Venezia (Venice, Italy): Best Pasta Lunch of Spaghetti ala Frutti di Mare in Rialto
I’m one of those types who love to research and plan their travels ahead of time. I would make notes in word document for each travel plan, entitled [insert country and city here] and save it for future use. So for this northern Italy trip, I’ve spent loads of time reading travel reviews, blogs and whatnots on the net and the common denominator I found was—be careful of the restaurants along the touristy areas, they are not only expensive but they are bad!
Rialto Bridge
So Blondine and I were kind of wary of any establishment that flashes a sign, ‘ristorante’ however, we were awfully hungry after having walked the whole morning. It’s almost 2PM and we’ve just arrived in Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), Venice’s first and oldest bridge that links the quarters, San Marco and San Polo. The original bridge was made of wood and eventually replaced in 1591 (completion of bridge) with a sturdier material, of stone designed by Antoine da Ponte, which is what it is today.
This area of Venice is horribly packed with tourists that the bridge and the side streets are almost impassable! But I loved the atmosphere. It’s like carnival without the costumes and masks.
The Rialto Bridge carrying a row of shops reminds me of Ponte Vecchio in Florence, and I just noticed now, after a closer inspection, that the couple was shocked about something they saw. Cool that I was able to catch them on camera, haha.
Blondine and moi, and our souvenir pictures with the Rialto Bridge.
This is Riva del Vin (the street where you can see the crowded terraces) in San Polo. The restaurant where we had lunch is the second from the right with the red canopy.
Best Spaghetti ala Frutti di Mare Lunch
We were consequently drawn to the spirited atmosphere that we decided, we MUST sit down somewhere near for lunch and have the Rialto Bridge as our dining backdrop. We spotted Ristorante Caffe Saraceno beside Hotel Marconi along Riva del Vin on the San Polo area, looking like the perfect terrace to lunch al fresco. The friendly waiter told us we will have to wait 15-30 minutes for a table to come free. It was peaking lunch hour and I enlightened Blondine my demands—I will not compromise for a table inside the restaurant, not even along the street on the restaurant’s side, I want a table on the terrace along the Grand Canal with the view to the Rialto Bridge. Haha, primadonna!
Our patience paid off and we finally were seated right on the spot where we wanted. Next hurdle is the menu. Due to all the terrible food reviews of anything ‘ristorante’ in touristy spots in Venice we’ve read, we were feeling a bit suspicious... but, uh, oh well, we loved the vibes of the place anyway. We know we are taking chances here, the Rialto Bridge cannot be anymore, if there is a word—touristier than the daylight robbing cafés in Piazza San Marco.
Yummy Spaghetti ala Frutti di Mare and our view, the Rialto Bridge, one of the 4 bridges spanning Venice's Grand Canal.
We both ordered ‘Spaghetti al Frutti di Mare’ and when it arrived, we were in gastronomic bliss. It was simply DELISH! The olive oil and herbs garnishing were just perfect and I noticed the pasta is tastier, like the chef added a pinch of salt while boiling it, which is something I am doing now with my pastas.
This has got to be one of my best lunches (and pasta dish) I have ever had. My other best lunches were in Le Mont Saint Michel (fresh crustaceans) and Honfleur (prawns), both in France and in Rome (tomato mozzarella).
Great lunch experience in Rialto, I was really satisfied, not only with the food but with the views and the Venetian ambiance.
Travel Period: April 2010
Destination: Venice (Veneto), Italy
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Rialto Bridge
So Blondine and I were kind of wary of any establishment that flashes a sign, ‘ristorante’ however, we were awfully hungry after having walked the whole morning. It’s almost 2PM and we’ve just arrived in Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), Venice’s first and oldest bridge that links the quarters, San Marco and San Polo. The original bridge was made of wood and eventually replaced in 1591 (completion of bridge) with a sturdier material, of stone designed by Antoine da Ponte, which is what it is today.
This area of Venice is horribly packed with tourists that the bridge and the side streets are almost impassable! But I loved the atmosphere. It’s like carnival without the costumes and masks.
The Rialto Bridge carrying a row of shops reminds me of Ponte Vecchio in Florence, and I just noticed now, after a closer inspection, that the couple was shocked about something they saw. Cool that I was able to catch them on camera, haha.
Blondine and moi, and our souvenir pictures with the Rialto Bridge.
This is Riva del Vin (the street where you can see the crowded terraces) in San Polo. The restaurant where we had lunch is the second from the right with the red canopy.
Best Spaghetti ala Frutti di Mare Lunch
We were consequently drawn to the spirited atmosphere that we decided, we MUST sit down somewhere near for lunch and have the Rialto Bridge as our dining backdrop. We spotted Ristorante Caffe Saraceno beside Hotel Marconi along Riva del Vin on the San Polo area, looking like the perfect terrace to lunch al fresco. The friendly waiter told us we will have to wait 15-30 minutes for a table to come free. It was peaking lunch hour and I enlightened Blondine my demands—I will not compromise for a table inside the restaurant, not even along the street on the restaurant’s side, I want a table on the terrace along the Grand Canal with the view to the Rialto Bridge. Haha, primadonna!
Our patience paid off and we finally were seated right on the spot where we wanted. Next hurdle is the menu. Due to all the terrible food reviews of anything ‘ristorante’ in touristy spots in Venice we’ve read, we were feeling a bit suspicious... but, uh, oh well, we loved the vibes of the place anyway. We know we are taking chances here, the Rialto Bridge cannot be anymore, if there is a word—touristier than the daylight robbing cafés in Piazza San Marco.
Yummy Spaghetti ala Frutti di Mare and our view, the Rialto Bridge, one of the 4 bridges spanning Venice's Grand Canal.
We took one of the tables along the canal terrace just by the lamp post.
We both ordered ‘Spaghetti al Frutti di Mare’ and when it arrived, we were in gastronomic bliss. It was simply DELISH! The olive oil and herbs garnishing were just perfect and I noticed the pasta is tastier, like the chef added a pinch of salt while boiling it, which is something I am doing now with my pastas.
This has got to be one of my best lunches (and pasta dish) I have ever had. My other best lunches were in Le Mont Saint Michel (fresh crustaceans) and Honfleur (prawns), both in France and in Rome (tomato mozzarella).
Ah, the view!
Great lunch experience in Rialto, I was really satisfied, not only with the food but with the views and the Venetian ambiance.
Travel Period: April 2010
Destination: Venice (Veneto), Italy
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
