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Osteria Alle Testiere Venezia Reviews
Luca excellent cameriere. Food well presented, tasty. Reservations needed well in advance.
Luca excellent cameriere. Food well presented, tasty. Reservations needed well in advance. €158 for shrimp in coriander sauce (excellent), sea bass filet (good), one veggie plate to share, one Prosecco, one glass white, strawberry dessert. We have been before, maybe not a go back for us as other places to try.
Just brilliant….A must do when in Venice
I was in Venice to eat in 11 restaurants, all different but chosen over 12 months before the trip, to show what Venice was capable of. Osteriere Alle Testiere was ‘up there’, to be honest they all were. It’s a small restaurant, sneaking by earlier in the day I saw freshly purchased produced on the table by the kitchen, a good sign. Everything is Fresh, I mean really fresh. The menu is inventive, tastes varying from subtle to in your face. Local wines are a speciality and do real justice to the food coming out of the kitchen. Pilgrim Scallops with Lemon and peppermint were a revelation, perfectly cooked, soft and tender, the Lemon and Mint was not overpowering, a background flavour that danced on the palate, awesome. Being a seafood junkie the main was Prawns with Coriander, Ginger and Lime, and some local vegetables like a kind of ratatouille. Wow wow wow, another lip smacking plate of food. I am a diabetic so don’t eat too many desserts, those on offer were extremely tempting but this was early on in an 11 restaurant marathon so didn’t go for any of the 10! Options available! Earlier that day, I had purchased a cookery book, Venetian Republic, when I thumbed through it back at the Hotel, one of the restaurants desserts was featured, the Pistachio cake, I will be making that for sure. Osteria Alle Testiere is a must do place to eat, I booked it months in advance, it’s small, they were turning people away. Book early and don’t be disappointed.
Amazing
My wife and I had lunch at Alle Testiere, I had the warm salad of calarimi and my wife had the scallops, followed by Sea Bass then Tiramisu and strawberry sorbet. Accompanied by a couple of glasses of white wine suggested by the owner. Everything was delicious, better than the reviews suggest. This is a restaurant I would definitely return to, and highly recommend! Service was excellent.
Book in advance. Well worth it.
Exceptional meal. Booked this 6 months in advance based on reputation. Food quality and service was excellent and a memorable evening.
Book online in advance
Originally recommended to me by the concierge of a 5 star hotel, this has been on my must list of Venice restaurants. I’ve been eating here for a long time as a somewhat frequent visitor to Venice, but now you need to book online in advance as the hotel concierge was unable to make reservations here anymore, at least what they said. Always fresh seafood and a pleasant staff.
Tiny but Michelin Great
Fantastic Italian seafood in this little cafe. Great for lunch or dinner, but make reservations far in advance as the world know how great the food and service is here.
Wonderful and amazing food.
The seafood is great. As is everything else. Wonderful service and ambiance. Go and savor being in Venice.
Disappointing & Overated
Totally underwhelmed - totally overrated place. Embarrassed I booked this without knowing it's in the middle of the tourist hub of Venice & caters to Americans who seem to have seen it in a television show.
First and best meal in Venice
This was my first and best meal in Venice over 4 days. I had failed to get a resv online in advance, but walked by one morning and booked for lunch same day. Had a raw shrimp appetizer with some vegetables and the most amazing garlicky marmalade which I think they said was made with strawberries, though it looked orange. Texture of the shrimp was like the best sushi I've had, maybe better. For a primo I had pasta with squid and a cinnamon-inflected sauce. Maybe more interesting than delicious, but really fascinating. My daughter is veggie and they were super-accommodating, with excellent pesto pasta and a burrata appetizer for which they substituted excellent veg for the shrimp. Nothing to criticize except that the prices are commensurate with the quality, and I didn't love my spritz made with their house amaro. Matter of taste no doubt. Would work hard to get a res if returning to Venice.
A must to book on a trip to Venice
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough - it is excellent and a must visit on a trip to Venice. It’s is out of the main tourist area and an oasis of calm. The service was friendly, attentive and efficient and the food was absolutely amazing, beautifully presented and delicious. We chose this over the 3*** restaurant in our hotel, which also looked great, and would do so again. Definitely needs to be booked in advance. The best meal we have had on our travels in Italy.
