Ristorante Vittoria

 

When deciding what to do on a rainy day in Venice, nothing could be better than finding shelter and a good lunch. But that is not exactly how we found, perhaps, the most authentic Italian restaurant on Lista di Spagna. 

After several very disappointing and expensive dining experiences on Lista di Spagna in Venice, I decided to not eat anywhere that didn't have an Italian chef. When asking the waiter outside the corner restaurant at Ponte Guglie, if the chef was Italian, I must have hit a nerve, since he sent me packing to Trattoria Vittoria.

The waiter at Trattoria Vittoria laughed when I asked, and answered "Of course, would you like to meet him?" As we were seated, I could hear other diners speaking Italian; always a good sign. Before we knew it, the waiter was serving us a plain focaccia with lightly cooked San Marzano tomatoes on top, compliments of the chef. It was unexpected and delicious, drizzled in olive oil.

As a starter, we ordered the charcuterie plate filled with pancetta, salami, and prosciutto. It was so large it easily could have fed a family of four, but being two, we needed to finish it ourselves, and we were happy to do so.

At about that time, a torrential rainstorm started and we had a ringside seat, watching everyone scatter in all directions. Soon after, the chef arrived at our table to greet us and asked if we were enjoying his food. We were indeed.

Our main course consisted of Linguine Vongole and Pappardelle with Duck Sauce. Both were all we had hoped for and better. 

This was among the best meals we had eaten on this particular trip to Venice. The service was attentive, the ambiance very pleasant, and the chef participated in the experience, making it far from average, by interacting with his guests. We'll be back on our next visit to Venice.

I forgot to mention that we were served the best bread that we had found in Venice.

Trattoria Vittoria Website 

Cannaregio, Venice
Campo San Geremia
Vaporetto stop: Ponte Guglie