Cantina Aziende Agricole — Restaurant in Venice

Being less well heeled than many other folk in Venice appeared, budgeting my dining was essential. On the strength of what other reviewers wrote online, I made a note of this establishment, and sought it out.

Located in the vicinity of Cannaregio (around 10 minutes on foot from Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia rail terminus) and heading away from the hubbub of clothing boutiques, pasticcerias and market stalls selling fresh, and dried fruits. Despite what the Guardian Newspaper said (in an otherwise very positive review) this traditional Venetian Inn does have some seating and tables - mostly outside, but I recall there being at least three high bar tables and stools inside.

Their finger food is of a good standard and still costs a very reasonable €1.50 per item (see enclosed photos.) The house wine was very acceptable, with many locals clearly enjoying a tipple on their way home. In fact, I saw one gent (who very much looked as if he patronised the establishment regularly) arrive with two empty plastic spa water bottles, get both filled to the brim from the large barrel behind the bar; he then settled his account for what looked like a nominal cost, and merrily got on his way.

Whilst the staff seemed to know many of their punters well, their was no hint of visitors getting the "stranger in a strange land" response, where newcomers are made to feel unwelcome by everyone present. I was heartened to find that I, as a tourist received the same courteous service as everyone else. Perhaps worth a mention at this point, that both times I paid a visit here were around 7:00-8:00 on Friday and Saturday evenings - I would consult other reviews for there comments on daytime service.

As a place to eat, the style is traditional, so this isn't at the cutting edge of contemporary Italian dining. But what it lacks in modernity, it more than makes up for in cleanliness, good honest provisions and intimacy. From the Venetian's who looked to be frequent visitors, there was a relaxed feel, and whilst my Italian is less than meagre, there seemed to be a pleasant atmosphere of banter and familial repartee.

The first time I arrived, I asked if they had any pasta dishes, which they had. The choice was more or less of two or three stock dishes - but I didn't regret ordering the Lasagna that I went onto savour. Though this may not be the height of foodie sophistication, there is nothing poor about the standard on offer here. My first meal consisted of 6 items of finger food, a portion of their own lasagna, and a quarter of a litre of their house white - the bill was €17. In this part of the world (May 2017 - during Biennale season) that is less than £15 or $19. Unless you don't mind eating your food on the run or perched on the canal side, you won't find many places to match this kind of standard.

Though I stuck to the house white, there appeared to be a considerable choice of wines available, so that in itself could be a good reason why you might choose to check it out.

Be warned, the food menu is sometimes not visible - their finger food is behind glass at the counter, and if your fancy is for pasta and/or a salad, they only allocate so much of it to any given day, and once there portions are gone, there won't be anymore that day. Also, this place is compact, so seating can be scarce - if there is no seating outside and there are more than four in your party, you may well struggle to enjoy your food at the same civilised pace that is usually available.

Along with his sister Sabrina, Roberto has successfully run this bacaro (bar/eatery) in much the same vein for over 40 years. I have been there twice during my stay, and I would certainly encourage you to include this place on your shortlist. Venice is a city that feels so genuinely different than anywhere else in Europe, but should that make it so costly that it becomes impossible for everyone other than the uber-wealthy to enjoy? Hopefully not. Discovering this place was a real treat, and it helped enhance a very special, albeit,...

Deceived by the positive reviews, we decided to have dinner at this restaurant on our first night in Venice. We were seated at a table with a "privileged view" of the "kitchen" which allowed us to see the two maids arguing with each other. A "kitchen" that, from what we could see, was nothing more than a table where the dishes were served and went directly to the... microwave!!! It was possible to hear "the bell" giving the "ready" signal! The wine served, a glass, was little more than a taster... one sip and it's gone! We noticed that around us everyone was incredulous! As for the options, at 8 pm there were practically no starters and the dishes were limited to 3 or 4 choices. Cleaning with toxic products started before 9 pm, with people dining at adjacent tables. Even before 9 pm several people came in for dinner and were "repulsed". Lucky for them!!! Careless service, food warmed up in the microwave, wine... we didn't feel much of it, therefore everything we didn't expect. We do not advise at all. We just didn't assign 1 because the food, despite everything, wasn't bad. Having said that, we can only conclude that the management has changed... otherwise this disparity would...

Hands down the best meal we had in Venice! Everything so fresh and delicious. We had five different cicheti, each one better than the last. We asked the hostess for her favorites and she gave us a Mortadella with gorgonzola and pistachio and Lardo with ricotta, both some of the best things I have ever eaten! We also had pasta with ham and pistachio that was excellent. The house wine was lovely and a perfect paring.

The staff were super friendly and helpful in choosing the cicheti plates and the service second to none! We ate like kings for 28 euros. And ,again all the food fresh and amazing!

We tried to go back before we left Venice but by 7pm it was packed and couldn't get in. You might want to see if they take reservations but it's so small and popular they probably don't. But they are open for lunch that might be easier.

It's a little out of the way and off the beaten path but well worth...