Caffè la Serra Venice

La Serra dei Giardini is a very peculiar and interesting place in Venice: built in 1894 in the typical iron and glass style of the Fin de Siécle, now it aspires to be a meeting place for citizens, a pleasant environment in which to relax, buy plants, observe particular plant species, leaf through magazines that have greenery and nature as their theme, read a book, listen to music...

This spot also hosts a cafè/restaurant inserted into an airy and bright greenhouse surrounded by greenery and furnished with plants. Everything is reminiscent of an artist café from the late 1800s Paris.

The menu is quite small -- however, it has many varieties of tea, excellent biscuits and pastries (my favorites are those with goat's milk ricotta) and everything is at honest prices.

On nice days you can also take advantage of the large lawn in front. If you are there for a quick snack, they have salads and pies. Or you can relax with a drink after walking around the city.

This place is a few steps from the main entrance of the Biennale and during the opening season it is quite common for the garden to be adorned with some contemporary exhibitions.

The place is very welcoming and relaxing to spend even a few hours. 

A tip: do not go to this café if you are in a hurry -- you won't be able to immerse yourself into the context and appreciate all the nuances that the environment & staff can offer you.