Venice: Al Covo

You’ll enter directly in front of a tiny center bar area facing a doorway to the kitchen – where you’ll be greeted by gracious hosts Cesare & Diane. Then you’ll be seated in one of the dining rooms to the left or the right. In pretty weather, the terrace can be requested.

The ambiance is rustic but refined. It’s like walking into a friend’s cozy country home where you see sideboards topped with table lamps and family photos – and the dining room is full of locals who all know each other.

They source food from small-scale producers from the lagoon islands of the lagoon, surrounding mainland, and the Slow Food Presidiums.  All pasta and dessert are homemade and for deep-frying, they use unrefined, stone-ground flour. All olive oil is a high-quality extra virgin, picked and pressed in the area in which they grew. The fish and seafood are principally Adriatic-Mediterranean, not farmed, and the meat comes from regional butchers.

Wine by the glass + bottle:

The service team has worked together seamlessly for many years. You can trust them to know the menu and wines – and be helpful in making suggestions for you. Service is professional, and thankfully not hovering over you.

Venetians take pride in effortlessly dressing for dinner. You’ll see them wearing linen shirts, casual dresses, comfortable pants, and slip-on shoes. Dress as if you were invited to a casual dinner in someone’s home but not the beach. Leave the shorts, sleeveless t-shirts, and flip flops at home.

The ambiance is not suited for children.

Advance reservations are essential – taken directly on their website.

Not included, left to your discretion.