ALBERGO DA BRUNO
Salizzada San Lio 5726, 30122 Venezia
tel. 041-523-0452 fax: 041-522-1157
e-mail: info@hoteldabruno.com
32 rooms. Singles: €135 Doubles: €180 Visa/MC accepted.

Overall: C
Location: C
Ambiance: B
Cleanliness: B
Maintenance: D
Staff: C

A nice mid-range hotel, clean and modern rooms that were upgraded recently. The renovation has added greatly to the charm of the rooms, which were rather plain and sterile but now have attractive colors and furnishings. Ideal location midway between Rialto and St. Marks.

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Tags: Hotels, Venice

Osteria Oliva Nera
Castello 3417
Venezia
tel. 041-522-2170
Hours: 12:00 to 15:00 & 19:00 to 22:00
Average Price: €70 per person. All major credit cards accepted.
Finding it: Located in a residential area, midway between the Bridge of Sighs and the Arsenal. Head down the waterfront, then turn left at Calle dei Pieta, just before the Metropol Hotel. Go straight for about four blocks, and the restaurant will be on a corner to your right.

Firmly focused on quality over quantity, Oliva Nera is a gourmet delight in what is otherwise a pretty bleak restaurant landscape. They are especially known for their zucchini flowers, stuffed with cheese and fried, the best I’ve ever had. The rest of the menu changes throughout the year. I’ve enjoyed the breaded shrimp with cold cauliflower cream sauce, and the ricotta and orange ravioli with tomato.

Portions are small, with a subtle blending of flavors not often found in the tourist mills so common in Venice. Each person should expect to eat two or three courses, at €15 to €20 per course. Service is warm, yet prompt and professional.

Reservations recommended.

Tags: Venice