Venice Restaurant Tips by suvanki

L'Aciugheta - Restaurant ,Venice.

Dec 2006

Restaurant Name: Aciugheta

CASTELLO

Aciugheta means Little Anchovy, and unsurprisingly anchovies feature in some of the meals and snacks on offer here.

I chose to eat here on my first night (Christmas Eve) as my hotels (Albergo Al Tiepolo)management owned this restaurant and offered 10% discount on drinks and food. It was only a few metres from the hotel too. I've since seen it mentioned in guide books and on web sites, with good reviews.

Aciugheta is divided into 2 parts- The left is a tratorria/pizzeria, whilst the right is an authentic osteria with a wide selection of wines and cicheti. Seating outside on the campo too.

I visited twice, both times I enjoyed my food and the atmosphere. It was mainly locals dining here. Apparently it's popular with Gondoliers, which is a sign of approval in Venice, as there is sure to be good food with Venetian recipes.

The trattoria has wooden tables and scrubbed wooden floors, with bare brick walls. Small rooms/alcoves make for a more intimate feel. Photos and paintings of gondoliers, local scenes.

The staff were very busy, but were efficient and fairly friendly. The head waiter was very patient as he took my order, and again when a customer tried to get away with paying his bill- Quite entertaining!

I returned later for a glass of beer (Pedovena 400mls 5 euros) while deciding whether to turn in for the night or head back to San Marco for midnight Mass (it was Christmas Eve)

The next night I decided to eat here again, I enjoyed my meal but there was a group of local men sat behind me, who were winding up one of the waitresses, one had a really annoying high pitched laugh too, so I didn't hang around too long after my meal.

UPDATE - I returned for a meal during my Christmas 07 visit. This time I was seated in the newer pizzeria area. I really enjoyed my meal, but the room was quite stark, and lacking in the atmosphere that I'd previously enjoyed, despite being nearly full and being Christmas - perhaps because we were all tourists eating in here.

Favorite Dish: Dec. 2006
Pizza Capricciosa (tomato, mozarella, ricotta, mushroom and prosciutta) and a glass of Chardonnay Reserve

Mussels and clams in a sauce (which was a bit salty for me)- 9 euros
Grilled duck and mashed potatoes - 18 euros
2 x Glasses of prosecco 6 euros each

Pedovena beer 5 euros (400mls)

Dec 2007
1 glass of wine 5 euros
Small bottle of water 2.20 euros
Squid 16 euros
salad 5 euros
dessert 6 euros
Service@12% 4.10 euros
Total 38 .30 euros

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 041 5224292
Address: Campo SS Filippo e Giacoma, Castello,4357-30122
Directions: From San Marco Plazza, with the clocktower on your left, proceed forward, and exit the Square by crossing the bridge (Ponte Canonica) (With The Bridge of Sighs To your right). Enter Piazza SS Filippo e Giacoma- Aciugheta is at the far end left side.
Other Contact: fax 041 5208222

Cafe Florian: 'A Must Do'

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Updated by suvanki

on Mar 24, 2008

Cafe Florian musicians

Restaurant Name: Cafe Florian

SAN MARCO

My last night in Venice - the last night of my Holiday, and I was in Piazza San Marco. The crowds had left - pigeons paddling in the water from that afternoons Aqua Alta outnumbered the humans, music played by the cafe musicians drifted over the square.

Bother the expense!, I wanted to sit in Piazza San Marco, at one of Venices most famous cafes and enjoy a glass of prosecco.

The young, white jacketed waiter glided over with a menu, which he discreetly pointed out the printed note warning of cover charge for the music - I already knew of this so wasn't too shocked.

I'd selected my drink from the extensive menu - chosing a Prosecco and Pomegranite (or was it cranberry?) juice, which was named after Tinto - as I'd seen his house and some of his paintings earlier, it seemed appropiate.

Sadly, this was off the menu - not seasonal - so I settled for a Bellini.

