Estro — Restaurant in Venice

Unfortunately, I believe I experienced and witnessed racism in this restaurant by the bartender/supervisor (possible owner?). I will lay out the facts, and folks can draw their own conclusion.

I got to the restaurant at 8:15, and asked for a seat. The server I spoke to checked with his boss, who said nothing was available. I asked about later, told them I would eat fast, but to no avail. (I was quite desperate as I had not had lunch and had walked 45 minutes to get there). I noticed a bunch of empty spots, but also that with one (Asian American with two white people) exception, there were no people of color at the restaurant, and left.

On a hunch, I called a few minutes later, and played up the accent I had gained at a British public school. I was immediately told there was a spot. I returned and ate. The bartender seemed confused when he saw me but did not engage.

While I was eating, several people came in asking for seats. --an Indian couple came in (I am Indian) and was told there was no seats. A white couple came in less than 5 minutes later, and was told there would be an opening in 30 minutes.

I raised this issue when I was paying with the bartender himself, as I felt it would be unfair to leave this review without hearing what the possible responses were.

First, he suggested there had been cancellations. I pointed out to him that even if that was true (and I had asked about putting my name down in case there were cancellations), both his servers had told me earlier that the bar area I was seated in does not take reservations. He did not have a response for that.

Second, he said "maybe I told you to come back in 30 minutes." That is false. Indeed, I specifically asked if I could even come back in an hour, and was told no.

One of the other servers I had probed earlier had said--perhaps they had understood me only to want a table. But I specifically said I would take any spot. They never offered the bar, and just said they were fully booked. When I called, the bartender said their tables were booked, but I was immediately offered the bar.

The fourth possibility the bartender raised was that a restaurant is hectic and he just wasn't paying attention. Yet, it seems suspect that someone who comes in and pleads for a table (asks about possible cancellations, delayed seating, says he will eat fast) is told no, but a 30 second phonecall 10 minutes later is given a table. Or that the 2 minute change in time between the Indian and white couples changed his work situation so much.

This was not raised by the staff. But to consider all possibilities--perhaps I did not like something about the restaurant and am simply trying to gild the lily with this review. That is not true, as, alas, the food and wine were excellent. I wish I had left on good terms, as I really wanted the name of the first wine. The service, once I sat down, was excellent as well--possibly better than what other people received. And I would not write a review this length on this issue, if my concern was about something else.

Again, another possibility that the staff did NOT suggest: but in the spirit of considering all possibilities: did I just complain to the owner to get out of paying? I made a point of raising my concerns as my card hit the machine to avoid this concern. I also have a habit of eating at restaurants twice or more the price of this (very good value) restaurant. (I ate at Tempio de Iside in Rome 3 nights ago--far less good!)

He got upset and asked me to leave because never in his 21 years of service had anyone called him racist (to be clear, I simply laid out these facts and never called him racist--he concluded from them that he was being called racist which says a lot). I also suspect that no one in his 21 years called to double check the way I did--how could you know how you are being treated relative to others usually?

This aspect of the experience was sad, especially as I'm attending the Biennale this year, whose theme...

Lovely little place with an amazing celebration of wine. Came here for dinner and everything was lovely. The food was well received. It scored 4 stars instead of 5 because the female waitress. She is not as attentive as the male waiter who she partnered with to man the floor - she would serve hastily and leave; have a matter of fact tone whenever we questioned some dishes (I have a few allergies); when we were served wine of the waiter's choice, she would just pour and leave whereas the waiter would allow us to taste and see if we liked it, if not, we would change for another one depending on our taste (we didn't change any of the recommended selection but it's good to know that we had the option); and finally when I asked about one of my starters (a fish dish) whether it still had bones so I can be more mindful when eating, the waitress replied, "no need, it is cooked in a way that the bones are very soft and easy to swallow." Story cut short, in the end, I had to rummage my bag for tissue instead of spitting into the napkin, and cough up the fish bone that was stuck in my throat! Despite all of that, both my bf and I would return to this for food and wine. He even joked, we will just look for the guy to serve us and avoid the...

Tucked away from Venice’s tourist flow, Estro Vino e Cucina delivers a lunch experience that feels like it belongs in the Michelin conversation. The dining room strikes a balance between modern and rustic: sleek lines, warm wood, and a subdued hum that lets the food and wine take center stage.

We opted for the tasting menu, which opened with an amuse that was elegantly plated. A standout pasta course featured handmade noodles with local seafood, the sauce: briny, slightly sweet, with just enough depth to coat without overwhelming. The pasta was al dente perfection, with a silkiness that carried the flavors of the sea.

Vegetables were treated with equal reverence: a layered dish of seasonal produce showcased acidity and crunch. Even the simplest elements felt intentional, from the interplay of oils and herbs to the way acidity lifted each bite.

The wine program is serious here, with a curated list of natural wines. The staff guided us toward pairings that were spot-on, crisp whites highlighting seafood salinity, mineral-driven pours elevating the vegetal notes. The service staff was knowledgeable.

Lunch at Estro was memorable, refined, and deeply satisfying. Highly...