Where to eat in Venice during the Festa del Redentore according to Gambero Rosso

by Elisa Bologna

Venetians know it well: there is no celebration more heartfelt than the Redentore. Non-Venetians know it even better: there is no better time to visit the lagoon city and enjoy the fireworks display over the San Marco Basin. Hopefully, it will be safe, especially after the incident on the Venetian island of Malamocco, where some fireworks fell among the crowd during a festival, causing panic and burns to some spectators. On Saturday, July 20, over 6,500 fireworks are scheduled, dedicated to the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, a commemoration being celebrated this year. The best place to enjoy the fireworks is, of course, from the Fondamenta della Giudecca or the gardens of Sant'Elena, and while waiting for the midnight fireworks, there is nothing better than a nice dinner with friends or family. That's why we have selected the best places to enjoy the "Most Famous Night" from a privileged viewpoint or simply for a pleasant meal before the fireworks show.

Where to eat in Venice during the Festa del Redentore

Taverna Al Remer

Just a stone's throw from Rialto, with a picturesque view of the Grand Canal: that little corner of paradise where, as a student, you go for an aperitif, but as you grow older, you go for a truly special dinner. Here, the cuisine is considered a true art form, which is why you will never find banal dishes. The chef's search focuses on the lagoon's raw materials and the first fruits from nearby gardens, carefully selected to offer only excellent dishes. The menu is a journey of discovery of Venetian tradition, but skillfully blended with regional recipes: after all, Venice was a city of exchanges and should continue to be savored as such. The wine list is also highly sought after, featuring the Veneto region's excellences and prestigious Italian wineries and sparkling wines.

Taverna Al Remer - Cannaregio 5701, Venezia (VE) – 0415228789

Vini da Gigio

A trattoria where tradition and elegance meet. A gathering place for Venetians and food lovers in general, Vini da Gigio offers a menu centered on the lagoon's first fruits. Both the fish and vegetables come from small local businesses that share the same values with Paolo and Laura Lazzari, the trattoria's owners. The menu changes periodically to offer only seasonal ingredients. The wine cellar is one of the richest in Venice, with a wide range of vintages, including classic wines for beginners and more refined bottles to pamper experts.

Vini da Gigio - Sestiere, Calle Stua Cannaregio n° 3628°, Venezia (VE) - 0415285140

Bacaro per Caso

If you want to savor the Giudecca tradition, Bacaro per Caso is the best choice for the Redentore dinner. As the name suggests, Bacaro per Caso usually serves cicchetti and sandwiches to accompany a good glass of wine or draft beer, but for the "most famous night," the menu includes baccalà mantecato, "bovoletti" (land snails served with garlic and parsley), and other specialties that will make you feel like a true local. The atmosphere here is absolutely informal, and the tables set up right on the Fondamenta will allow you to enjoy the fireworks display while still sipping your last glass of wine.

Bacaro Per Caso - Giudecca 460, Venezia (VE) - 0414068308

Ostaria Ae Botti

This "Ostaria," proudly Venetian, presents local cuisine at its best, with some modern twists. The rustic interior, much appreciated by those who love the convivial style, is perfect for an intimate dinner, but, needless to say, on a night like the Redentore, the recommended table is along the Fondamenta. For this evening, Ostaria Ae Botti offers not one but three menus: one of fish, one of meat, and one… pizza-based, perfect for children or those who don't want to give up the classic pizza and beer combo. Look up and drink in hand: from here, the fireworks show is magical!

Osteria Ae Botti - Giudecca, Fondamenta S. Eufemia 609, Venezia (VE) - 0417241086

Aromi

The Redentore dinner proposal, curated by Executive Chef Ivan Fargnoli, features a five-course tasting menu. It starts with lime-marinated salmon with Thai sauce, samphire, and Beluga caviar, followed by the first course, a tarragon risotto with Stucky gin and raw scampi tartare. The fish main course is confit sturgeon fillet with frozen rhubarb, Belgian endive in a sesame crust, seaweed, cumin, and chilli pepper sour cream. Before the meat main course, there is a Sichuan pepper sorbet. The Wagyu sirloin with pommes Maxim, black garlic puree, mushrooms, and demi-glace closes the meal, followed by a dessert of white chocolate cremino, raspberry gel, natural yogurt mousse, and cream namelaka. Each course is paired with a wine selected by maître Giovanni Burrafato. The experience is completed by exclusive access to the pool terrace to view the fireworks.

Aromi Restaurant - Giudecca 810, Venezia (VE) – 0412723316