While I waited, I enjoyed listening to the music, from the Florians musicians, and when they had a break, from the other cafes orchestras across the piazza.

I had a good spot for people watching, and just chilling out - (My Camponile/ CamponHell experience was nearly forgotten!- see my Things to do tip)

I was quite amused to see one fashionable young woman, who kept spinning around arms outstretched, while the boy with her was instructed to take her photograph - time and time again. He must have been besotted with her to do this !

My Bellini arrived, accompanied by a bowl of plump green olives and a bowl of puff pastry canapes - I wasn't expecting these, so it was a pleasant surprise - especially as I love olives.

I really enjoyed Florians - I thought that it was going to be a bit of a disappointment - as my visit to Harrys Bar had been, but it was even better than I'd anticipated.

It didn't feel 'too touristy', and it was nice to have 'old fashioned' service.

I think if I'd visited during the day, when the Piazza is crowded, I wouldn't have enjoyed it so much.
UPDATE I intended enjoying a drink here during my Christmas visit, but there were no outside tables, and each time I tried to get a seat inside, it was full. I ended up enjoying an Irish Coffee, sitting outside at Quadris, before catching my flight home.

Favorite Dish: I ordered a Bellini, which came with olives and canapes - as expected this wasn't cheap, but- for the experience of sitting outside one of the most famous and oldest cafes in Italy, in one of the most famous squares in the world, when the crowds had gone home (well at least to their next location/ cruise ship etc) and the lights were reflecting off the waters that had seeped into the square, and music from the orchestras was drifting overhead - it was worth every euro!!!

A perfect end to my holiday - (OK- perfect would have been George Clooney sharing it all with me, but near as damn it) ;-0

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: 041 520 5641
Address: Piazza San Marco, San Marco 56/59 Venice
Directions: Nearest Vaporetto - San Marco or Vallaresso.

Standing in Piazzo San Marco, with the Basillica behind You, Florians is on Your Left hand side
Website: www.cafeflorian.com

Caff� Ristorante Quadri: The only Restaurant in Piazza San Marco

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on Jun 22, 2008

Ristarante Gran Cafe Quadri

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Restaurant Name: Ristarante Gran Cafe Quadri

SAN MARCO

I'd originally planned to have my last 'holiday drink' in Venice at Florians, before heading to the airport - but there were no tables outside - it was a sunny late December morning. So, I headed to the cafes opposite, and found a table outside Quadris.

I was served promptly by the smartly attired waiter - I decided to treat myself to an Irish coffee - it was sunny, but there was a chill in the air. Waiting for my drink, I had time for a bit of people watching, and to enjoy my last views of San Marco- sadly the plastic sheeting around the central flagpole- see my 2nd and 3rd picture- spoiled the view somewhat.

My coffee arrived, with a piece of chocolate and a carafe of water. I was enjoying my leisurely drink, when I realised I had less time than I thought before having to leave for the airport, so I ended up rushing my drink.

My bill was 15.80 euros - Not cheap, but I'd enjoyed my cafe experience. As it was winter - the orchestra wasn't playing- or there would have been a supplement.

Quadris and Florians are Venetian institutions, Both the only survivors from the 18th century, when there were 27 such coffee houses in the Piazzo alone. Florians is slightly older, and would appear to be the more popular cafe. During the Occupation, Quadris was favoured by the Austrian Officers, while the locals hung out in Florians.

Both have similar price ranges - not cheap!! prices go up when their orchestras are playing- there is a supplement added to the bill. Both have entertained the famous and infamous through the centuries.

Quadris has an upstairs restaurant - Expensive, but the only restaurant in the Piazza.

Giorgio Quadri arrived in Venice in 1775 , from Corfu, with his Greek wife Naxina and his life savings, intent on making his fortune in Venice.

