Caffe Saraceno

My husband and I enjoyed a lovely lunch at this restaurant. Some reviewers complained about being charged 1.50 each for stale bread. We found other places in Italy that charged $ 3 for each person for bread. In Italy they charge for bread, not like in the US, deal with it or don’t eat the bread. The bread is «stale» so that you can soak up the delicious sauces. The wait staff was very friendly and even brought us a complimentary apéritif. Delicious meal.

I don’t have high hopes for waiters in Italy, but this place had super bad wait staff. Ours seemed put out by having to get us a menu, let alone any water or drinks. We seemed rather rushed, which is not very European overall. Food was ok, but nothing to write about (edible). The best part about this place was the view of the Grand Canal and the famous bridge.

Keep walking. The view is nice if you sit outside. The staff was unfriendly and the food is over priced. They wouldn’t take our credit card.

It’s a nice place! The view (when you eat outside) is priceless, in the heart of Venice really close to the Rialto bridge. Very warm welcome and kind people working there. The traditional italian place! Prices are correct, the food is good (if you are looking for something classic I would say). Well, the conclusion is: don’t hesitate!

Knowing the reviews here and on Trip Advisor are a mixed bag, I need to express our complete satisfaction, even enchantment, with this restaurant. We chose it for location and, other than San Marco, what could be more touristy in Venice than the
Realto? Deal with it. Canal side seating at all the area restaurants was busy, cramped, occasionally smokey and had the potential for whiners to force the lighting of available heaters. However, this place had a lone, cute little table in the window, slightly elevated from the madding crowds. We asked for it. We had a table by ourselves with a humorous, attentive waiter and a wonderful experience. We each had apps, «Real» Prociutto and Caprice Salad. My salad had an entire Mozzarella ball. Much to our waiter’s chagrin, we split a pasta course WITH our meals, Saltimbocca and Marsalla. We had been asked if we wanted water and bread. Nothing was forced on us as others complain. We had wine and desert. We were very happy in our little cacoon. Cost was high but, hey, look where we were. Have to presume most restaurants in Venice are find it, eat then never see it again. This one is easy to find and, when we do return, we’ll go back. I’s right at «other side of» The Realto.

Typical tourist trap. Should have read the reviews before. Over priced, additional 12% service tax and rude staff.

Terrible. Sat down. Wouldn’t give us pizza menu until we asked two different people. Pizza is cheaper remember and service is included. Wanted to sit on the water. Wouldn’t let us move one table over since it was «reserved» even though others walked in right off the street. Typical tourist trap. And to think we sat down because it looked authentic. Just a bunch of rude Italians. Pathetic.

Went again for dinner the last night we spent in venice. Got the mixed grill and the same dessert with liqueur. It was great to sit there and enjoy the grand canal and be a part of the history (we have a painting of this area in our home, so we can say we were there!) pricy yet again but it was our last time in venice perhaps ever.

Terrible service. They refused to substitute anything on the menu (Tomato sauce for meat sauce, on a simple pasta), refused to give us tap water, served us last even though we were the first seated, and on and on. Forgot to put salt an pepper on our table, forgot to brim is bread, and served the wrong item. Also one dish did not arrive as pictured (the photo included a vegetable risotto which did not actually appear). tourist trap. Avoid!!!

Keep going! Overpriced because they’re on the Grand Canal. Charged € 1.50 per person for bread (stale bread at that) and cover charge. Added 12% service fee. Lasagna al forno and salt cod with polenta were mediocre at best. Salad came way overdressed with a not very delicious dressing. They brought oil and vinegar but the oil was plain vegetable oil not olive oil. When we got our check, we left cash, then one of the waiters chased us down the sidewalk to look at our receipt and make sure we paid the right amount. What? I’m sure there are good restaurants in Venice. This is not one of them.

Great location just by the grand canal and Rialto Bridge. Food was tasty but portions were a little small, especially for the price.

We must have passed by this caffe a least ten times before finally deciding to dine here. Being that no Unilocal reviews existed I was suspicious that it was merely a tourist trap and so I was determined to go wandering through the Venetian mazes to find the other restaurants that had been explored by other Unilocalers! The one we were suppose to try today happened to be closed. :(So we ended up wandering over the Rialto Bridge and literally chose this café from a coin toss.
Of course my hubby had been eying the plates each time we walked pass but I insisted no Unilocalers had dined here so it must not be any good.
Boy was I wrong!
We started our lunch with the sautéed mussels. The broth was light with fresh chopped herbs, olive oil, and a white wine reduction. The mussels were fresh and meaty!
Then he order the Spaghetti al Fruitti de Mare and I ordered the Spaghetti alla Vongole Veraci al dente! OMG… Seriously, when we took our first bites, we both looked at each other and didn’t even exchange a word! We devoured our plates! The pasta… was perfect!
Of course since we leave tomorrow… I had to order another plate ~ so we split the Spaghetti alla bolognese :) It was a bit on the saltier side but still quite delicious.
I didn’t have enough room in my belly for desert but I would have to say without a doubt, we will be going back.
Our favorite dish (hence the 5 stars) was the Spaghetti Al Fruitti de Mare!
Ahhhhh… I just finished lunch and am already craving another serving! :)