Ristorante Local — Restaurant in Venice

In a Michelin star restaurant, one doesn't expect to be presented with that bad memory of Covid theatre – the QR code – in order to read the menu. It immedediately cheapens the whole epxerience. Worse, the QR code just leads to a standard web page that is not designed for mobile. The wine menu, the main concern as the dinner choice is simply a 7- or 9-course meal, is presented on a wide-format page, requiring you to scroll not just up and down but also left and right in order to read it. Wh asked if they have a physical menu, and were told no but they offered to show it on their own iPad. We asked why they don't offer a physical menu, and the response was essentially that it is convenient for them and doesn't require pages of paper. Apparently the convenience and comfort of customers isn't a major concern.

I asked a waiter for advice on white wines and he referred me to their sommelier, who recommended a blend. I agreed, and he returned with the wine a minute later for me to taste it. It was room termperature! When I pointed this out he tried to cool it in a wine cooler for 20 minutes, without apology, but the end result was still warm and a waiter offered to take the wine back. Why didn't the sommelier simply apologise along the lines of "I'm sorry sir, the wine I advised you purchase is not chilled, can I offer you an alternative?" Instead, 20 minutes was wasted and an awkward situation created.

As for the food, we chose the 9-course set menu. It was good, but not excellent. Highlights were the blue crab and the duck breast. Towards the end of the meal a waiter abruptly and without warning thrusts a spoon with some concoction on it into your mouth. After a couple of seconds I had to physically move my head backwards to extract it from my mouth as he showed no signs of pulling it back himself. They did this simultaneously to the whole table of 4 - quite rude and an uncomfortable shock. I do not know why they persist in this practice as other reviews mention this negatively as well.

The atmosphere was good with an open glass view on the chefs working, and by 8pm the restaurant was close to capacity. However it was overshadowed by a general feeling of aloofness and coolness from the staff (though not all) - perhaps because of the poor way the evening kicked off.

I have eaten at about 10 Michelin-star restaurants now; this was by far the worst experience. It was memorable, but not for the right reasons. Venice has better to offer. For a special occasion, we left disappointed, underwhelmed and did not feel we had received anything close to value for the money spent (a little over 200...

I don’t often write reviews no matter how fantastic or terrible my experience is so I am not sure why I feel compelled to write a review of the solidly mediocre meal I just had at Local. I had high hopes – I love a good multi course meal and we had just eaten at Quadri the night before which was fantastic.

The food itself was fine. Not the best food I have ever had but things were well balanced and interesting.

My biggest complaint was the service, timing, performance and overall experience. It shouldn’t have been overly fussy, but it kinda felt fussy and yet on the other hand, the staff seemed to forget about us at several points during the meal. I know a multi course dinner takes a long time and I don’t want to feel rushed, but there was a 40-minute gap between our third and fourth courses (and I am not exaggerating).

They said they were going to take us on a culinary journey but always bring us back to Venice, but they didn’t actually tell that story very well during the dinner. They started by bringing us these little cards (like the size of business cards) that told a little something about the next course. It was a nice touch, but then halfway through no cards – we asked and they said “we just changed things and don’t have a card for that course”. Um, ok. I mean either do the cards or don’t do the cards, but don’t just stop mid-meal and then resume for the dessert courses. It felt very odd.

Also, we had two vegetarians in our group (of 7 total) who have eaten at Michelin starred restaurants around the world (and we called ahead to make sure they were ok with accommodating vegetarians) and they served them half of an onion for their main course. It was the most bizarre thing – that is not a main course any more than slapping a half a portabella mushroom down on a plate and calling it a vegetarian main is.

The absolute worst part was that after the “main course” they brought an amuse-bouche before the two dessert courses….what happened you ask? After feeling ignored for half the night a team of 7 staff (and the chef) abruptly walked up to the table with spoons in their hands and they stepped right behind you and wanted you feed you. Like you were supposed to eat off their spoon – it was the most forced and performative thing that was so jarring I refused to do it. I like a little drama or flair when I go out for a 7-course dinner, but again this just felt ridiculous.

I know that kitchens, chefs, waiters, people all have “off-nights” but this felt really off. I can’t imagine that they would have kept their star had the Michelin reviewer had been dining tonight. Needless to say our group was...

My friend, a foodie/return customer, booked this place f/after Bienniale. She wanted to share this GEM w/ me & I’m so glad. Tastefully elegant & understated decor. (NB It’s easy to miss it from the street).

Staff were uniformly very welcoming, friendly & efficient. We had 4-course prix fixe lunch + one glass of local Prosecco. Our food budget was limited, so we had taverna & birreria meals before this — our last & “splash-out” lunch on a fantastic 3-day trip to Venice.

We changed our reservation time the night before so we could spend more time @ Biennale, which, turned out, was closed, so we came in 45 mins. early (Mon lunch) — just in case. They were again gracious & seated us immediately. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED (if not essential).

FOOD: local, thoughtful, well paced, innovative — just outstanding. Small portions. Modern spins. A visual (& sensory) feast (food, dishes, cutlery, glasses). You’ll want to eat slowly & savor each bite. Do not rush this meal. Even espresso is beautifully prepared/served.

Max charm: little cards, which explain each course (food, language & culture). Finally, a thank-you card signed by whole staff. ❤️

Lessons learned: If I could do it again, I’d add a cheese course (which included 2 sheep cheeses — awesome if you’re dairy sensitive). If I had a budget 100 euros, I’d try a wine pairing. (We loved the prosecco we were recommended). If you like spirits, there are dozens of grappas to choose from, including one from 1985! Digestifs…

ALLERGY FRIENDLY: :( I’m now gluten sensitive + lactose intolerant (shared @ reservation time). This was accommodated graciously & beautifully. No “sad sack” subs (which can happen).

QUIET: I have sensitive hearing. This place was calm & peaceful (while mostly full). (The gorgeous blue-green wall color adds to the great vibe).

Final bit of awesomeness: They support a local NGO protecting /restoring wetlands/salt marshes of Venice. Nuff said.

IDEAS: Special occasion (honeymoon, birthday, wedding anniversary, marriage proposal, promotion, graduation, retirement). Business. Pleasure. Family. Friendship. Love. Because you’re in Venice. Because life is short. Because you can. Because you’re a foodie. Because this one’s a keeper. Because it might be a long time before you find a restaurant that so gets it right.

What a treat! Book now! You’re welcome!

MILLE GRAZIE to the whole Local Team f/such a memorable meal & experience — a real standout on an exceptionally good trip!...