In 2003 I visited a tiny restaurant in Venice, Italy, run by a married couple. It was NOT Al Covo. The wife cooked and the husband entertained the 7 (or so) tables. It was perhaps a 15 minute walk from the Arsenale. I learned of the place from an old Rick Steves book. The entrance was simply a door in a building, almost like the entrance to an apartment building. There was no sign announcing the restaurant's existence. The menu consisted of whatever fresh seafood appealed to the owners that day. Delicious and delightful! One last clue: Rick Steves wrote that on ringing the door buzzer, one had to say something about the "Repubblica!" Anyone have any ideas what it was?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17580 posts
Was it by chance in the 2002 Venice book? I still have mine (a sentimental souvenir from our honeymoon trip) and could look it up. I am traveling right now but will be home late tomorrow.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
I'd love it if you took a look in your 2002 book!
Thanks!
Shep
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17580 posts
OK, I found it: Antiche Cantine Ardenghi di Lucia e Michael. However, it appears it mono longer exists. Here is a link to a 2012 discussion of the same place, where I looked up the place in my 2002 book:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/venice-restaurant
There was some thought that they were opening a new restaurant and might be involved in Al Paradiso (which does exist; it is in Cannareggio) but no follow up on that information. So it looks like a dead end.