Ai Gondolieri — Restaurant in Venice

You may not remember us…but we remember you. This restaurant is the best thing that could have happened on our honeymoon.

You see, we went to Venice for romance and magic right after we got married in 2015, and initially found everything except that (unfortunately). That day we had an awful time at the Guggenheim, it started to thunder storm (we of course got soaked in the rain). I won’t lie, I began to get a bit moody and discouraged…and we happened to have ran into this restaurant right then, desperate to get out of the storm.

As soon as we jumped through the doorway, the owner apologized and said he was not yet open for reservations. We explained our situation and begged if we can stay by the door until the rain stopped….he then said although they are closed, he cannot allow us to have such a terrible experience (on our honeymoon) In the city he loves.

He allowed us in and gave us a little table by the window-even though they were not planning to open for another hour. He then proceeded to give us the most delicious and beautiful meal the he personally brought out to us. He was so kind. So caring and considerate. Just an amazing, compassionate human. Who gave us an unforgettable beautiful moment and truly allowed us to experience the beauty of Venice firsthand.

This whole experience brings tears to our eyes almost 10 years later. My husband and I think about this magical restaurant all the time and reminisce about how this one tiny experience completely transformed our honeymoon. We love this place and we cannot wait to return someday...

It was our first night in Venice and we decided to take it easy and try Ai gondolieri right by the hotel (it came highly recommended by our hotel manager)

And they didn't disappoint! It was a lovely homey joint with a classic menu. We went for the truffle courses and we were blown away by the richness in taste! It felt like the meal was prepared by a mom/grandma who just wanted to throw in the best tasting meal for us on a cold winter night.

The poached egg dish was like having a taste of the forest. The egg was perfectly cooked, the polenta was super creamy and the mushroom and truffle and cheese just all worked so well together.

The veal was lovely and rich as well. Probably could've done with a bit less cheese. But hey, I'm not complaining. The melted chocolate cake was awesome as well! And the beautiful amarone. It was a perfect first night in Venice and I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a no frill homey Italian meal!! (Don't go if you are vegetarian or watching...

the best thing about this restaurant is the restaurant. fantastic wine card, recommendations, all wines from the list of bottles you can have by the glas. the food ranged from interesting to classic, we had three courses without desert, it was a good dining experience. the veal marsala was excellent! it was our third night in Venice and usually we are tired and don't want to eat much, but we sat down and just enjoyed the dinner, service and atmosphere. yes - if you look for a pizza for 9,99- this is the wrong place. if you want to spend a nice evening with wife or friends with and a bit of an experience - this is the right place. and for the Americans traveling through Europe: if you go to a place like this:

1. wear a collared shirt, long pants and no sneakers. I don't want to see you disrespect age old traditions - no mater if you have money like...