Essentiale Restaurant & Lounge Bar at Hotel Villa Laguna — Restaurant in Venice

One of the most beautiful and memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Venice. This hidden gem by the sea is the perfect combination of atmosphere, quality, and warmth. The location itself is absolutely stunning — right on the water, with peaceful views and a calming breeze that makes the whole experience feel like a dream.

The menu may be small, but every single dish is crafted to perfection. You can tell that a lot of thought and love goes into the food — each bite feels like a piece of heaven. Fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and a level of care that you don’t find often. It’s one of those places where quality over quantity truly shines.

The staff is another highlight. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. They make you feel like a guest in their home rather than just a customer. Their service was attentive without being overwhelming, and you can tell they care about creating a beautiful experience from start to finish.

What makes this place even more special is the peaceful atmosphere — it's not overcrowded like many other spots in Venice. You can actually relax, have a conversation, enjoy your food, and take in the view without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

If you're visiting Venice and want a place that feels authentic, intimate, and absolutely delicious — this is it. A perfect place for a romantic dinner, a quiet escape, or simply to enjoy great food by the water. Truly a rare find. Highly...

Stunning vista, poor service, mixed food.

We arrived to watch the sunset over Venice. Stunning views over the town, and seeing the boats pass by.

The bread arrived before the drinks. A mixed range of breads, average quality. One of the bread sticks had an almost curry taste which was a bit strange for Italy. Ordered suckling pig and two sides. Was told will take 25 minutes.

A small salad of fennel slices and one orange segment arrived. Could have done with more orange segments, or honey.

The pork arrived but no sides, told would be three minutes. Then told the courgette fritters were out despite ordering them 25 minutes ago.

Potatoes took 10 minutes to arrive.

Pork was amazing, crackling succulent, orange sauce superb. Potatoes a little undercooked, and not roasted but fried.

Told Potatoes would be free and dessert on the house.

Ordered tiramusu and a berry desert. Average quality, the meringue wasn't chocolate but had chocolate power on it. Was advertised differently. The meringue was poor.

Bill arrived. Potatoes taken off but not deserts. Raised. They then took deserts off but not potatoes. Gave up at that point.

Came to just under 100 euros for 2 mains, 1 side, 3 drinks (spritz, two roses) (excluding deserts which...

Positives first; the restaurant looks inviting overlooking the water towards Venice, and the filet was good. The green gate on the corner was open, so we thought that was the entrance. Big blunder, and the waiter made his annoyance very clear. One would think a small thing like this could be overlooked for paying customers, but no. Further more annoyance when we tried to make him understand that we wanted shade, not burning sun. We got one bottle of water between 5 that was finished in no time, so we asked for the wine menu and another bottle of water. We reminded him about both when the food came. The wine menu arrived long after everybody finished the food and no more water. There were only two other tables with guests, so the waiter had plenty time to eat his own food behind the bar and fiddle with his phone. The waiter also showed a general attitude that should be saved for the guy that stole his boyfriend. Overpriced even with good service. I would be very angry as an owner to have staff that ruins the experience so completely. Stay away...