So delicious
Recommended by a great friend. Oh boy it was amazing. We had one scallops with artichoke, shared. Then clams - they were amazing. Followed by fish platter for 2 with 1 veg and then one desert. Plus a bottle of wine (€42 Soave) and water it came to €178 before to ops The good was so delicious and fresh. Service excellent. Thank you Luca and team
Tucked away, a short walk from Compo Santa Maria Formosa,
Tucked away, a short walk from Compo Santa Maria Formosa, this place is just about perfect. It is exquisitely small and the clientele is predominantly locals with a smattering of visitors who read the great reviews. The food is fresh, unpretentious and superbly executed. Service was impeccable and at the same time warm. I will visit again on my next trip to the city.
Tucked away on Calle del Mondo Novo, more so currently than
Tucked away on Calle del Mondo Novo, more so currently than usual as a result of construction scaffolds, Osteria alle Testiere is a rare find in Venice thanks to a focus of daily catch and a complete lack of touristy flare. Best seen as a Bacaro, just ten tables and a small kitchen despite the extensive Wine list, guests visiting at lunch or dinner will find simple wood tables and beige linens while the lack of decorations puts focus on Food, Beverage and conversation. Prone to seasonal Produce in addition to Shellfish, an opening volley of Baccala atop grilled Cornmeal simple yet faultless, Pastas run €26 and include traditional Spaghetti with Clams alongside Ravioli laced with Bitter Greens offset by creamy Crab Sauce. More provocative by way of tender Dumplings served with Squid in their Ink perfumed by Cinnamon Dessert offers a variety of choices, though those in the know won't think twice before ordering tender Pistachio Cake crowned by a scoop of housemade Gelato.
Simple, clean and authentic
Tucked away on Calle del Mondo Novo, more so currently than usual as a result of construction scaffolds, Osteria alle Testiere is a rare find in Venice thanks to a focus of daily catch and a complete lack of touristy flare. Best seen as a Bacaro, just ten tables and a small kitchen despite the extensive Wine list, guests visiting at lunch or dinner will find simple wood tables and beige linens while the lack of decorations puts focus on Food, Beverage and conversation. Prone to seasonal Produce in addition to Shellfish, an opening volley of Baccala atop grilled Cornmeal simple yet faultless, Pastas run €26 and include traditional Spaghetti with Clams alongside Ravioli laced with Bitter Greens offset by creamy Crab Sauce. More provocative by way of tender Dumplings served with Squid in their Ink perfumed by Cinnamon Dessert offers a variety of choices, though those in the know won’t think twice before ordering tender Pistachio Cake crowned by a scoop of housemade Gelato.
Osteria alle Testiere in Venice is an absolute gem! The
Osteria alle Testiere in Venice is an absolute gem! The cozy atmosphere, impeccable service, and mouthwatering seafood dishes make it a must-visit. From the fresh ingredients to the expertly crafted flavors, every bite is a delight. Definitely a top choice for a memorable dining experience in Venice!
Lovely lunch spoilt by unexpected €8 charge for each small limoncello!
A lovely meal which would have had five stars but the experience was spoilt by being offered a glass of limoncello in the usual Italian Restaurant gesture of hospitality after the meal only to find there was a charge of €8 for each small glass!!! In the context of a €200 lunch for 2 the amount was not the point it was the way it was offered without mention of the price. Such a pity, it left a sour taste in the mouth, and not from the lemons!
Exceptional seafood, great valuie
Like many of the best restaurants in Venice, the small space hides a bnig tasting menu. Absolutely superb, fresh seafood - the razor clams were to die for! - and service was fast and friendly. Exceptional value and sommelier Luca di Vita really knows his grapes (for added entertainment, tell him he looks like Stanley Tucci and be ready for a surprise!).
Perfect place to celebrate with friends
Celebrating my birthday at Osteria alle Testiere in Venice was an experience I'll treasure forever. Tucked away from the bustling streets, this hidden place welcomed us into a warm, cozy atmosphere that felt immediately like home. The staff greeted us with warmth and friendliness, making the evening even more special. Each dish we savored was absolutely "pazzesco". I highly recommend this Osteria to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the genuine charm of Venice. Surrounded by friends and friendly faces and unforgettable food, it was the perfect place to mark another year of life. PS: do not forget to taste the wine :)
pretty good food i like the free extras they give u like
pretty good food i like the free extras they give u like the appetizer and the dessert shots
Osteria Alle Testiere BOOK IN ADVANCE, otherwise you won't get in!
