sullaluna libreria & bistrot — Restaurant in Venice

This was my second time visiting this bistrot, the first time fantastic all around. This time though an entirely different story. I had made a reservation earlier in the day when we walked by as few restaurants seemed to be open on the Wednesday evening. We arrived early 7:15 for 7:30 reservation and the waitress misunderstood, thought I was trying to make a reservation but in the meantime, two women arrived without a reservation and she let them sit down. We were finally given a seat and after 10 mins she came to clean the table and take our order for drinks and antipasti as we weren’t quite ready with the mains. She finally arrived with our drinks (a bottle of wine & water for 3 people) AFTER 20 mins. At that time I asked what my husband had ordered for antipasti and she knew it was the crostini, we made the rest of the order. After another 20 mins, I am watching people arrive well after us getting both drinks and food in a very timely manner, so hungry and very frustrated I went to ask what had happened to our crostini after waiting over 45 mins! I could see she was busy but it isn’t a huge place and we were right in front of her....so either she is new, having a bad day or purposely choosing to ignore us? Normally I would not have waited so long but at this time there were few options for food and we had almost finished our wine whilst waiting. The food was good but definitely not for the wait. No real apology or explanation given by the waitress as to why? She simply acted as if nothing had occurred. all I can say is, never again and we aren’t tourists who come once and never again....we come to...

Dear owners

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share my feedback regarding my recent visits to your establishment, which I consider a truly incredible café and bookstore.

First and foremost, I want to express my admiration for the atmosphere, selection of books, and quality of food and beverages. However, I have encountered a recurring issue that has dampened my experience: the attitude of the staff.

Each time I visit—approximately every three months—I have observed a similar trend. Upon entering, I am met with staff members who seem disinterested or unwelcoming. This has created an uncomfortable atmosphere, not just for myself but for other patrons as well, many of whom have also appeared puzzled by the staff's demeanor.

It is disheartening to see such a beautiful space lacking the vibrant energy that could enhance the experience for everyone. I believe that a warm, friendly approach to customer service could significantly improve the overall atmosphere, making your café/bookstore a more inviting place for all visitors.

I appreciate the staff's efforts, but I encourage you to consider training or initiatives that foster a more positive and welcoming environment. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope to see improvements during my future...

A Hidden Gem in Venice - Sullaluna Libreria & Bistrot

If you're looking for a charming, cozy spot in Venice, look no further than Sullaluna Libreria & Bistrot. Tucked away inside a delightful little café filled with books, many of them written by Venetian authors, this place is an absolute treasure. The ambiance is simply magical, with a quaint and intimate interior and a lovely outdoor seating area right along the canal. It’s the perfect place to unwind, sip on a calming infusion or tea served in beautiful old porcelain cups – each one unique, adding a personal touch to the experience. It feels wonderfully cozy and gives the café a warm, inviting atmosphere.

What truly made our visit special, however, was the exceptional service. The staff is warm, friendly, and attentive – especially the waiter who was incredibly sweet to our dog, offering a bowl of water and even a bowl of fresh cut carrots. It’s rare to find such thoughtful attention, and it really made us feel welcomed.

Venice is filled with beautiful spots, but Sullaluna stands out as a peaceful oasis where you can relax, read, and enjoy great company. It’s a place Venice needs more of! Highly recommend visiting – whether you're a local or a tourist,...