Food was very delicious but the service did not make me feel welcome.
The good: The Aperol Spritz was a big portion. Avocado and shrimp salad was delicious. The black pasta with shrimp and tomatoes came out hot and the flavor of the tomatoes was very fresh. Pasta tasted fresh too. Very flavorful.
The bad: I am a solo traveler and was recommended this location in a tour. The restaurant was busy when I arrived at 8pm and I was asked to leave because it was full. I asked if I can wait and was told no. However, they were accommodating other groups of two people or more without a reservation. I suspected it's because I am a solo traveler that would take up a table that can seat two (not sure). While I was looking for another place to eat on my phone, a waiter told me they can make me a seat in 10 minutes. After 20 minutes, I was called in. It took a long time for the waiter to take my order. At this point it has been 50 minutes since arriving at the restaurant. Unfortunately all the appetizers or main dish I wanted to try were unavailable. So I only ordered one main dish. Then I was told that they have a two plate minimum, and the waiter recommended the two dishes that was the two most expensive items on the menu. Perhaps it was actually a genuine recommendation...but seemed strange to me in this circumstance. I hesitantly ordered a second dish. I understand that the restaurant is busy but I felt like a nuisance to them due to the service. Would have been a 5 star review if the service was more accommodating...
Read moreOsteria Mocenigo: A True Venetian Treasure!
If you're searching for an authentic, 100% local Venetian dining experience, Osteria Mocenigo is an absolute must-visit. This restaurant is a genuine treasure, offering a glimpse into the heart of Venetian culinary tradition.
From the moment we stepped inside, we felt welcomed and at home. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the often tourist-heavy dining scene in Venice. It's clear that Osteria Mocenigo is a beloved local haunt, and that's precisely what makes it so special.
The owner is truly amazing. Their passion for Venetian cuisine shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the carefully curated menu to the attentive and personalized service. They went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable dining experience, sharing stories and recommendations that added a unique touch to our meal.
And the food? Simply outstanding. Each dish was a testament to the quality of fresh, local ingredients and the skill of the kitchen. We savored every bite, from the perfectly prepared seafood to the delectable pasta dishes. It's clear that Osteria Mocenigo takes pride in serving authentic Venetian flavors, and they do so with exceptional skill.
This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a chance to connect with the true spirit of Venice, away from the crowds and tourist traps. If you're looking for a genuine taste of Venetian hospitality and cuisine, Osteria Mocenigo is the perfect choice. Highly, highly...
Read moreThis was an excellent restaurant conveniently located just a few steps from our hotel (Hotel al Ponte Mocenigo). We ate there for dinner 2 out of the 3 nights we spent in Venice. It was always busy and even though we showed up without reservations, they always found a table for us (party of 3). We had delicious lasagna (10 euros), a veal dish with veggies (12 euros), house wine (5 euros), large glass water bottle (3 euros), ravioli (10 euros), grilled chicken breast and fries (12 euros), salads (5 euros), and a seafood dish (16 euros). The bread is not free, they will charge you a 2 euro per person "Coperto Pane" charge for it (pretty standard in Venice). The bread is very tasty but not all homemade, I saw them pouring out some bread sticks of a store-bought bag. Didn't bother me but if you're a stickler for homemade it might. My only complaint was that one night a rose vendor came into the restaurant and tried to scam us, he insisted on giving me a supposedly free rose then hit my husband up for money. I just gave it back. I was disappointed that the staff who clearly saw the guy just let him walk around the whole restaurant bothering customers instead of kicking him out as they should as he is a solicitor on private property. Overall though for the food and value it is a recommended restaurant and I would return if we ever...
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