You know those people who you meet and then it’s confusing because you question if you have already met before and wait, are we actually best friends? Valentina has that energy and it is unmatched. We met her at the opening party for Barcelona Cocktail Fest. Her drinks are great. She’s a professional and she’s fun and you can tell that bartenders enjoy working under her leadership. It was an absolute joy to meet her.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Valentina Mircea: I was born in Timișoara, in Romania.
BA: Where do you work now?
VM: Now I work at the Skyline Rooftop Bar in the Hilton in Venice.
BA: What’s your job title or how would you describe your role in the industry?
VM: My job title is Bar Manager. I run the highest rooftop bar in Venice and the only rooftop bar in Venice, but I feel like I went through so many layers and so many different titles throughout my hospitality career that I call myself an entertainer. So that’s how I would describe my job. It’s to make sure that everybody feels comfortable, feels entertained, my team feels safe and that’s what’s important, not the job title.
BA: Where do you go out to eat or drink on your days off? In your hometown?
VM: My hometown so we have a beer factory that has a restaurant it’s from 1718 so it’s over 300 years of tradition so definitely that’s like the spot to to try out
BA: What do you do that isn’t eating and drinking on your days off?
VM: Yoga.
BA: You’ve been doing that a long time?
VM: About seven or eight years now. I try to do it at least three four times a week and it’s something to just disconnect from the world and connect with myself
BA: Who’s your favourite fictional bartender from a book or a movie or a TV show?
VM: Oh, you know the guys from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? Absolutely, they, like, I feel the vibes in that show. It’s just, it’s too funny, too funny.
BA: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
VM: This too shall pass. Regardless of if it’s a complaint at work, an argument you have with a colleague or an award that you just received, you need to remember that. Don’t let five minutes or 15 minutes ruin your whole day.
BA;:What are you excited about?
VM: Oh life, life in general, just waking up in the morning and having a new day and the opportunity to live with people and sharing energy, it’s what excites me.
Find Valentina on Instagram
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted May 5th, 2026
