Gran Caffè Margherita
Iconic Liberty-style cafe in Viareggio, blending stunning architecture with delicious food and artistic flair.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy aperitivo vibes
Gran Caffè Margherita
Best Time
Enjoy aperitivo vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Liberty-style cafe in Viareggio, blending stunning architecture with delicious food and artistic flair.
"Wonderful place to eat. Great food, prices and attentive service. So good, we ate here 3 nights in a row!"
🎯 Admire the Architecture
Don't miss the stunning Liberty-style details, a true Viareggio gem.
🍰 Save Room for Dessert
Reviewers rave about the amazing desserts – a must-try!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Liberty Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the distinctive Liberty-style architecture, a Viareggio icon with unique turrets and a central balcony.
Artistic Installations
Interior/Exterior
Discover contemporary art pieces, like the 'Cuby' sculpture, adding a modern twist to the historic setting.
Delectable Desserts
Dining Area
Indulge in the truly amazing desserts, a highlight for many visitors seeking a sweet treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Liberty Charm
Savor Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Admire the Architecture
Don't miss the stunning Liberty-style details, a true Viareggio gem.
🍰 Save Room for Dessert
Reviewers rave about the amazing desserts – a must-try!
🍽️ Patient Ordering
Service can be slow; be prepared to wait to order.
🎶 Music Volume Check
Music can be loud, making conversation difficult.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Admire the Architecture
Don't miss the stunning Liberty-style details, a true Viareggio gem.
🍰 Save Room for Dessert
Reviewers rave about the amazing desserts – a must-try!
🍽️ Patient Ordering
Service can be slow; be prepared to wait to order.
🎶 Music Volume Check
Music can be loud, making conversation difficult.
💧 Water Reminder
If you order water, double-check it arrives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gran Caffè Margherita is lauded for its stunning Liberty architecture and delicious food, especially its amazing desserts. While some guests note slow service or loud music, the overall experience is highly positive, with many returning for the great food, prices, and attentive service in a beautiful historical setting.
"Fantastic pizza. Medium sized appetizers. Took a while to be able to order. The knife was way too dull for the pizza which made cutting it a challenge. Did not get a bowl for shells for seafood. Music was too loud which made it difficult to talk. The restaurant is in a calmer part of the street. We ordered water but never got it."
August Safwenberg
"Had a dinner twice here.
Lovely historical location, both outside and inside. Service is good and efficient, always with a smile.
I asked to change my "secondo" a while later after I had put the order, and they changed it without problem.
Good quality fresh food.
Menu has a wide choice, both seafood, meat dishes and desserts."
Az Ra
"Wonderful place to eat. Great food, prices and attentive service. So good, we ate here 3 nights in a row! The deserts are truly AMAZING!!!"
Matthew Drinkall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gran Caffè Margherita is centrally located in Viareggio, easily accessible by foot from the main street. If arriving by public transport, buses stop frequently nearby. Parking can be challenging in the city center, so consider public transport or walking if you're already in Viareggio.
Yes, the cafe is situated in a calmer part of the street, often close to the promenade and beach access points in Viareggio, making it a convenient stop after a seaside stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gran Caffè Margherita is a public cafe and restaurant. You do not need a ticket to enter and enjoy a coffee, snack, or meal.
The cafe and restaurant are typically open for lunch and dinner, and also serve coffee and cakes throughout the day. It's advisable to check their specific hours, especially for evening dining, as they are open late.
There is no strict dress code. Most visitors dress casually, suitable for a day out in Viareggio. Smart casual is appropriate if you plan for dinner.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as lovely and historical, with a smart idea of being created inside a library. It offers a nice ambiance for coffee, cake, pizza, or a full course meal.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. The menu offers a wide choice, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The staff is patient and friendly, making it a comfortable dining experience for all ages.
Absolutely! The cafe features contemporary art installations, such as the 'Cuby' sculpture by Marco Izzo, adding an artistic dimension to your visit.
Some visitors have noted that the music can be too loud, making conversation difficult. If you prefer a quieter setting, consider visiting during off-peak hours or requesting a table away from the speakers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, meat, pizza, and gnocchi. They also serve aperitivi with local products, platters, ice cream, and sandwiches.
Yes, the desserts are consistently praised as 'truly AMAZING' and a highlight for many diners.
Prices are considered reasonable and similar to other places in the area, but with far better choices and quality.
One reviewer mentioned the knife provided was too dull for cutting the pizza, making it a challenge.
Yes, they offer aperitivi with typical local products and a menu that highlights the flavors of the Viareggio territory.
📸 📸 Photography
Definitely! The unique Liberty architecture, artistic elements, and charming interior make it a very photogenic location. 
Focus on the distinctive turrets, the central balcony with its masks, and the overall Liberty-style design. The interior, especially if it's a former library, also offers great photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the food, the unique Liberty architecture provides an interesting visual experience for younger visitors. It's a great spot to relax and refuel during a day of exploring the city or the nearby beach. Just be mindful of the music volume if your children are sensitive to noise.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 Take your time to admire the exterior details and the interior ambiance, which often reflects its historical roots, possibly as a former library. Consider visiting during a quieter time to fully soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the architectural nuances. The integration of contemporary art also offers an interesting contrast, showcasing how historical spaces can be revitalized and remain relevant.
🍰 Dessert Lovers
Pair your dessert with a coffee or a local aperitivo for the perfect Viareggio indulgence. It's the ideal spot to satisfy your sweet cravings while enjoying a beautiful setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Gem: Liberty Style
+1Visiting Gran Caffè Margherita offers a chance to step back in time and appreciate the historical significance of Viareggio's urban development. The building itself is a testament to the city's past, and its preservation as a vibrant cafe and restaurant ensures its continued appreciation by locals and tourists alike. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience in architectural appreciation.
A Culinary Journey at Gran Caffè Margherita
For those with a sweet tooth, the desserts are a standout attraction, frequently described as 'truly amazing'. Whether you're stopping for a quick coffee and cake or a full dinner, the culinary offerings are designed to impress. The restaurant also offers a good selection of pizzas and lighter options like sandwiches and platters, ensuring there's something for everyone.
While the food receives high marks, some practical aspects of dining have been noted. A few guests experienced delays in ordering or receiving items like water, and one mentioned a dull knife making pizza cutting difficult. However, the overall consensus is that the attentive service and the quality of the food make it a worthwhile dining experience.
Art and Culture Intertwined
Notable artistic contributions include the 'Cuby' sculpture by Marco Izzo, a piece that brings a modern, vibrant energy to the historic setting.
The cafe also participates in local initiatives, such as the 'Viareggio made in Italy' collection, which features plaster casts of historic city buildings, including the Gran Caffè Margherita itself. This commitment to showcasing local art and heritage makes the cafe a cultural hub as well as a dining establishment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit