L'Osteria San Barnaba — Restaurant in Venice

Disappointing Experience at L'Osteria San Barnaba I recently dined at L'Osteria San Barnaba in Venice on October 3rd, and I must say it was a deeply disappointing experience that left me feeling unwelcome and disrespected. Upon entering the restaurant, the female staff member serving us rolled her eyes, which immediately set a negative tone. Throughout our meal, her rudeness and arrogance were evident. Not only did she fail to provide us with utensils upon our arrival, but she also laughed at our words and accents when we tried to communicate. When a different male waiter attempted to assist us, she dismissed him and asked him to leave. I appreciate the male waiter's efforts to apologize for her behavior and to provide us with the best welcome he could under the circumstances, but unfortunately, it was not enough to salvage our experience. While the meal itself was satisfactory, the service completely overshadowed it. I urge the management to take a closer look at the numerous negative reviews online, as many customers have reported similar issues regarding staff attitude and poor customer experiences. This pattern of behavior is concerning and reinforces my belief that the incident was a significant mistake on the part of the waitress. As a blogger and influencer who has documented various aspects of my Italy trip on social media, I can confidently say that this was the first time I encountered such a nightmare dining experience. I sincerely hope that the management addresses this issue and takes appropriate action regarding the staff involved. Until then, I cannot recommend L'Osteria San Barnaba to others looking for a pleasant dining...

After a long day of exploring Venice we had dinner at L’Osteria San Barnaba. We arrived late for our reservation, but the staff welcomed us warmly and never rushed us.

I ordered the cuttlefish ink pasta, and it was extraordinary. The sauce clung to the noodles like velvet, rich and briny with the taste of the sea, faintly metallic in the best way. It even stained my tongue and fingers as I used bread to wipe up the last drops. My wife chose the homemade gnocchi in spider crab sauce, pillowy-soft dumplings bathed in a silky, flavorful sauce that she called some of the best gnocchi she’s ever had.

We were there late into the night with glasses of Fratelli Brunello grappa, comparing tasting notes and enjoying the staff’s patience with my horrible Italian. Our server even smiled through my slow, deliberate attempt at a full sentence, encouraging me as if to say, “You’ve got this.” We laughed and made friends with a French couple at the next table, clinked glasses, and ended the night with a shared toast of limoncello.

L’Osteria San Barnaba is the kind of place where food, wine, and warmth all come together. From the extraordinary pasta to the genuine hospitality, it’s a dinner we’ll be talking...

The SECOND worst meal we had in Venice

I say “second” because we did have one that was worse. BUT - this was bad. I ordered the “chef’s recommendation” which was pasta with scallops and a pistachio sauce. The bread served was rock-hard (like a crouton) and tasted at least a day old. The person I was with had a two-course lunch special beginning with Pasta & bolognese sauce. The scallops tasted (and smelled) a bit too fishy. Additionally the pasta was not anywhere near the level we’ve had in Italy.

There was another couple at a different table who had ordered bottles of wine and offered us each a glass, which we accepted. So far, mediocre food but no anger. Why the anger and the One Star review? Then came the bill. In addition to charging us 8€ for just sitting at the table (it is not uncommon to have a table charge in Italy, but this was a bit high) they CHARGED US 5€ For “providing us a glass” for the wine given to us by the couple at the other table. We paid 13€ in non-food related charges. Here is the best part… The fishy-tasting scallops? Not to be graphic but they came out almost exactly as they entered….use your...