Naxina saw the potential for investing in the new fashion for drinking coffee, a beverage introduced by the Turks

The first coffee shop had opened as early as 1683 under the Procuratie Nuove in St. Mark's Square. Naxina and Giorgio bought an old coffee shop on the corner of Sottoportego dei Dai, under the covered pavements of Piazza San Marco

In 1830 the Quadri opened its restaurant on the upper floor.

The ground floor rooms, with their distinctive stucco in pastel shades of light green and yellow, were the natural backdrop for the paintings of Venice scenes by Giuseppe Ponga.

Favorite Dish: I enjoyed my Irish Coffee - it was a good Irish Coffee, but why pay nearly 16 euros for a glass of coffee, with a slug of whisky and a topping of cream?

Because, it's being drunk outside one of the oldest coffee houses, in one of the worlds most attractive squares (spoilt only by the hoards of feathered vermin - in December the human hoards weren't too stifling!), the sun's shining, it's my last hour in Venice, I wanted a happy memory - priceless!

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 041 5222105 / 5289299
Address: Piazza San Marco 121 30124 Venice
Directions: Vaporetto SAN ZACCARIA /SAN MARCO

Procuratie Vecchie side of Piazzo San Marco - Stand in the centre of the square, with the Basillica behind You, roughly halfway up, to your Right is Quadris.
Website: http://www.quadrivenice.com
Other Contact: e-mail: quadri@quadrivenice.com

Cantina del Vino gia Schiavi: Atmospheric Osteria - bar and wineshop

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on Jun 22, 2008

Cantina del Vino gia Schiavi

Restaurant Name: Cantina del Vino gia Schiavi

DORSODURO

I came upon this place while wandering around Dorsoduro on Christmas Eve, and was straight away attracted to it .

I was a little bit daunted by walking in by myself - it was quite busy, but I didn't want to walk by and regret missing out on an authentic Venetian Osteria, with the chance to try some cicheti.

So I took a deep breath, walked in, stood at the end of the bar, and saw a good selection of tasty morsels - I wasn't sure what they all were, but they looked fresh and appetising!

I ordered an ombra - small glass of red wine (by pointing at the glass a nearby occupant of the bar was holding), then selected 3 cicheti, again by pointing. I paid, then shuffled to a space to enjoy my food and drink. Mmmmmm! I don't know what the toppings were, but one was a creamy cheese, one was fish based and one had a meaty flavour - all delicious. I now know that these were crostini - slices of crusty bread roll, with topping.
Other customers were sipping spritzes, prosecco or large glasses of wine.

I would really have liked to have lingered longer, soaking up the atmosphere (and the wine!)

Since my return home, I've found this place recommended in quite a few guide books, and in Chow! Venice - a guide to restaurants and bars in Venice, by Shannon Essa and Ruth Edenbaum $19.95 - However at my visit, it appeared to be full of locals and not tourists.

Open Mon - Sat 0800 - 2030 Sunday 0800 - 1400

There is a long dark wood bar, where the cicheti are arranged at one end. The walls are covered by shelves holding a wide range of wines, behind the bar is a selection of spirits, all for sale - apparently this is the place to grab a bottle of Fragolino - a locally produced strawberry flavoured wine. I'm informed that the prices for bottles of spirits etc are reasonable

I enjoyed looking at the black and white photos, and framed newspaper articles displayed on the walls.

A great place to visit!

You can enjoy your drinks and food outside, but there are notices warning against sitting on the bridge - this is a rule in Venice - No stopping to sit or stand and eat on the bridges.

Favorite Dish: I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 crostini - Although I'm not entirely sure what the ingredients were, they were fresh and delicious.

The house wine was smooth and tasty.

Yes, I'll certainly be looking this place up again next time that I'm in Venice!!

