Along downtown Palo Alto’s bustling sidewalks, Cafe Venetia’s quaint, leisurely atmosphere provides a refreshing change of pace. The shop’s outdoor area is full of bright yellow tables filled with families and friends enjoying gourmet lattes, hot chocolates, and pastries served on delicate ceramic plates. Unlike other coffee shops plagued with headphones and laptops, Café Venetia’s entrance is marked with a “computer-free zone” sign, inviting people to sit and relax screen-free.
Cioccolata in Tazza ($5.75): 10/10
This is by far the best hot chocolate on the Peninsula. You will feel transported to an Italian cafe while sipping this thick and luscious hot cocoa. The chocolate is smooth and commits to a powerful and refined taste of pure cocoa bean. The authenticity of this drink will leave you unable to return to any powdered hot chocolate.
Pistachio Cream Profiterole ($7.50): 4/10
Despite having the stunning appearance of a light, fluffy pastry, this profiterole is underwhelming. Biting through the exterior cuts through a dry, crumbly wafer with a texture comparable to a communion wafer—largely flavorless. A profiterole’s typical appeal is its sweet, flavorful cream inside. However, this pistachio filling, while heavy, does not deliver the punch that would save the pastry. While by itself, this pastry is very skippable, it could be salvaged with a sweet latte on the side.
Bicerin ($6.50): 7/10
Through layers of fluffy whipped cream, sharp mocha, and thick, sweet chocolate, dipping your spoon into this drink opens up a mosaic of delicious mingling flavors. After mixing everything together, you are left with sweet, velvety chocolate plus hints of tangy espresso, turning it from a coffee-based drink to a chocolate delicacy. It is perfect for those who like their drinks sweet, especially when paired with a light croissant or other pastry.
Chocolate Mousse Croissant: 9/10
This chocolate croissant is sure to leave you wanting another. The croissant itself offers a light and flaky texture, while the chocolate mousse filling is thick and creamy, serving to balance out two delightful flavors. Each bite comes with the perfect ratio of chocolate and croissant, satisfying one’s sweet treat cravings.
Tartine di Prosciutto di San Daniele ($7.00): 6/10
While this plate is filling, it does not meet expectations of what a fresh tartine should be. The bread base is dry, making for a texture difficult to bite into. However, the fresh mozzarella and savory prosciutto lining the top of the tartine makes up for the base. The combination of these simple ingredients allows for a flavorful, if not perfect, excursion.
