patrons are welcomed by a stylish bar and artful décor. A graceful mezzanine rings the main room, outfitted with black leather booths and stained-glass lamps that cast a warm, romantic glow—perfect for stealing away from the tourist bustle. Il Mercante’s cocktail menu is a narrative in liquids—each drink inspired by tales of explorers, adventurers, and maritime journeys. Signature concoctions like The Captain’s Death (pepper-infused gin, cherry shrub, apricot liqueur, verjus, tonka bean bitters, garnished with burnt rosemary) are served in imaginative vessels such as moss-filled boxes or calavera skulls—every detail elevates the experience. Bartenders even offer small touches like flavored water and bar snack samplings while you peruse the “drink diary” menu. Beyond the cocktails, the atmosphere is where history and modern design converge. Velvet sofas, leather seating, subdued lighting, and original paintings hint at the café’s storied past—yet everything feels freshly curated for today’s cocktail aficionado. Thoughtful service, polished yet welcoming, rounds out the sense of warmth and discovery. With its magical blend of ambiance, narrative cocktails, and elegance, Il Mercante is a favorite for date nights, intimate evenings, or anyone seeking a uniquely Venetian cocktail journey.