Osteria alla Frasca is a corner of peace in the sestiere of Cannaregio in Venice. Its name means Leafy branch. Rightly, cause the facade is adorned by a grape vine pergola, under which you will have the pleasure to dine during the warm season. Inside there are only 4 tables (10 more outside). So, during the cold season, the owner sets up a sort of veranda.
Alla Frasca was firstly opened in 1903 as a wine shop. The current owner Bruno took it over in 2012. The furniture and the decor are those of the past, so going there is really like travelling back in time. Look at the sign. It is the original one: Alla Frasca Wines.
Matteo and I managed to go at the end of summer after a shooting. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, accompanied by soft jazz music, while rays of sun and breathes of breeze were playing with the vine leaves. It was very romantic.
We had two starters: octopus and scallops, both good but the octopus was way better in my opinion.
Two primi piatti: ravioli with squids (delicious) and seafood spaghetti (good but I found a little bit of sand, pity)
And of course dessert: creme brulé for Matteo (meh) and ricotta cream with brownies. Now, you now that I care about desserts. The ricotta cream was to die for and you can tell by my moved face in the photo. But the brownies were a surplus. The cream is clearly simething soft. Imho it would have been better if combined with something crunchy. Or some chocolate chunks.
Another small flaw was that they didn’t serve the dishes at the same time. But I took advantage of my husband’s ones to taste them in the meantime. 😉
We paid about €90, including water, a glass of wine and a coffee. For a regular restaurant in my region it would be slightly pricey, but it is known that Venice is more expensive… pity for the flaws I listed above. The price would have been absolutely right if I didn’t experienced those.
Anyway, I still think I can recommend Osteria Alla Frasca for a lunch al fresco because of its strong points. I found quality raw material (coming from Rialto market), kind service and a serene, romantic atmosphere.
It was utterly pleasant to eat at a slow pace in Venice, without crowds and really enjoying the meal and the time together as a couple.
That said, let me know if you have been there and what youre experience was. Would you recommend it?
Osteria Alla Frasca
Corte Carità, Cannaregio, 5176, Venezia
Monday 7pm – 11pm
Tuesday 12pm – 2pm and 7pm – 11pm
Wednesday closed
Thursday- Sunday 12pm – 2pm and 7pm – 11pm
