Osteria Oliva Nera — Restaurant in Venice

We love this place! Isabella, Jessica and staff are always warm, attentive and a pleasure. We try to come here every time we visit Venice.

Of course the food is what makes this place shine. They use the freshest ingredients and best possible products. I love squid ink and Isabella does offer many diff options but I had commented that to her that I love squid ink and she offered to make a spaghetti with squid ink as a main dish (not on menu) and wow what a delicious simple but wonderful dish. My wife had a sea bass dish that also wowed her. We had other sides but her garden salad was simply out of this world delicious with freshest ingredients.

You can't go wrong with this wonderful place.

Couple of tips: make a reservation and bring cash for tips (they can't add it to the bill which you can pay with credit card)

BTW don't listen to naysayers. First of all they only have one or two reviews (so how can you trust someone who just takes pleasure in bashing places and doesnt post reviews of as many of their experiences good and bad; this shows the type of person they r just an internet troll). Second of all Europeans are very forward people when they ask you "How is everything" show your human ability to communicate (many people can't do this and lie when asked how is everything or are afraid of displeasing someone) and say "the lasagna "wasn't great" or whatever. The owners/staff will do everything to FIX it right on the spot and they honestly want to know if everything is great. Anyone can be a troll and leave and destroy a place however it shows a true ability to communicate and not be afraid of "confrontation" by stating you didnt like this or that. Every time my wife or I have stated we didn't like something (this is rare as we research places extensively) when we have gone out to any restaurant or bar, the owners/staff ALWAYS fix it and make genuine effort to please us and make things right.

This place is exactly like that. The owner and staff always aims to please and make everyones experience amazing and worthwhile.

Come here you will not be disappointed and if you are disappointed say...

We ate here twice during our stay in Venice and on both occasions the food, service and overall experience could not have been any better. The stand out dishes on the first visit were the stuffed zucchini flowers (stuffed with three cheeses and a hint of orange zest, deep fried in a super light tempura batter) were exquisite. The special 600g veal cutlet/t-bone was tender, tasty and cooked to perfection , and the creme brulee with fresh berries was divine. Having then eaten in a pretty mediocre restaurant later in the week we were determined to end our week on a gastronomic high so on Friday night we went back to Oliva Nera, taking a chance as we hadn't made a reservation. We were warmly welcomed like old friends and our second experience was as good as the first. On this visit we hadn't planned on having a starter but opted to share the special Baby artichoke hearts deep fried and served with a fantastic horseradish mayonnaise. The calf's liver with polenta was fantastic, creamy polenta with tender delicately flavoured liver, and the lamb chops were perfection, so tender and tasty I had to pick the bones clean. The stand out dessert on this occasion was the pannacotta with vanilla and licorice. It was quite a surprise how delicious it was, I wanted to order a second one but had to exercise restraint.

All the ingredients were fresh and of a high quality, you could tell that everyone involved in the restaurant was passionate about the food and whole dining experience. I wouldn't normally gush about food but in this instance this enthusiastic review is well deserved.

I would definitely go back if I am in Venice again and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for good traditional...

Review: Disappointing Introduction to Venetian Cooking

Today was my first foray into Venetian cuisine, and I regret to say the overall experience, for a total of 295 euros for five people, was quite disappointing.

Upon arrival, the staff warmly greeted us and seated us outside, providing a pleasant atmosphere. We started with a glass of wine, and our waitress, who may have been the owner, was initially helpful. However, there was a palpable sense of our American identity, which may have influenced her suggestions. She strongly recommended the fried vegetables and two Caprese salads, which indeed were delicious.

The confusion began when we ordered our main courses. Upon ordering four green salads alongside our entrees, she emphasized the lasagna, claiming it to be a cherished family recipe. Trusting her recommendation, we decided to give it a try.

When the food arrived, the four salads were enormous, one was enough to share among the entire group, but they lacked any real flavor. The lasagna, touted as the highlight, arrived cold and excessively rich. Disappointed, we sent the lasagna back, only to receive replacements within thirty seconds. This rapid turnaround was an unmistakable sign that the lasagna had been microwaved, confirming our suspicions and adding to our dissatisfaction.

The overall experience left much to be desired. Despite the friendly service and pleasant ambiance, the quality of the food did not justify the steep price. Unfortunately, my introduction to Venetian cooking was marred by this unsatisfactory dining experience. I hope they take this feedback to heart and improve for...