Osteria Da Alberto — Restaurant in Venice

We finally found where the locals go. Reservations were easy as we called the day before and they got us in early. Once we arrived they greeted us warmly and took us to our quaint table. Our server was a breath of fresh air, as he was informative and genuine. This food was what we had been looking for the whole time in Italy. Yes we had pasta, but it wasn’t the star of the meal. Before we get there though the wine selection was good. What you would expect for a locals type place. We had the Chardonnay and it didn’t disappoint. From there we enjoyed the cheese plate which we asked about the dipping sauce as it went perfect with all the cheeses. Next came the pasta. Simple pasta and pesto, but it hit the marks. Pasta was cooked right and the pesto was flavorful and light. Last came our meals. My wife has the special steak with potatoes. It was cooked right and potatoes were crisp. As for me, I enjoyed the special bass; oven cooked. It was out of this world. Everything was fresh and the tastes were on point.

We did not partake in the dessert, but from what we could see they all looked amazing.

Something that both my wife and I noticed was that the servers took care of everyone promptly and with care, but also everything that came out of the kitchen looked immaculate and delicious. And no we weren’t starving, everything looked genuinely amazing.

If we ever return to Venice, this will be at the top of our list for making...

Disappointing Experience – they treat tourist differently than locals.

We made a reservation for 4 & arrived on time. Unfortunately, we were seated in an incredibly cramped corner—so tight that two of us couldn’t get out unless the other two stood up and the whole table was shifted. Not a great start.

Service started off decently, but things took a turn when the wrong risotto arrived. We had ordered two of the nightly specials: the squid ink risotto and baked sea bass. What we got instead was a mixed seafood risotto. When we pointed this out, our server seemed visibly annoyed that we insisted on getting what we ordered. Her response? “It will take a while,” said with clear irritation.

After that, the service completely fell off. She never came back to pour our wine or refill water, ignored our request for extra napkins, and didn’t check in on us at all. The shift in attitude was obvious and uncomfortable.

What stood out even more was the difference in how locals were treated. The woman at the next table, who mentioned she was from Austin, whose server prioritized locals who arrived after her. The contrast in service was stark.

As for the food? It was just okay. Nothing memorable, especially considering the poor service. Sadly, we won’t be returning and definitely won’t be recommending this place. Venice has far better to offer in both food and...

Ostaria da Alberto offers a quintessential Venetian experience—if by quintessential, you mean a bit hit-or-miss. Nestled in a quiet corner, it has the feel of an old-school spot where locals and tourists alike drift in for a no-frills meal. The atmosphere is welcoming enough, though the charm stops just short of wowing.

The pasta, I’m afraid, was the definition of average. I opted for the spaghetti alla vongole, and while the clams were fresh, the dish itself seemed to lack that punch of flavor you crave. The garlic and white wine sauce was under-seasoned, leaving me wishing it had a little more zest to bring the sea to life. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it wasn’t a standout either—just serviceable, like a meal you might forget by the time you hit the next canal.

Service was friendly but a bit slow, as if the staff were taking their cues from the laid-back vibe of the neighborhood. On the upside, the wine list had a few bright spots, with some decent local options that helped elevate the experience slightly.

All in all, Ostaria da Alberto is an okay place to grab a meal if you’re not too particular. It’s solid for a quick, casual stop, but if you’re looking for a memorable Venetian dining experience, you might want to keep wandering. Three stars—nothing more,...