Ai Artisti

Tucked away in Venice’s charming Dorsoduro neighborhood, Ai Artisti offers a refreshing departure from the typical tourist trattoria. This intimate spot embraces a modern bistro sensibility while staying true to the Venetian tradition of exceptional seafood. The cozy dining room feels like a hidden gem, the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to keep secret.

The kitchen here takes a contemporary approach to Italian cooking without abandoning what makes the cuisine so beloved. Standout dishes include silky ravioli dressed in wild garlic cream with crumbles of stilton, and impeccably prepared lamb chops paired with velvety broad beans. But given the restaurant’s waterfront location, the seafood truly shines—plates of pristine crudo and rotating seasonal specials from the day’s catch are always worth exploring.

The space itself is wonderfully compact, creating an atmosphere that feels both romantic and convivial. On warmer evenings, a narrow row of tables lines the canal, offering some of the most enchanting outdoor dining in the city. This isn’t the place for a quick bite—Ai Artisti rewards those who linger, savoring a long lunch or an unhurried dinner with excellent cocktails.

Given the restaurant’s tiny size, reservations are essential. Plan ahead and you’ll be rewarded with one of Venice’s most memorable dining experiences—a place where thoughtful cooking meets that quintessential Venetian magic of dining by the water.