Anice Stellato

Anice Stellato is a relaxed osteria on Fondamenta della Sensa in the Cannaregio district of Venice, in the Veneto region of Italy, on a quiet canal well away from the main sightseeing routes. It is a beloved neighborhood address with a local crowd, serving Venetian dishes with a slightly more contemporary hand than the classic trattorie of the city. The menu is seasonal and centered on the lagoon. Signature dishes include moeche fritte, the deep-fried soft-shell lagoon crabs that are available only for a short window in spring and autumn, a selection of cicheti, the small Venetian bar plates, and lagoon fish crudo. Vegetables, pasta and grilled fish follow the market, and dishes are generous without being heavy. The room is simple and informal, with plain furnishings, a friendly atmosphere and a moderate noise level that rises when it is full. Outdoor tables along the canal are popular in warmer months and give a view of the quiet fondamenta and passing boats. There is no dress code. The wine list draws on Veneto and Friuli producers, with house wines by the glass and carafe and a short selection of bottles. Prices are mid-range for Venice, and a meal of a starter, pasta and wine is reasonable for the city. The osteria is listed as open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner and closed Monday and Tuesday, so plans should account for that. Reservations are recommended, especially for canal-side tables and evenings, and booking a few days ahead is usually enough outside peak season. The location makes it a natural stop after the Jewish Ghetto or a walk toward the northern lagoon edge, and the surrounding streets are calmer than the central sestieri. Visitors should ask before assuming moeche are on the menu, since they are available only in short seasons.