Osteria alle Testiere is a seafood-lover’s temple, where chef Bruno Gavagnin and sommelier Luca di Vita serve up poetic plates in an intimate space near Santa Maria Formosa. Seasonal ingredients and lagoon-fresh catches drive the ever-changing menu.
Tucked on a quiet side street in Castello, Osteria alle Testiere is one of Venice’s most coveted culinary experiences—and with only 11 tables, it’s one of the most elusive. Chef Bruno Gavagnin prepares simple yet sublime seafood dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves: think wild razor clams, sweet Venetian scallops, and briny lagoon shrimp served with a whisper of citrus and olive oil. The wine list, expertly curated by co-owner and sommelier Luca di Vita, features thoughtful pairings from small Italian producers and rare local finds. The ambiance is elegant but unstuffy, the service attentive but warm. This is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of the Venetian sea.
