Il Ridotto: The Best Place to Eat in Venice

I just returned from Venice and put Il Ridotto in the same category as Al Covo and Da Fiori -- chefs who care, who are engaged with their patrons and who know well how to plate their passion. Gianni also owns the restaurant across the way from Il Ridotto, called Acciugheta. it's a much-larger venue serving well-prepared traditional venetian fare, with some dishes from other regions of italy. It's warm and welcoming, and you will find Gianni behind the counter making desserts that will be served at Ridotto that night. (I have a picture of him making the mandorle, which was moist, of tender crumb and packed with almond flavor and fragrance. He then gave us a bonus dessert of gelato made from Concord grapes.) Gianni calls Acciugheta the "mama" that supports his "bambino'' -- Il Ridotto. Mother and child are both splendid.

saucychick in Italy