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Alle Testiere Review

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Alle Testiere

Address: Calle del Mondo Novo, Castello 5801, Venice, 30122
Phone: 041/5227220

Price range: $$$$
Cuisine: Seafood
Location: Castello

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.7/5

Fodor's Review:

A strong local following can make it tough to get one of the 22 seats at this tiny trattoria near Campo Santa Maria Formosa. With its decidedly unglamorous ceiling fans, the place feels as informal as a bistro (or a saloon); the food, however, is much more sophisticated. Chef Bruno Gavagnin's dishes stand out for lightness and balance: try the gnocchetti con moscardini (little gnocchi with baby octopus) or the linguine with coda di rospo (monkfish), or inquire about the carpaccio of the day. The wine list is particularly strong on local whites.

Keep in mind: Reservations essential.
Credit Cards: MC, V
Closed: Closed Sun. and Mon., 3 wks in Jan. and Feb., and 4 wks in July and Aug.
Vaporetto: Rialto/San Zaccaria

Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by Lexma90 from Denver on 11/18/09
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Venice, and we've gone here the last three times we've visited the city. The food, ambiance and service are superb, which is even better in a city not known for its cuisine.

The dishes are simple but elegant, based on the local dishes and seafood, but with their own spin. The dish I enjoyed the most was a good example of this - shrimp with some eastern spices, including cinnamon. Delicious!

Member Rating: 4.8
Ratings details: Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 4.0

Reviewed by danielcraig from Yorkshire,England on 10/21/09
Just back from a "foodie" week in Venice and have to say Alle Testiere was the best food we tasted all week ; still recovering from the prices at Harry's Bar and 40 euros for 4 coffees at the Gritti Palace !!!!.Luca and Bruno run a small but perfectly formed operation ,the whole meal from start to finish was sublime and great value compared to Harry's Bar ( 29 euros for a bowl of minestrone!!!! (ouch).You have to book Alle Testiere well in advance but it is well worth the effort .The Black Cat on Burano was also good if you can't get into Alle Testiere , we had lunch there,again good value and nice fish.

Member Rating: 4.8
Ratings details: Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 4.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by venicevidivici from NY on 8/24/08
Whenever I go to Venice, I always make a point of going to my favorite restaurant in Italy. I've never been anything but blown away. Luca has been the consumate host for all the years I've been going- 7, and although the place is always full,his service has never suffered- even if I'm just by myself. The passion and love that these maistros put into their small venue has remained top notch, as is evident with their full restaurant at each of the two seatings per night.The food is sophisticated, clean, light, yet simple and somewhat unserstated. Be sureto leave some room for the sensational desert offerings....and MOST IMPORTANT- book in advance to assure seating!