Where Locals Eat in Venice: The Classic Charm of Trattoria Alla Rivetta
Trattoria Alla Rivetta, located in the heart of Venice, near Piazza San Marco, is a favorite destination for both tourists and locals, especially gondoliers, who have been attracted by its traditional Venetian cuisine for years. Opened in 1973 by Lino, nicknamed “el peoco,” this trattoria is now an institution in Venice, renowned for its convivial atmosphere, authentic cuisine, and the comings and goings that will make you meet real Venetians.
If they still exist…
We’re joking, but while we were taking a gondola ride, Marco, our gondolier, when we asked him where we could eat that day, answered without hesitation, “Alla Rivetta! I’ll go there too”.
Atmosphere and Design
The atmosphere of the trattoria is simple and welcoming, characterized by typical decor that takes you back in time. The place is small, often very crowded, but manages to maintain a familiar and cozy atmosphere. The tables near the canal offer a suggestive view, with the quiet passage of the gondolas that makes the experience even more magical. If you want to enjoy the meal in a more peaceful way, it is better to go for dinner.
The Menu: Venetian Tradition at Its Best
We started with the classics, Baccalà Mantecato (creamed cod) and Sarde in saor, two true delights that encapsulate the whole soul of Venetian cuisine. Bigoli in salsa was amazing and precise.
The spaghetti with cuttlefish ink surprised us with their salty depth of flavor, a dish with a strong character that never slips into banality. Perhaps the best, after the Fritto misto di pesce (fried fish).
And the mixed fried fish (light and crunchy) kept its promise of freshness and quality. The portion is not exactly colossal, but it was one of the best I have ever eaten.
The Venetian style veal liver is impeccable and delicious, with caramelized onions serving as a counterpoint to the tender and juicy meat.
Among the desserts, the homemade tiramisu gloriously crowned the dinner, a perfect ending, lipidic and full of cholesterol to induce sleep.
The service: friendly and attentive
The service at Rivetta was impeccable. The staff welcomed us with courtesy and assisted us with outstanding professionalism throughout the evening. Despite the place being full and accommodating nine of us with varying demands and dishes, the attentive service demonstrated the enduring legacy of Venetian hospitality.
Prices
In an expensive city like Venice, Trattoria Alla Rivetta offers a truly rare quality-price ratio. We spent less than we expected, with dishes ranging between 15 and 25 euros, which is more than fair considering the quality of the fish and the atmosphere of the place.