Another hommage to Angela Hartnett TV show about eating out in Venice. Book this restaurant WELL IN ADVANCE 3 couples at different tables were there due to the TV program/Times review Very pleasurable experience in really quaint location deep in the old part of Venice (if you didn't know it was a restaurant there, you would walk past it! Simply great authentic food with a wine list to die for (and help from the waiter to choose a Venetian region red (which was not expensive) Clam Pasta (spaghetti alle vongole) was absolutely delicious. Owner was really chatty and approachable, our waiter was a huge assett to the restaurant, nice cook book to buy as well!
Great food, great service
What a great restaurant. Friendly staff and wonderful food (with gluten intolerance catered for easily). Central location, easy to find, and we left having had terrific food and a great experience. Thank you
This 20 seat restaurant is exceptional.
Seafood is abundant in Venice but few places provide such mastery of the ingredients. I would save room for dessert. We tried four of the 8 dessert options and the table was delighted despite claiming they were full before ordering! My favorite was the razor clams; perfectly cleaned, cooked to right texture, served simply with olive oil and lemon. Truly exceptional. Go with your intuition and try anything on the menu.
Excellent restaurant, would love to go back again
Excellent dinner that has been the best of our trip so far. The staff and the owner were really pleasant and so friendly. Would highly recommend. We had the smoked burrata and the octopus salad to start and then a sharing plate of mixed seafood. All of it was delicious and worth every penny.
A very bad culinary experience
Small but not cozy place. Very scarce portions at very high prices. And most of all, arrogant owner, full of himself and very unkind with the clients. Save your time and money and go somewhere else.
NO WORTH IF THEY TREAT YOU BADLY
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Deified place in which the property serves its ego and not the client. EXPENSIVE for small portions. Good but not justified the price. NO GOOD FOOD IS WORTH IT IF THEY TREAT YOU BADLY.
Wow! This place is magnificent! If it is not your first
Wow! This place is magnificent! If it is not your first time in Venice, or you have done your research, you know firsthand that Venice is filled to the brim with vultures contending to be purveyors of fine food. Osteria alle Testiere is without a doubt authentically Venetian. From the moment you step foot in the close quarters, you are immersed in a true Venetian experience. Your senses are overcome with gladness. Place yourself in the hands of your cameriere, and you will not be disappointed. Indulge in a gastronomic journey, starting with an appetizer crafted from the ocean's most exquisite offerings. Relish in a meticulously curated entrée, where every ingredient tells a story of quality and refinement. Sip on a selection of the finest wines, each a masterpiece in its own right, carefully chosen to enhance and purify your palate. Finally, surrender to the sheer decadence of a dessert menu that promises to tantalize and delight your senses. Throughout this epicurean experience, immerse yourself fully in the present moment, for this establishment is not just a meal, but a memory etched into the very essence of your epicurean soul! 10/10!
Osteria alle Testiere was an amazing experience! We made
Osteria alle Testiere was an amazing experience! We made reservations a month ahead for this tiny but lovely restaurant. Reservations are a must! You would almost miss the restaurant from the outside, but when you enter, there's a welcoming ambiance that settles you in for a delicious meal. The waitstaff and co-owner were very kind and helpful with the menu. We had the Pilgrim Scallops, Gnochetti with Calamari and Cinnamon scent, the Spaghetti with clams, the John Dory Fillets with citrus and spices, and the vegetable side. Everything was so fresh- they only use locally caught seafood and locally grown vegetables! Each dish is prepared individually to order, so you're eating it right at its peak. The pilgrim scallops with lemon and peppermint was probably my favorite item. The balance of flavors was perfect and the peppermint was a surprising but delicious addition. The citrus and spice sauce with the John Dory fillets was also amazing. The gnochetti were soft little pillows with an intriguing but delicious cinnamon sauce. I also thoroughly enjoyed the classic Spaghetti with clams. I would definitely return if I make it back to Venice!
Absolutely amazing.
From the atmosphere to the staff, to the food. The food was delicious, we had recommendations from the owner, he also suggested a wine which paired with everything we had. I recommend this restaurant, we had the most wonderful experience.
