Please sign in to post.

Venice: Osteria alle Testiere for vegetarians?

I’d love to dine at Osteria alle Testiere. Unfortunately my partner is allergic to seafood (fish & shellfish).
Do they make non-seafood/vegetarian dishes? My partner is not picky and would be happy eating anything that doesn’t have seafood in it. Thanks.

Posted by
11364 posts

Why not write to the restaurant and ask? Usually there is an email on a restaurant website these days. I”d check for you but it is temporarily down. 😩

Posted by
16401 posts

We spent a month in Venice just down the main Calle from Alle Testiere, and were never to get a reservation—one must book more than 2 weeks ahead (maybe a month ahead now). I have looked at a lot of their menus, both in person and online, and all have only seafood dishes for antipasti, Primi and Secondi. The only exception is the side dishes—they offer vegetables and a green salad. I am afraid your partner would not enjoy a meal here at all.

There are some other excellent osterie and restaurants in Venice; you can get suggestions here if you describe what you are looking for. One I could suggest is Pane Vino e San Daniele, near the Rialto Market.

https://www.panevinorialto.it/menu/

We had a fine dinner last Saturday in the central courtyard at Ristorante San Trovaso.

https://www.ristorantesantrovaso.it/

Their pasta dishes mostly involve seafood, but their antipasti and Secondi include a number of meat dishes, as well as vegetarian. We were a party of 8 and everything we ordered was excellent.

This is not to be confused with nearby Taverna San Trovaso, which is a popular touristy place.

Posted by
15 posts

Laurel— I’d reach out to the restaurant but as you stated, their website is down.

Lola— Thanks for your recommendations. We’re looking for good food and experiences. I was drawn to Osteria alle Testiere because Rick recommends it as a splurge-worthy place. I eat anything & everything whereas the hubby is allergic to seafood.

Posted by
32921 posts

Lola I am so glad that you were happy with the Ristorante San Trovaso.

It has been several years since we ate there so I'm glad they are still on it; we ate there because of its connection with Cultural Center Don Orione Artigianelli around the corner. We really enjoyed both. The simple yet spotless rooms at Cultural Center Don Orione Artigianelli were just what we wanted.

The sisters were so helpful and considerate, yet unobtrusive. We really enjoyed the Guest House (and the breakfasts) and the Ristorante San Trovaso.

Our favourite chicchetti spot is opposite the Squero in Dorsoduro too.....