Il Mercante

Il Mercante is a modern cocktail bar within an 1870s historic Venetian café in the San Polo district, where carefully preserved original design and historic paintings blend seamlessly with contemporary mixology. Owner Alessandro Zampieri curates a menu themed around great explorers and global circumnavigation, using seasonal and artisanal ingredients in drinks with names like "The Captain's Death"—a bitter-sweet gin concoction. The intimate setting features Art Deco elements, soothing jazz, and a selection of cicchetti and bruschettas, earning it a 4.7 of 5 rating on Tripadvisor and recognition as a popular spot for both young Venetians and discerning travellers seeking authentic, expertly crafted cocktails.