Over rated
Bland, dry salad accompanied fish for two, which oddly enough had the same salad mix without dressing, on the plate. Fish was good not great. Pasta with clams was very disappointing- pasta was chewy and did not take on the flavor of the clam sauce. We didn’t bother with desert. Paid a huge price for mediocre meal.
Great Venetian dinner
Very friendly and delicious food - spaghetti al vongole and pistacchio cake - super good - dinner with family and friends - near to st mark’s square - would definitely recommend - thank you
Beautiful Seafood Restaurant
If you’re thinking of visiting, STOP! Make a reservation if you want to experience fresh amazing food, cosy atmosphere and warm and friendly service
Still the best
We recently were fortunate to have yet another opportunity to dine at one of our favorite restuarants in Italy. The service, food, and wine are always excellent at this intimate, seafood-centric restaurant . Everything on the menu will delight.
Oh dear!
We were so looking forward to this restaurant and booked some time ago as a part of a special birthday weekend. The owner was really welcoming and accommodating. The food was very good as expected. However, for me any restaurant cannot solely rely on its food; service is really important. The waiter appeared to be having some kind of breakdown. He was surly and unhelpful. He sighed when asked for the most straightforward of items and almost threw things down on the table. When I asked about the menu he told me to ask someone else. When he presented me with the dessert menu I asked for a couple of minutes and he said “No you are under time pressure”. The table next to us asked what tea they had and he sighed and said “I have no idea” and sullenly went to retrieve the box. One couple were leaving and complimenting the owner and because the waiter could not get past, he was making faces and raising his hands like Basil Fawlty. We went from really enjoying the meal to feeling that we could not wait to get out of there. It was too busy to speak to the owner before we left. I felt it was such a shame as the restaurant is great, but all I will remember is the terrible service.
So glad we took the time to book this in advance on the recommendation of a friend.
Forget the food and wine, we felt really at home here with a very untypical British lunch of 3hours in duration. Not because service is slow, far from it, the service was exceptional and we were never made to feel hurried. Having said forget the food and wine how, how could you it was fantastic. Loved it and will be back, one day.
My wife and I had dinner at Osteria alle Testiere on a
My wife and I had dinner at Osteria alle Testiere on a recent trip to Venice. We made reservations which were definitively needed because the restaurant was completely filled up after opening. We started with the Grilled Scallops with Artichoke Heart. The scallops were super tender and meaty and the artichoke was tender. For our entrees we decided to split two pasta dishes: Garden Pumpkin and Ricotta Ravioli with Monk Fish Cheeks and the Spaghetti with "Bevarasse" Clams. The ravioli was savory and filled with creamy ricotta and sweet pumpkin and paired with tender fish. The spaghetti was nicely al dente and buttery and mixed with briny tender clams. For dessert we split the Almond and Orange Marmalade Pie which was warm and flakey with a rich almond flavor and topped with a cool orange sorbet.
Incredible seafood
Had dinner here and the restaurant was buzzing, great atmosphere, attentive professional service and AMAZING food. Some of the best seafood we've had anywhere. Excellent varied selection of beautiful wines on the list, we ordered a nice bottle of red (a light Pinot Nero as we were having mainly fish - I know, but I love red) unfortunately they couldn't find the wine we ordered (51 Euro) so they suggested a beautiful alternative that cost a bit more (72 Euro), but we were only charged the original bottle price which was a really nice gesture and much appreciated. You often hear about getting ripped off in Venice but this was the opposite! An amazing experience.
Very rushed!
Firstly, the food was lovely, but a very different experience than our previous visits! We arrived on time, and the service was very friendly, but really rushed! We noticed that they now have extra staff. We still had unfinished drinks and pudding on the table, but without requesting it and just under two hours after sitting down, we were then presented with our coats and the bill and told they needed the table! Really sad as we always used to recommend this restaurant to friends visiting Venice, but a very different experience this time. I wish that when we were ordering pudding and dessert wines they told us we only had 5 minutes!
A place away from the tourist area.
Shows you that the art of culinary is alive in Venezia.Recommended by a sales manager, when I asked where do you go for locals and intimate cozy...She told us with no disappointment.... We also made friends with another couple from Hawaii and both agreed that this place is special. We enjoyed our time there from 7:30 to 11:30 with no pressure from the restaurant!! Bravo!! A place to enjoy really fabulous foods!!!
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