Two days in Venice
48 hours in Venice
In partnership with Polpo
Would you say no when someone gets in touch and offers to fly to Venice following week to celebrate 10th anniversary of one of your favourite restaurants? Absolutely not. The plan was a one night, two day trip with Russell Norman himself, lots of eating and drinking! Sounds like a dream. In no time I’ve rearranged my plans and was ready to go. We were about to visit all the spots that have inspired Polpo and it’s story, taking everything back to basics - whether that be cichèti tour of famous bàcari: Da Fiore, Rumer, All'Arco, to Caffe Rosso to meet Beti and see the origins of the spritz, tasting the real prosecco, meatballs at All Vedova, a tour of the Rialto Market and dinner at All Testiere.
Those who have been to Venice perfectly know - it can be a tourist trap or an amazing authentic experience if you walk off the beaten track. And Russell was there to show us the latter. Once we landed, our water taxi driver was already waiting for us at the exit (water taxi is seriously the best and quickest way to get from the airport to the city, but may come at a bit higher cost than usual transport). In 20 minutes we were at our hotel jetty - Pensione Seguso, one of just two remaining authentic hotels still run by a family in 5th generation. Don’t expect 5-star hotel luxuries, but authenticity in every detail. Amazing location too!
Now write these places that absolutely can not be missed when in Venice down and have the best time.
1. Cantine gia Schiavi for the cicheti with the locals.
2. Caffé Rosso for the best spritz
3. Adriatico Mar for the glass of natural local wine
4. Osteria Al Squero for the aperetivo
5. Antica Montin for the unforgettable dinner experience
6. All’Arco for a delicious light lunch (Campo S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia)
7. Alle Testiere. Book well in advance for THE BEST food in Venice
8. Have a stroll around Rialto Market to explore fresh local seafood and greengrocers
9. Ignore Rialto bridge full of tourists, take Traghetto across the Grand canal like a local
10. Meet the sunrise at San Marco square - the only time that it is acceptable to visit this stunning place
11. And most important: go to Polpo to refresh memories when back in London
