Staying in the San Marco Canal View (Venice Best Apartments - see my review) we were directly opposite and above this Trattoria. On our last day we were walking back after shopping and stopped in for a quick lunch (even though we had reserved for the evening meal).

HONESTLY - the BEST meals we have had combined with service for lunch by Vladimero (Vlad) that was attentive and with a number of bonuses during the meal in fresh salads and an after meal treat.

For lunch we ordered appetisers in sardines, octopus and polenta. On our short wait for this we were given a sample of the spaghetti (we think an arabiata) which was flavourful and with a good hint of heat. The sardine and octopus dish was devine with a great flavour and at a great size.

For our prima piatti we ordered the gnocchi bolognaise, gnocchi Quattro cheese, the lasagna and I had the tagliatelle with duck (l’anatra).

Absolutely no faults whatsoever and just amazing. I was fortunate to sample all meals by finishing them for the others. Just fantastic flavours, good sized meals (goldilocks size), and seasoned to perfection. The lasagna in particular reminded me of my neighbours Nonna cooking us lasagna as kids it was that good. The remainder of the meals were perfection on a plate.

At the end of the meal we were surprised with a complimentary grappa and biscotti with a torta di limone. Vlad was fast to serve and a warm host. We considered cancelling our dinner however after that lunch came back that night for more of the delicious menu and excellent service.

Welcomed by Alex and Fernando, we we given a seat overlooking the canal in the other side of the restaurant.

The same high level of service by Alex and Fernando made for a great evening, making us feel welcome even battling my bad Italian with ease.

We ordered the fish tatare for an appetiser which was amazing, seasoned beautifully and with a great flavour we thoroughly enjoyed.

For main we ordered the gnocchi pesto, the calamari, spinner crab spaghetti and the lobster noodles. Again amazing and glad we returned. Again given the same excellent service with little complimentary additions in the formaggjo and pomodoro salad and ending with then grappa, biscotti and creme pastry to finish.

Again just great meals cooked to perfection and delicious.

We finished with the tiramisu my homemade by the Margherita which was by far the best we’ve eaten (loved it!) with the just right balance of coffee and cake for a perfect mix (those that love cake come here!)

Thanks to Vlad, Alex and Fernando for wonderful service and to Kabir for welcoming us in and offering his well wishes for our journey ahead.

Ciao, Grazie Mille and Buon Anno! See you again when we return to Italy