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Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Address: Fondamente Nani 992 San Trovasa Dorsodura
Directions: Vaporetto ACCADEMIA or ZATTERE

Opposite San Trovosa Church

Algiubagio: Atmospheric bar/restaurant Fondamente Nuova

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on Jun 22, 2008

Algiubagio bar/restaurant

Fondamente Nuova

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Restaurant Name: Algiubagio

CANNAREGIO
I stopped here (June 07) while waiting for the No. 13 vaporetta to Sant Erasmo. This bar/restaurant is next to the vaporetta stations for the Lagoon islands, and near to the stop for Marco Polo airport.

I sat on the outside terrace, and enjoyed a cold beer. It is a pleasant place to enjoy views to San Michelle, over the troughs of red geraniums.

After I'd finished my beer I went inside to pay and use the toilet.

A lovely dark wooden interior with glass lampshades. Blackboards and brass fittings. There was a selection of food on display, plus a selection of confectionary and tobacco.

Oh and the waiters were all very handsome!!

The toilets were clean - the wash basin was a stone trough with water pouring from a bronze lions mouth!

I really liked this quirky place, and had intended eating here on my way back to the airport.

The menu looked quite interesting! Unfortunately it was closed (Tuesday). By Italian Law, all restaurants have to close one day a week.

When I visit Venice next time, I'll hopefully get to sample the menu, and try a glass of local wine from the extensive list - Since returning home I've read some good reviews for this place, so I can't wait to try it out.

The owners of this restaurant also own a pizzeria/ gelateria a few metres away to the left of Algiubagio, where You can sit inside, or take away - quality fresh baked pizza - whole or a slice and yummy ice cream

Favorite Dish: Afraid that I only got to try a beer - 3 euros. Hopefully I'll return and complete this section!

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average

Phone: +39 041 5236 084
Address: Fondamente Nuova, Canareggio, 5039 Venice
Directions: Fondamente Nuova - at the foot of the bridge on the right hand side if looking towards the water.
Website: www.algiubagio.net

Algiubagio: Algiubagio revisited

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Written by suvanki

on Mar 24, 2008

Aberdeen Angus Beef with Apples and

chocolate

by suvanki

Restaurant Name: Algiubagio

From my previous tip, you can see that I was looking forward to eating here. I was hoping to eat here Christmas Day. I couldn't believe it when I walked by on the 25th and it was all closed up. I was disappointed, but decided they must be renovating, ready for the spring season.
Next day, I was heading for San Michele and Murano from Fondamente Nuove, and noticed that Algiubagio was open!! Remembering back to June- Tuesday was their closing day.
There was a board with a menu outside, I was nearly drooling looking at the choices -1 in particular made me smile - Beef with apple and chocolate!!!

Well after a days sightseeing, I'd built up an appetite.

I felt a bit nervous entering the restaurant by myself - as a lone female, I like to be able to suss out a place from the outside - is there a table tucked away?, is it full of romantic couples? Is it too fancy?etc etc.
I was greeted by one of the waiters, and I asked if there was a table for one. He said yes, and held out his arm to escort me to a table at the side of the room - Perfect!!!

To be continued...

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Phone: +39 041 5236084
Address: Fondamente Nuove 5039
Directions: Vaporetto FONDAMENTE NUOVE
From the vaporetto, turn right, just before the small bridge is this restaurant
Website: www.algiubagio.net
Other Contact: jj@algiubagio.net

Algiubagio: Delicious Pizza and Ice Cream

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Updated by suvanki

on Jun 22, 2008

Algiubagio Pizzeria and Gelateria

Restaurant Name: Algiubagio Pizzeria and Gelateria

CANNAREGIO
I was waiting for the vaporetto to San Michele, when I spotted this place, the pizzas smelt delicious, so I decided to eat here before getting the waterbus.

I was surprised to see that it was called Algiubagio, as the restaurant of the same name is a few metres away - apparently it is owned by the same people. This was a good reason to eat here- I'd enjoyed a drink here at my previous visit, and was looking forward to eating there during this visit - especially since I'd read many good reviews in food and travel articles.

