10 Most Festive Sips in Trieste This Christmas Season

by Lucia Varlotta

The smell of chestnuts is wafting through the cold winter air, hundreds of colorful lights hang from building tops in the city center, and a life-sized nativity scene stands proudly in Piazza Unità, which means it’s finally Christmas time in Trieste! To help you get in the spirit this season, we’re sharing the best spots to sip on something festive around Trieste, from creative cocktails that make you merry to warm hot chocolates that keep you cozy.

1. Caffè degli Specchi: Nowhere in Trieste gives a more festive feeling than Piazza Unità lined with rows of glittering Christmas trees. So, naturally, the veranda of Caffè degli Specchi is the perfect place to enjoy the scenery with a Christmas colored Spritz Campari in hand. And if the Bora blows, head inside where the decorations are immaculate and the chocolate treats are aplenty. 
   
2. MUG Bakery: At MUG, you can savor your morning cappuccino with an elegantly frosted gingerbread cookie. The bakery case is stocked full of delightful pastries that change each day including a Rudolph the Reindeer cake, slices of Berry Christmas Cheesecake and multicolored cupcakes to name a few.
   
3. Mor Cocktail Bar: Easily one of the best cocktail bars in the city, Mor Cocktail Bar decked out its intimate atmosphere for the holidays. This bar features a mix of experimental cocktails focused on unique ingredients and unexpected combinations, and taste testing a few will certainly leave you merry.
   
4. Chocolat: As you might expect from a shop called Chocolat, this cafe is a sweet tooth’s dream come true at Christmas time. The cozy spot in Cavana boasts of dozens of decorated pasticcini, but the best part? Thick hot chocolate on tap.
5. Mercatini di Natale: Of course, no holiday season would be complete without a warm cup of vin brulé from Trieste’s very own Christmas Markets in Piazza della Borsa and Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo. In typical Friulano fashion, vin brulé bianco is also available alongside the classic. This drink is best enjoyed while browsing the stalls for sparkling ornaments and munching on a few frittelli (preferably drowning in nutella). 
   
6. Antico Caffè San Marco: On rainy winter days, Antico Caffè San Marco is the ideal spot to cuddle up with a good book (or copy of the InTrieste Winter Issue!) or catch up with friends over a glass of something tasty – whether it’s a simple coffee, creamy hot chocolate or classic cocktail. 
   
   

7. Eataly: Not only can you enjoy an evening spritz looking out over the lights on the water, but at Eataly you can also shop for the best Christmas gifts of all – food and wine. This time of year, the aisles are filled with holiday themed goodies, including traditional Italian Christmas desserts Panettone, Pandoro and Torrone.
   
8. Buffet Da Siora Rosa: Cold December afternoons are best spent in the cozy confines of one of Trieste’s many buffets, including Canva’s Buffet Da Siora Rosa. Nothing warms you up quite like the classic combination of a glass of local wine and warm cicchetti. At this buffet, a crisp glass of Friulano paired with homemade polpette is a winning combination guaranteed to get you in good spirits.
   
9. Viezzoli: Any time of year, Viezzoli is always filled to the brim with locals and tourists alike but it has a special sense of community come Christmas time when the space is transformed in decorations and dozens of lights. No matter what you’re drinking, this spot never disappoints.
   
10. Home – Sapore di Casa: If you believe there is no such thing as too much whipped cream, then trying Home’s Cinnamel Hot Chocolate and Dark Cioccolate Moka should be at the top of your holiday to-do list. And although some of the specialty drinks are sugary heaven, the rest of their breakfast and lunch menu offers healthy dishes to combat the other heavier meals enjoyed around Christmas time.