Osteria Da Carla — Restaurant in Venice

On 8 August 2026 at 7:30 PM, our group of eight (including four children) visited Osteria da Carla following recommendations. Though several tables remained visibly available, the older gentleman (presumed manager) arranged us separately at a table near the entrance and another in the far corner, explaining others were reserved. These tables stayed unoccupied throughout our meal until our 9:30 PM departure.

We noted the manager attended to our group with less warmth than to others. While we were still examining the wine list, he collected it without inquiring if we required more time. Similarly, he retrieved drink menus from our children during their selection. Throughout our dining, he did not approach our table to inquire about the meal or offer smiles – a contrast we observed when he provided detailed wine introductions to European guests nearby.

The culinary standard was commendable. Dishes like fried seafood, oysters, lamb chops, and tiramisù met expectations, and the total of €400+ for eight persons was acceptable. We also wish to recognize one young server whose attentive attitude stood out positively.

As Asian visitors deeply appreciating Italian hospitality, we found this experience regrettably different from others in Italy. The combination of segregated seating, menu retrieval during decision-making, and differential attention impacted our comfort. We suggest the establishment considers more consistent service standards for international guests, and kindly advise fellow travelers to manage expectations...

This little Osteria has quite some beautiful style (open brick wall, metalls and raw wood beams, indirect lighting) and is run by young and friendly staff, a cool blues playlist is playing. The menu is quite focused which should be a good thing, but actually the menu is a bit overly ambitious to what the kitchen actually delivers.

The beef tartare was lacking salt and the truffle was preserved not fresh, the Lemon Linguine Vongole was too subtle on the clam juices, the grilled tuna was a bit overdone (but it seemed as if it neighbor table was lucky to get a better timed tuna steak) and the 3 variations of rabbit were a disappointment: the "tuna style" rabbit was lacking any sauce or similar - very bland and therabbit liver croquette was super dry and didn't come with any dip neither, visually there wassome kind of apple sauce on the plate but actually didn't taste like anything at all so wasn't help helpful. Only the grilled rabbit was nicely done and crispy yet still juicy.

Overall I feel that the Osteria would benefit from simplifying their menu to the kitchen's actual ability to deliver, it would clearly be a great little gem that we would love to come visit over...

A Hidden Gem with Outstanding Seafood – Don’t Miss the Octopus and Salmon Sashimi

Tucked away in a quiet alley near Piazza San Marco, Osteria da Carla is a true Venetian treasure—intimate, welcoming, and full of culinary surprises. The focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood is nothing short of spectacular.

Two standout dishes: the octopus, tender and char-grilled to perfection with just the right touch of smokiness, and the salmon sashimi, which is surprisingly refined for an osteria—silky, vibrant, and beautifully plated. It’s a dish that could easily rival high-end sushi spots, but here, it’s served with a uniquely Venetian twist.

Every course feels thoughtful and inspired, and the service is warm and knowledgeable without being overbearing. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you came to Venice—not just for the sights, but for the soul of the city found in places like this.

If you’re searching for authentic Venetian cuisine with a creative edge, Osteria da Carla is the perfect hidden spot...