This place is quite small and is divided into 2 areas of Pizzeria and Ice cream parlour. There was just one young man serving. Very handsome! - I'm sure that the Algiubagio group only employ gorgeous men!

As I arrived, he was in the process of removing pizzas from the oven, then slicing them into portions. I pointed to the pizza that I wanted - topping of cheese, mushrooms and artichoke hearts. I ate this outside -Mmmm delicious - nice herb flavour, with a base that was just right!

Now, it's December 26th, it's quite cold - Oh Yes, I'll have an Ice Cream!!

I've recently become quite addicted to good ice cream, and the ones on display looked quite appetising. I selected a double scoop of velvety chocolate in a cone.
Again, delicious!!

I paid 2.00 euros for the pizza and 2 euros for the Ice cream - Well worth it!!

I'll certainly visit here again.

Favorite Dish: The pizza slice was first class - straight from the oven - very tasty

The dark chocolate ice cream was quality! rich, creamy with the right mix of bitterness/sweetness

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Address: Fondamente Nuova Cannaregio 5045-5047Venice
Directions: From Fondamente Nuova Vaporetto station, with the water on your L side , walk forward a few metres and You'll spot their sign

Trattoria Sara: Cheap and cosy Trattoria-near Greek Church

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Updated by suvanki

on Mar 12, 2008

Wine Bar Trattoria Sara Castello

Venice

by suvanki

Restaurant Name: Trattoria Sara

CASTELLO

I passed by this Trattoria on my way back to my hotel, and decided I'd like to eat here later. I surprised myself that I managed to find it again easily.

This is a small place, I was lucky to get there just in time, as latercomers were being turned away. There was only one woman taking orders and serving, but she was quite efficient, so I didn't find it a problem waiting.

Mainly locals, with a few tourists.

Cosy place, small bar in the front room, didn't see the other room.

Favorite Dish: I enjoyed a plate of mixed fried fishes, mixed salad and chips. All were delicious, fresh and attractively served.

with 1/2 carafe house white my bill was 29 Euros

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Phone: 041 0994705
Address: Salizzada dei Greci. 3305 Castello Venice
Directions: Cross the Bridge next to the Greek Church, heading towards San Marco Piazzo, and this restaurant is nearby

Pizza Giacomo: Friendly family run place near San Marco

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on Mar 12, 2008

Pizzeria Giacomo Venice

Restaurant Name: Pizza Giacomo

CASTELLO

This small pizzeria was near my hotel, I called in for a snack, as I was quite hungry, but it was too soon for an evening meal.

Outside are photos of the snacks served, which usually deters me a bit, but the prices looked good

The small downstairs was full - counter and a few small tables, but I was shown up a rickitty spiral staircase, decorated with fairy lights to another room.

I sat at a table near the window, where I could peep down onto the narrow street below. The window looked very old, so it was easy to imagine how Venetians would have looked out here, over the centuries

Inside, there was a TV on, which the owners children were watching a Christmas film (It was Christmas Day) The only other indication that this was Christmas was an inflated Santa hanging over the stairwell.

Oil paintings of Venice hung on the walls. The old wooden floors and rafters made it feel quite cosy.

I'm not sure of the nationality of the owners , but I shared my table with a large grinning pot bellied oriental type pottery figure!!! (see my photo below)

Favorite Dish: Toasted sandwich (Tost) with Prosciutta and cheese filling and caffe latte = 2.50 euros!

I enjoyed my snack - hot and tasty and nicely presented on a wooden board. The coffee was very good too.

I'd come back here again for a quick cheap snack.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Directions: Off Campo Fillipo e Giacomo, Walk down narrow street (? Calle Drio la Chiesa) at side of L' Aghiueta, this pizzeria is on your right hand side. Just a couple of minutes from St Marks!

Harry's Bar: Try a Bellini here!

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on Jun 22, 2008

Harrys Bar Venice

by suvanki