Author: Anothertravelguide.com
To most people Venice is definitely associated with small, cosy, time-worn - and, for that, all the more charming - trattorias, not with contemporary design. Avogaria may well be one of the few exceptions. Perhaps it is not the place to go on your first night in the city (the stereotype of "the Venice experience" may make itself felt), do plan to have a late dinner there if you are staying for three days and more. Avogaria is a surprise and a discovery in one. You are not likely to stumble upon the place by accident. The restaurant is located in the district of Dorsoduro; when you have gotten as far as Campo Barnaba, look for a tiny narrow street called Calle Lunga S.Barnaba (by the way, it is full of unexpected surprises in the shape of a string of charming trattorias and a contemporary design gallery); keep walking until it comes to an end at Calle dell' Avogaria - you can't miss the restaurant after that... First of all, the decor: an excellent fusion of history and contemporary design. The smallest detail is a source of exquisite aesthetic pleasure. The building is a 17th century house with open beams and red brickwork combined with concrete, glass-polycarbonate and dark wood. Tables with metal legs and dark wood surfaces and all of a sudden - an intensely blue wall, a vibrant accent that draws your gaze with an almost hypnotic power. A turquoise restroom. A small garden with a centenarian fig tree. Cold and hot, history and contemporary minimalism.
Excellent traditional Italian cucina (rooted in the culinary traditions of the Puglia-born chef's native region). The key is in the way food is served - the design on the plate never ceases to surprise. For instance, instead of small dishes which take up all the surface of the table, the antipasti is brought to you in five small spoons, one of which contains raw fish, another - shrimp, the third - mashed green peas with a langouste... or perhaps a selection of raw fish with a Bloody Mary sorbet. The service is made special by the personal touch; you can safely trust the waiter with choosing the wine. Should he happen to suggest a wine from the chef's native Puglia to accompany your food (EUR 21 a bottle), rest assured: it is the best choice (even if the wine list is full of so many so much more expensive wines...).
And there is more. Recently the Avogaria restaurant has been joined by a three-room B&B - a perfect choice if you are a fan of contemporary design and comfort and still like to be aware of the fact that you are staying at a historic place (made even more special by being so hard to find for those not in the know). It is like opening an oyster only to find a pearl inside. Two of the rooms share a small garden where you can enjoy your morning coffee in the company of sculptures and old trees...
Dorsoduro 1629
Calle dell'Avogaria
Keywords: Venice, restaurant, restaurants, italian, traditional