Restaurant Reviews
We have actually eaten at all of the following restaurants. Our rating system is the familiar
four star system. There are probably thousands of restaurants in Venice, and none of them
cheap. For that reason, it is not enough that a restaurant have good food or good service -
it has to have both.
Antica Osteria Al Pantalon - Three Stars. This restaurant offers the standard Venetian
dishes, and some that are not so standard -- basic, nothing fancy. Try the thinly sliced
smoked goose breast with truffle oil as an appetizer. The fettuccine with mushrooms is
always good, as is the spaghetti with lobster. Good price and good service. It's off the
beaten track, so there is always a place for you. One of our favorites. The bread could be
fresher, though, but the bread in Venetian restaurants is usually a bit dry. Dorsoduro 3958,
near the Frari Church. Tel: 041-710849
La Piscina - Four Stars This restaurant is located on the Zattere where it is always sunny.
They have a wonderful outside deck right on the water, the service is usually attentive,
responsive and friendly, the wine by the glass is good, the timing between courses is right
on, and the food is excellent, right down to the bread -- some of the best in Venice. Look for
the white awnings near the Gesuati Church (Santa Maria del Rosario). No pizza. Tel: 041-
2413889 Closed on Monday.
Alla Madonna - Two Stars. We both wanted this to be four stars, as we had heard so
much good about it. But the service is hurried (although attentive), and the food appeared
to be not cooked to order, but done a long time in advance. And Karen's meal had a nice
long hair in it. There are better places to go. Located near the Rialto, and identified by its
bright yellow sign and big green lanterns. Closed on Wednesday.
Ristoteca Oniga - Three and a half Stars. This little "Ristoteca" in Campo San Barnaba
was a great surprise for us. The service is well-timed and not hurried, the food was
delicious, and the wine excellent, all at a reasonable price. Campo San Barnaba, Dorsoduro
2852, Tel: +39 041 522 4410, info@oniga.it; www.oniga.it.Closed on Tuesday.
Pane Vino e San Daniele - Three Stars. This restaurant, which serves only meat and
cheese dishes, is tucked away in the large campo situated between the churches San
Raffaele and San Sebastiano in Dorsoduro. The service is responsive and friendly, the
wine good, and the menu changes frequently. Campo dell'Angelo Raffaele, 1722
Dorsoduro, Tel: +39 041 523 7456, info@panevinoesandaniele.net;
www.panevinoesandaniele.net; Closed on Wednesday.