Nestled on a quiet side street, Hostaria Osotroosopra epitomizes the Italian eatery of your Venetian dreams.

You booked your ticket, boarded your plane, braved the crowds. And now, you're meandering through the crowded canals, in pursuit of the perfect plate of pasta, a refreshing glass of wine, and a decadent tiramisu to top it off.

Yet, every stop along the way has been loud, packed, overpriced with mediocre fare and a stereotypically uninspired ambiance.

That changes when you discover this place. If you're anything like me, you might have strolled right past it—its exterior is notably modest. Inside, it's understated yet charming, adorned with dark wood and intimate corners for dining. It doesn’t strive for extravagance or pander to traveling TikTok-ers - another reason why it's worth your visit.

The menu, though succinct, showcases a rich variety of flavors that appeal to a discerning palate.They pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients, including sustainably caught fish. I’m a firm believer that a tighter menu often means superior dishes, and this venue certainly proves that.

I chose the paccheri with duck ragu and Castelmagno cheese. Though modest in size, each bite was a burst of flavor. The pasta was expertly al dente. The cheese and ragu melded into a meaty, velvety sauce that sang like a Bocelli opera with each forkful. Accompanied by a memorable red wine, whose name escapes me, the meal was nothing short of divine.

For dessert, despite the waiter’s tempting alternatives, I settled on the classic tiramisu. It was perfection: not overly sweet, *exquisitely creamy, with a robust dusting of cocoa powder. I dare say it rivals—even exceeds—any homemade version.

Be sure to book early to secure a spot at this hidden gem. And in the words of the Terminator, "I'll be back!"