We came to this place based on a blog recommendation. It promised an intimate space with a view of the canal and personalized service from the owner himself. We were off to a bad start when the manager/owner/waiter/I-don’t-know greeted us with an inappropriate joke, saying it was better for him that we arrived early so we would leave early, “better for us,” he said. From there, we were thrown into a whirlwind of rushed and sloppy service. There are a couple of waiters at the restaurant, but they only carry dishes back and forth, they don’t take orders. That’s handled by the owner, who speaks harshly to them in front of customers. One of them, inexperienced and probably nervous, mistakenly tried to clear my plate while I was literally still eating (an honest mistake). Upon seeing this, the owner scolded him rudely right in front of us. It was an awkward and absurdly comical moment. The owner’s micromanagement is very evident, and it’s clear he might not be the right person to train or lead a team of waiters. The entire time, we felt rushed, like they needed our table as soon as possible. As for the food, there’s not much to criticize. We ordered a prosciutto and mozzarella appetizer that was generous, but the main dishes weren’t as abundant. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. In summary, I would not recommend this place at all. The service is rushed, sloppy, and at times, rude. Given the price of the dishes, one would expect much, much more. Don’t go, there are excellent alternatives just a...
Read moreIl Refolo is a charming restaurant located right in the center of Venice, next to a picturesque canal. The outdoor seating is a highlight, with plenty of space to enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful and relaxing setting. Dining by the water adds an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends.
The menu offers a variety of Italian dishes, with a focus on fresh, homemade pasta. I ordered the “fresh tagliatelle with scallops and mushrooms,” and it was fantastic. The pasta was tender and flavorful, the scallops were perfectly cooked, and the mushrooms added a delightful earthiness to the dish. It was beautifully balanced and felt like a true Venetian specialty.
To complement the meal, I had a glass of red wine that paired wonderfully with the dish, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. For dessert, I chose the homemade ginger ice cream, which was a refreshing and unique way to end the meal, offering a hint of spice with a smooth, creamy texture.
Overall, Il Refolo offers a delightful dining experience with its lovely outdoor space, delicious homemade pastas, and a charming canal-side location. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of Venice in a serene and...
Read moreThere seems to be a misunderstanding that because you serve a lot of tourists, this gives you the right to treat people like they are nothing.
First time there was fun and food was delicious. So good we decided to come back.
A waiter in particular thought it was appropriate to literally scream at my wife because check notes we were eating outside and walked inside the restaurant as it was pouring rain on our table. After screaming, the door was shut to our face leaving us outside telling us to use the other door, again while the rain was pouring down. The waiter in question never acknowledged this behavior, never apologized. Nothing.
If this sounds like normal behavior and a fun experience, this place is for you.
For me, you can serve the best food in the world (and you don’t), if you disrespect people I’ll never waste my money or time at your establishment and I do not think...
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