Osteria alle Testiere

Reviews

• Rod U.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Outstanding.
  
  Authentic Venetian cuisine focusing on the bounty of the Lagoon and Adriatic.  Everything purchased daily from the Mercato di Rialto and simply prepared to preserve the natural flavors.   Needless to say, the menu changes daily.
  
  This 22 seat family owned and run osteria delivers in spades.  
  
  Perfectly cooked, tender, sweet razor clams, candy like, barely cooked through scallops in shell, beautifully caramelized sautéed baby squid and briny but sweet , plump sepia all gently seasoned and finished with copious amounts of peppery EVOO, fresh lemon juice and zest, and some fresh parsley for vegetal brightness.  Dive into each plate with your fingers slurp where you can, savor the freshness and flavor, then mop the remaining seafood juices and EVOO emulsion up the bread!
  
  It doesn't stop there, the bacccala mantecato (whipped Venetian salt cod on grilled polenta) is outstanding.   The dish is one of the most recognized in Venetian cuisine is perfectly prepared.  Stunningly rich with olive oil.  A hint of briny, pond like aroma and umami finish.  Natural sweetness is accentuated by the polenta.  A simple and rich treat.
  
  Etiquette Tip:  Do not squeeze any lemon on your seafood even if a slice is offered on the dish.  It is an insult the chef and the restaurant.
  
  Extremely well chosen wines from the Veneto region.   Very fair prices (30€ - 50€).  Go with whatever they recommend.  You won't go wrong.
  
  Service is very friendly and classically Italian.  You feel like you belong and are dining at someone's home.
  
  Some English spoken but lead with Italian.  Reservations at least a month prior REQUIRED for lunch and dinner.  One seating.  Card accepted.
  
  It has it all, food, ambiance, service, and delivers a truly memorable experience.  Exceptional.

• Shari A.

  star star star star star_border 24 May 2026

  What a gem in the heart of Venice! We were recommended by our boutique hotel to this typical Venetian restaurant tucked away on a tiny side street. But let me just say nothing about the experience at Luca's establishment is typical-it is quite special!
  
  There are about 8 tables in what can fairly be described as a hole in the wall. When you enter, the counter and kitchen are essentially front and center in the right corner. There is a wine fridge to the left and tables packed together. If you don't have a reservation or aren't a regular patron of Luca's, I would not expect to be seated for hours. We arrived in Venice that morning and walked to Testiere for a scheduled lunch.
  
  Luca is one of the owners who works the front of the house. His longtime restaurant partner is in the kitchen. We started with the razor clams and gazpacho which were both excellent. Then some house made vegetables and a gorgeous whole fish. We also enjoyed a super refreshing bottle of the Inama Soave we have come to love. It turns out that Inama is not far from Venice in northern Italy and the reserve we had was really fantastic... this particular reserve wine isn't widely distributed and we enjoyed every last drop.
  
  Luca treats every patron whether a local or a tourist as family. Perhaps that is why it is so darn tricky to get a table here. If you can snag one though you will really enjoy. We can't wait to come back.

• winnie r.

  star star star star star 17 May 2026

  This restaurant with only 7 tables serves some of the most creative and delicious seafood to be found anywhere in the world. Luca, the chef/owner offers a gracious welcome and will design a menu geared to your tastes and the seafood which is available that day. We come to Venice in the fall every year. Alle Testiere is always number 1 on our list of restaurants to enjoy and we are always grateful to have a reservation

• William S.

  star star star star star 16 May 2026

  Trust your host if you can't make up your mind. You will not be disappointed. Wonderful staff, great vibe. So, so glad we were able to experience such a wonderful treat.
  
  Book reservation well in advance of your visit.

• Mar H.

  star star star star star_border 7 May 2026

  The restaurant was full of people and atmosphere. We walked in and were told we needed a reservation but to come back in half an hour and can get a table if someone doesn't show up. To our luck we got a table at a place that seems hard to even make a reservation. The food was quite good and very proportionate and filling. Each meal had a different and unique taste and didn't take very long to arrive at our table. A bit more pricey but not too bad. Would definitely come back.