Caffè Fontanesi is one of Reggio Emilia’s most beloved and atmospheric café and bar destinations — a beautifully historic establishment set directly on the enchanting. Piazza Antonio Fontanesi, one of the most picturesque and characterful squares in the city, surrounded by mature trees and the elegant architecture of the historic centre. To sit at Caffè Fontanesi, whether inside or at a terrace table overlooking the square, is to participate fully in the daily rhythm of Reggian life.
The interior is a delight: a wonderfully preserved space adorned with beautiful frescoes, filled with the warm chatter of locals and the particular atmosphere of a café that has genuinely earned its place in the cultural fabric of its city. Antique charm and convivial warmth combine to create one of those rare environments where time passes differently — more slowly, more pleasurably, more in the Italian way.
The drinks programme is the heart of the Fontanesi experience. The cocktail selection is broad and expertly prepared, ranging from classic Aperol Spritz and Negroni to more creative aperitivo offerings, and the evening hours fill the terrace with locals gathering for the quintessential Italian ritual of the aperitivo — drinks accompanied by a small buffet of traditional savoury bites that satisfy as much as they invite. Coffee service is excellent throughout the day.
Caffè Fontanesi is equally welcoming at any hour: a morning espresso at the bar, an afternoon pot of tea in the frescoed lounge, or an evening aperitivo as the square fills with the golden light of an Italian evening — each visit offers its own distinct pleasure.
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