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Al Covo Review

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Al Covo

$$$$, Italian, Seafood, Castello

User Rating: ** 2.3

Fodor's Review:

This small, charming osteria changes its menu according to the day's bounty -- mostly local seafood caught just hours before and specialties from other European waters. Cesare Benelli and his American wife, Diane, insist on only the freshest ingredients. Specialties include the zuppa di pesce (fish soup) and the fish of the day (grilled, baked, or steamed). Desserts are homemade, and the wine list is extensive. Lunch and dinner have the same fixed-price menu options (EUR 59 or EUR 78, with several filling courses). The friendly, down-home atmosphere combined with the refined menu sets Al Covo apart.

Member Reviews & Ratings:

Beware of Al Covo

Posted by lover from New Yortk on 7/23/07

I agree with the person who thought Al Covo was a rip off. The food was bland. I, too, am from nyc we eat at expensive restaurants now and then--and if the food is satisfying, its worth it. First off, Al Covo charges a cover charge. A cover charge in a restaurant? What the heck is that about? 5 euros, about 7 dollars--each person! This is not the gratuity--that is not included. The entrees were about 45 dollars each. The sides were extra, for instance ordinary spinach--7 dollars. The food was not great. Not terrible. Not great. I had slices of swordfish in between eggplant--no taste--45 dollars? Do not listen to the glorifying reviews. They baffle me. Al Covo is a tourist trap--there are lots of smaller local restaurants that are cheaper and far more satisfying than Ål Covo. Beware!

FOOD: 2.0

ATMOSPHERE: 3.0

SERVICE: 2.0

VALUE: 1.0

RATING: 2.0

Overrated, overhyped, overpriced

Posted by Ted from New York on 5/15/06

Al Covo somehow managed to get itself listed in every book and on every website. Perhaps this is because a great restaurant in Venice is hard to come by; perhaps it's because one of the owners is American. We went here for my 50th birthday and although the food was good, I would never go back again, not until they SLASH prices. We're from New York and we know when a restaurant is worth it...this one isn't. Had the bill been half of what it was, it MAY have been worth it. It's a crime that Al Covo can charge what it charges. As I said, the food was good (but not great), so was the service...but the only feeling we had when we left was that we were RIPPED OFF. Go to Il Remigio instead, which is nearby.

FOOD: 3.0

ATMOSPHERE: 3.0

SERVICE: 3.0

VALUE: 1.0

RATING: 2.6