Trattoria alla Maddalena — Restaurant in Venice

One of the two best restaurant experiences I have had in Venice. Frankly, I meant to go to a different restaurant, but my maps app got confused and sent me back to this one, which was my second choice. Choice. Supposedly the first one would not have accommodated me anyway, so I didn't turn back around and walk another 10 minutes to get back to the other one. And I'm glad I didn't. There was no question that this one was willing to accommodate one guess, and I was able to sit outside overlooking the water and a bucolic island. They were tablecloths, cloth napkins, and nice everything. The waiter was extraordinarily professional.

I ordered the spider crab which I had never had. He explained that it would come prepared, and it did. There was no fighting to eat it like there is with crabs that I order in the US. This was the cleaned out main body of the spider crab, with a lettuce leaf holding the shredded crab meat. Meat. There were a few hard pieces from the shell that remained, but that was no big deal. I could easily pick those out and set them aside as I enjoyed the meat. In April 2023, that was 25 euros. I highly recommend it for those who are visiting from an area where that is not available.

It had been recommended to me to try the Risotto di go, prepared with the broth of a type of monkfish. It's a local specialty. The menu only allowed ordering the dish for two, and that meant 30 euros for me, but I was interested in trying the dish. The waiter lamented that no one else had ordered it at the moment and so I would have to order it for two, which I did. They brought out an enormous plate of risotto, and I managed to eat the whole thing. It was really delicious. I'm not sure that I would say it is more delicious than a mushroom risotto or a cheese and asparagus risotto, but it was different and worth trying and I didn't have to make it. I add water, and my bill was in the low 60s. 60s. I tipped a reasonable amount, which the waiter seemed to appreciate.

I can't imagine having a bad experience at that restaurant. I think some people have had to learn what I learned that if you order a fish, you get a fish. At this restaurant, but just be aware that the menus are a little more precise in Italy, and if you at court expecting sides, you may need to order them. Just ask the waiter and they will tell you.

This restaurant is right. When you get out of the stop before the Burano stop. It starts with an M but it is not Murano. It is after Murano. If you get off at Burano, you will have a 10 minute walk along the water. If you get off at the stop just before Buruno, you will be...

Never been so badly received in a restaurant and yet it is not for lack of making all the ranges.

Very cold welcome at the very beginning of the service, but OK. We are placed in the worst place on the terrace despite we are the only customers arrived and we have reserved, but OK. Nothing problematic for the moment.

I want to order spider crab as a starter. The boss tells me it's not the season. So I choose another starter by default.

One dish also contained spider crab, so I tell myself that it won't have any either (which is the case), so I choose the Pasta Al ragù (with duck). The boss also tells me it's not the season... So I ended up choosing the spaghetti alla vongole.

I entered this restaurant because some dishes interested me and I find myself choosing something else entirely.

Then we want to order a bottle of wine, they don't have it either, the second we ask for, either. Yet wines from a range of around € 70.

I point out to him that it would be good to update his menu. And there, we feel that he is starting to get impatient. It seems to be our fault that nothing that we ask for, yet present on the menu, is not available.

He therefore begins to tell us that he has other things to do than remake the menu regularly. Writing your menu on a slate is not complicated, rather than freezing your menu in the form of plasticized cardboard.

So I tell him we're going to go. He tells us that this is good news for him.

You have to change jobs I think. Even at your age, it's...

Trattoria Maddalena is an excellent spot for traditional Venetian cuisine, and the atmosphere is lovely. Our group enjoyed an assortment of lovely starters. The prosciutto crudo con carciofe were excellent, as were the gamberetti. Our mains were all pleasant, ranging from the cuttlefish to the filetto di branzino. Everything was fresh, and the grilled vegetables were a tasty highlight. Unfortunately, one of our group did not receive her main course, which was a filetto di manzo. Without apology, the server told us they would have it out in about 5 minutes. After ten minutes, I inquired and was rebuffed and told it would be another minute. Upon arrival, the steak was less cooked than the requested medium rare, and we politely requested it be cooked a bit more. By this time, the remainder of our party had finished their entrees. The steak was returned in 2 minutes and appeared to have been microwaved, with the texture tough and its appearance unappetizing. I want to note that I understand entirely that mistakes happen, and no one was upset about the situation. My sentiments are entirely related to the response and ensuing service. I was deeply disappointed in the way this was handled, and unfortunately that overshadowed my experience...