Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Trattoria al Gatto Nero is on Via Giudecca in Burano, the colourful fishing island in the northern Venetian lagoon, in Italy's Veneto region. It is a seafood trattoria set back from the main canal that most day-trippers walk along, and it has been run by the same family for decades. The listing describes it as a top Burano restaurant, with a canalside terrace, featured in international food press. The cooking centres on lagoon fish and shellfish prepared simply. Signature dishes include risotto di gò, made with the small lagoon goby fish, spider crab tagliolini, and a grill of lagoon fish. Risotto di gò is the dish most associated with the house and with Burano itself. The dining room is decorated with fishing memorabilia and photos, giving a nautical, homely character, and the atmosphere is lively and busy at lunch, with the noise of a full traditional trattoria. Dress is casual. The trattoria opens Tuesday to Sunday for lunch (12PM-3PM) and dinner (7PM-10PM) and is closed on Monday. Reservations are essential on +39 041 730 120, and booking ahead is important, especially for lunch on weekends and in the summer season when Burano fills with visitors. Prices are in the upper-mid range ($$$), higher than the average Venetian trattoria because of the fresh lagoon seafood and the popularity of the place. Being a short walk from Burano's busiest canal-side strip, it is calmer at lunch on the earlier side before the day-tripper boats empty out. The trattoria pairs naturally with a walk through the island's painted houses and lace shops, and visitors often combine it with a stop on Torcello or Mazzorbo. It suits travellers who want a serious seafood meal on Burano rather than a quick snack.