Glam Venezia

Glam is the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Palazzo Venart luxury hotel, occupying a restored Renaissance palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice's Santa Croce district. Associated with the Enrico Bartolini group, the kitchen here is led by chef Donato Ascani, who builds contemporary Italian menus around the herbs and botanicals grown in the palazzo's own walled garden — an unusual feature in the dense fabric of Venice. The cooking is technical and visually composed yet anchored in the lagoon: lagoon bream carpaccio, squid-ink risotto, and seasonal plates that draw on Adriatic fish and Veneto produce, often perfumed with the garden's aromatics. The dining room is small, elegant and quietly luxurious, and in warm months the garden terrace beside the Grand Canal offers one of the most romantic settings in the city. Service is polished and the mood refined; smart attire suits the surroundings, and noise levels are hushed. The wine list is extensive, with a strong Italian backbone and a good representation of Veneto growers alongside Champagne and international fine wine, supported by a knowledgeable sommelier. Diners typically choose between à la carte and tasting menus, with the multi-course tasting — available with wine pairings — being the showcase of Ascani's cooking. As a starred restaurant within a five-star hotel, Glam occupies the top of Venice's price spectrum, and tables, especially on the canal-side terrace in summer, are limited. Reservations are strongly recommended, ideally a week or more in advance for evenings and during the Biennale and Carnival periods when Venice is fully booked. For travellers seeking a special-occasion meal that pairs modern fine dining with a genuine Grand Canal setting, Glam is among the most compelling choices in the city.