Venice Edition April 2022
Go And See
13 April 2022
RESTAURANTS
Ristorante Terrazza Danieli
There is perhaps no better view of Venice than the one from the rooftop restaurant at the Danieli Hotel. The palazzo offers an unobstructed view of Andrea Palladio’s Renaissance masterpiece San Giorgio Maggiore whilst serving up local delicacies paired with specialty olive oils from the region.
Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196 / 4° piano, 30122 Venezia
Bistrot de Venise
Is the interior a bit over the top? Yes. But don’t let that dissuade you from trying this truly phenomenal local eatery. Focusing on rare wines from the Veneto region and historical Venetian cuisine, this is an absolute gem. When we visited, the sommelier recommended an Amarone which was without a doubt the best we’ve ever tasted.
Calle dei Fabbri, 4685, 30124 Venezia
Harry's Bar
Venice’s best loved bar is legendary for a reason. Yes, this is where Giuseppe Cipriani invented the Bellini in 1931. And yes, it was the favourite watering hole of some of the most legendary artists, actors and writers of the 20th century including Orson Wells, Truman Capote, Katherine Hepburn, Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Gary Cooper and Georges Braque. But it doesn’t rest on its laurels. It is now run by Giuseppe’s 89-year old son Arrigo, who still visits the bar every day to make sure the drinks are perfectly on point and that the lunch service runs without a snag. When asked about the secret of his success he replied that it’s all about “complex simplicity”. A sentiment we can certainly get behind.
Calle Vallaresso, 1323, 30124 Venezia
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Venice, we recommend that you charter a Riva and head to the island of Burano and its dream of a restaurant Al Gatto Nero. This is Italian family cooking at its best; the parents Ruggero and Lucia are in the kitchen making locally sourced “lagoon cuisine” whilst their utterly charming son Massimiliano (who speaks English with an Italian-Glaswegian accent!) takes care of their lucky guests. The menu changes daily based on what seafood and vegetables they have found in the market that day. Simply divine.
Via Giudecca, 88, 30142 Venezia
Ristorante Da Ivo
Located just around the corner from San Marco Square, this canal-side eatery has the advantage that guests can arrive by taxi boat or gondola. Very practical indeed. Cosy, romantic, rustic and utterly delicious, Da Ivo changes its menu daily based on the seasons.
S. Marco, 1809, 30124 Venezia
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A visit to Venice is not complete without a stop at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Located in her home on the Grand Canal, she dubbed this her “life’s work”. Her remarkable eye for 20th-century art was truly dazzling and is still there for us to admire through the masterpieces on display including ones by Georges Braque, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Jackson Pollock Mark Rothko and Pablo Picasso.
Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123 Venezia
Rialto Market
Set your alarm early one morning and head over to the Rialto bridge (before too many tourists get there). This is perhaps the most beautiful food market in the world. We were green with envy (and inspired!) when our local Venetian friends were doing their weekly shop at these stalls filled with the most spectacular seafood, fruit and vegetables imaginable, set against the backdrop of the Grand Canal.
Sestiere S. Polo, 122, 30125 Venezia
HOTELS
Aman Hotel
Located on the Grand Canal in one of Venice’s eight major palazzos, this Rococo masterpiece is beautifully accented by modern pieces of art and furniture making it a sumptuously comfortable hotel (and not a museum). Make sure to book an appointment at their excellent SPA to revive after a long day’s walking La Serenissima’s winding calli.
Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia
Cipriani Hotel
This is our ideal place to stay in Venice. Located across the lagoon with a perfect view of the Doge’s Palace and the church of St Giorgio, it offers some much welcome rest and relaxation after a long day at the Biennale with its gorgeous gardens and excellent restaurants. Exercise can be taken in the Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Giudecca 10, 30133 Venezia
belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/venice/belmond-hotel-cipriani
BOOKS
Venice Book Recommendations
