When looking for good restaurants in a new city we tend to search by criteria, one that in August sky rockets to the top of the list, is OUTDOOR DINING. Now you may think just by walking around that the majority of restaurants have an outdoor area, but all too often it is a sad looking table in the middle of a busy street where the waiters will forget about you. With this in mind, this post represents a collection of my favorite restaurants for their al fresco dining areas. It is not exhaustive, but it is a good start.
A small note on August: the month that most Italians call holiday;
Granitas are allowed for breakfast, picnics last for hours and sandals are almost too much clothing .
Lunch
Osteria alla frasca – this has always been one of my favorite outdoor dining restaurants for the memories that I have had here. But even just passing by I cant help smelling because the unexpectedness of this little countryside looking restaurant in the middle of is a back passageway.
They have fantastic gnocchi and tuna fillets here, overall the service is lovely and the shade from the vines encourages you to stay here well after they want to close up.
Address: Cannaregio, Court of Charity
Caffe ai Crociferi- this is a hidden courtyard up by fondamenta nuova. Events and live music take place regularly during the evenings, but in the day it is a peaceful place to enjoy a salad or a sharing board.
Address: Campo dei Gesuiti,
Cannaregio 4878
Open everyday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Dinner
Danieli : The Daniele Roof terrace restaurant is unparalleled for its elegance. The view alone is enough to make it worth experiencing however, on top of that menu is exceptional in its own rights, featuring dishes such as;
Ravioli filled with pumpkin flowers Prawns and zucchini with seafood and basil broth
Address: Riva degli Schiavoni
Trattoria Altanella – located on the Guidecca. It is considered hidden even in this neck of the woods. On the menu you will find traditional food, in an extremely private and romantic location with Outdoor Dining. It again something we would recommend for a special occasion but less fancy than the Danieli but equally as memorable.
Address: Giudecca 268, Calle delle Erbe
Ostaria da Rioba – Located on the beaten path, being Misericordia in this case. It is an extremely interesting restaurant offering modern takes on traditional recipes, one of the very best flavors for this heat is the Watermelon Gazpacho with Gamberi Rosso.
Address: Fondamenta de la Misericordia Cannaregio 2553
L’Ombra del Leone – the classic (well at least for us) we as a Truly Venice Team are quite devoted to this place and for good reason. Come rain or shine we have never had a bad experience here. Particularly in the long evenings of summer, looking out over the Bacino di San Marco, everything seems quite perfect.
Address: Calle Tredici Martiri, 1364, San Marco
Osteria Nona Risorto – this traditional trattoria serving generous portions of Venetian dishes and pizzas is run by one of the kindest men in Venice, Claudio. My parents remember this place 25 years on, and although it is not celebrated in chefs guides as cutting edge cuisine, it is reliable, comforting, kid and dog friendly with a beautiful vine covered out door area.
Outdoor Dining: Light bite
This photo of Al Timon is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Al Timon , by now is one of the famous spots for grabbing a cicchetti in the open air. Positioned right outside, you are invited to take your glasses of wine and small morsels of flavor onto the traditional bragozzo.
Adress: Fondamenta Dei Ormesini Cannaregio 2754 ,
But ofcourse there is yet another option… your own private terrace with personal chef. You cannot beat a dinner party that keeps on going long into the night, without worrying about closing times, walking home or midnight cravings.
Many of our apartments have their own private terraces with views over the rooftops of Venice. Al fresco dining takes on a new meaning when you can relax under the stars, enjoying the pleasure of your own company and the delicious flavors of a menu you have chosen. Find out more about your Private dinner .
Take a look at our collection of terrace apartments .
