1. Caffe San Carlo, Turin, Italy
For generations, authors have gathered in Caffè San Carlo, making it one of the most famous cafés in Europe. Author of The Three Musketeers and a French writer, Alexandre Dumas, had his first bicerin here. The drink is made by layering espresso, sipping chocolate, and milk.
The city of Turin, Italy, is one of the most illustrious in all of Italy. It was the Kingdom’s first capital (before Florence and Rome). It, therefore, became a magnet for Europe’s intellectual and political elite. Many elegant cafés were set up to accommodate these celebrities. Still, none could compare to the splendor of Caffè San Carlo. The structure is located in Turin’s central Piazza San Carlo, where the city’s historic buildings may be seen. Ornate gold-leaf mirror, marble, and velvet make up the interior design. One must-dos in Turin is to visit a local café and have a cup of the city’s signature hot beverage.
2. Majestic Cafe, Porto, Portugal
The Majestic Café can be found on the picturesque Rua de Santa Catarina in the Portuguese city of Porto. It is significant not just for its Art Nouveau architecture but also for the cultural milieu it fosters, especially the tradition of the “Rendez-Vous café,” where different people from the city’s cultural and artistic life may mingle.
One of the most stunning and iconic buildings in Porto is the Majestic Cafe, created by master architect Joo Queiroz and heavily influenced by Silva Marques. There are paintings on the ceiling and an imposing marble facade decorated with plant themes. The furniture is made of leather, the chandeliers are ornate, the pictures of the columns are reflected in each mirror, etc.
3. Café de la Paix, Paris, France
It’s impossible to be indifferent to the exquisite decor of this well-known café-restaurant. This Parisian mansion was once called the “Grand Hotel.” It was the focal point of Napoleon III’s planned new Opera area, frequented by musicians, authors, journalists, actors, businesspeople, and tourists.
It is widely believed that Le Procope, located in Paris, was the first café in the world. Its beautiful stucco ceiling, gilded walls, and marble tables were all designed by the same architect responsible for the Opera House just across the street. Pastries, which are often created by local chefs, are just as impressive.
4. New York Café, Budapest, Hungary
Many people consider New York Café to be among the most attractive cafés in all of Europe, if not the globe. Once a hangout for artists of the early 20th century, it is now a restaurant serving classic and Italian cuisine. The traditional furnishings are intricate and ornamental, mixed with more modern touches to create an atmosphere that is both comfortable and opulent. Take a seat at one of the mirrored tables. If you’re fortunate, you may see a slight performance by one of the local performers that visit this establishment.
5. Caffe Gambrinus, Naples, Italy
The Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples is home to the popular coffeehouse Caffè Gambrinus. Vincenzo Apuzzo, a successful entrepreneur, launched Caffè Gambrinus by assembling a dream team of bakers and ice cream shop owners. Since then, the Gambrinus has had tremendous prosperity, royal favor, and official designation as “Supplier to the Royal House,” according to the royal order.
Many famous people from all over the world have frequented its golden salons, including Gabriele D’Annunzio, Benedetto Croce, Matilde Serao, Eduardo Scarpetta, Tot, Eduardo De Filippo, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, and Jean-Paul Sartre.