Ristorante Da Ivo

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Venice's Best Splurge Meal “Ristorante da Ivo is where George Clooney famously likes to dine, but it’s still completely charming. It’s a tiny trattoria and very expensive, but the food is stunning. The kitchen is still family-run and it feels very local, not at all pretentious. You can get dressed up or go in jeans and a jumper. Do try the baccala, which is salted dried cod that’s been soaked in milk and whipped up with olive oil. It’s creamy and delicious.” — Skye McAlpine, cookbook author and Venice native. Read about more of McAlpine's Venice favorites here ."

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

https://www.vogue.com/article/how-george-and-amal-clooney-spending-summer-italy

@vogue

3,763 Postcards · 1,060 Cities

How George and Amal Clooney Do Date Night in Italy | Vogue

"Off of St. Mark’s Square, this restaurant serves classic Italian fare like spaghetti with clams, veal ossobucco, grilled prawns over rice, and a healthy selection of gelato." - Vogue

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-venice

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Where Locals Eat in Venice - AFAR

"A tiny, family-run trattoria that, despite being pricey and a celebrity favorite, remains charming and unpretentious; the cooking is stunning and the baccala—salted dried cod soaked in milk and whipped with olive oil—is especially recommended for its creamy richness." - Ashlea Halpern

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/where-was-book-club-the-next-chapter-filmed

Michał G.

Google

This is the top place you’re looking for. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make a reservation at this restaurant. It is small and homelike, with impeccable service and great attention to detail. Apart from the standard menu, you are also shown recommendations for that particular day. As a starter, we decided on artichoke with crab salad, which was breathtaking. For the main course, we chose paccheri with crab, as well as paccheri with local white fish, which was recommended to us. Both dishes were phenomenal. From the dessert menu, we picked zabaglione; however, there was no fruit included. The amazing service staff told us it was no problem to modify the dessert especially for us, and they added exactly the fruits we asked for. It was amazing. Before the dessert, we also received small, candy-like ice creams, which were also excellent. The wines they recommended to us were a top choice as well. Another big plus was the amazing Bellini, in which you could taste the excellent quality of the Prosecco and peach. Overall, throughout the whole dinner, we were extremely well taken care of. We felt that the entire staff was really proud of the food they served, which was fully justified since the food was excellent. We must also stress that this restaurant is truly elegant; however, when compared to places like Harry’s Bar, it is phenomenal on every single level and well worth its price, rather than just paying for the name. If you’re a connoisseur of great food and top quality, and you want to feel both elegant and comfortable, this is the place for you. We highly recommend it and will definitely come back next time.

Gina D.

Google

We've been coming to Da Ivo for years, and it never disappoints. The food is always delicious, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service is truly exceptional. The staff go above and beyond to make every visit enjoyable, especially Rashid — he’s always attentive, professional, and genuinely kind. It’s rare to find such consistent quality and hospitality over the years, but Da Ivo continues to deliver every single time. Can't wait to go back. Highly recommended.

Joshua M.

Google

This restaurant has outstanding food but is a little on the expensive side. The service is pretty good but is made up for by the great vibe and food. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for delicious food. If you do end up here, I would definitely recommend the fried cuttlefish and lobster pasta.

Aldo Z.

Google

DA IVO! AMAZING PLACE BEEN GOING FOR OVER 20 years ! RASHID the waiter! True professional outstanding it does NOT get any better. he is a fixture there and he makes every visit extra extra special The owner GIOVANI IS WONDERFUL AND REALLY CARES ABOUT THE RESTAURANT. Head Chef Luciano And his team in the kitchen make tremendous food!! The ambience is like the famous RAOS IN HARLEM, NEW YORK. I THINK I’VE BEEN THERE OVER 100 TIMES ( No exaggeration as my mother is from Venice) AND I’VE NEVER EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED BY EITHER THE STAFF or the FOOD . FIRST CLASS A MUST VISIT FOR LUNCH OR DINNER IN VENICE!

Katharina

Google

The food was excellent, the waiters very courteous and friendly. The ambience was very intimate and not very private, but perfectly fine in such a typical restaurant.

Christopher E.

Google

I have eaten her with family and friends numerous times. Everything is absolutely fantastic. Rashid makes the whole experience amazing. I have literally eaten here for 4 nights in a row. Eating here is like eating in heaven: you are surrounded by family, friends, and great food.

Rico F.

Google

Recommended to me by a friend, certainly did not disappoint. Exquisite takes on traditional Venetian dishes. Everything of the finest quality. Layers of flavour were present and delicious. Beautiful house Amarone & Brunello.

John C.

Google

What a gem in Venice. The best restaurant to experience, explore and enjoy the flavors of Venice. The service was impeccable, some of the best I have had. It's my must place to dine and I am in the resort business. I still relish eating the soft shell crabs. Fantastico!

Bridgit N.

Yelp

Excellent Italian in a very intimate setting.... We arrived here on a water taxi which was very unique and fun and I would highly recommend if your hotel is accessible by water. The food was excellent. The wine was excellent and the service very good. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Lena Y.

Yelp

I wasn't planning on dining here initially given the hype due to celebrity affinity. However, it turned out to be such a charming experience... very friendly, not pretentious at all. The space itself is quite intimate and felt like one waiter for every other table. I can understand why George Clooney had his bachelor dinner party here! Me & George recommend!

Jack C.

Yelp

Fantastic service and great environment. Arrive by water taxi. At the end of the day, the food is decent, not excellent, and the prices are outrageous. It's worth going if you feel like spending a lot of money, but don't go expecting to be blown away by the food, especially at the price. Don't get me wrong; if the food matched the price, I would have no problem paying. $1200.00 for five people is not that expensive. But the food doesn't match the price. Tourist trap for sure! But if you're having fun and blowing money on vacation, why not?

Jane B.

Yelp

This is a must visit restaurant in Venice. Every dish was exceptional and the staff run the small location with ease. From the house bread and superb olive oil to the deep wine list, I loved it. I enjoyed a special - seafood lasagna and it was superb. Squid ink pasta, delicate seafood, super yum! For starters baby artichoke and crab salad - wow!

Maggie J.

Yelp

Yuuuuum. We ate here on a Tuesday night while on vacation in Venice. We were not able to use the water entry to the restaurant because of high tides but it was a pretty quick walk from the square. The restaurant itself has a cozy casual vibe and the service was very attentive. I got the burrata caprese and pasta with tomato and eggplant. The caprese was super simple but one of the best that I have ever had and the pasta was al dente perfection. My husband got the truffle pasta and the osso bucco and was equally as pleased. They capped of the end of the meal with tiny ice cream filled chocolates that were a delightful treat! Definitely make reservations and do not miss this restaurant!

John J.

Yelp

Service was excellent, food was great and you are in Venice! What else do you need to know?

Natasha K.

Yelp

The best meal we had while in Venice (but also most expensive). Reservation is highly recommended. This cozy restaurant seats, maybe, 40 guests at a time. The service staff was professional and yet friendly. And the food... Wow. Amazing. My husband especially loved his order of the osso buco.

Marilyn K.

Yelp

It was incredibly exciting to enter this restaurant from the water! What a special experience. It is a tiny, cozy restaurant inside. You are so close to others that you feel that they hear all of your conversation! While I remember the food being fine, I honestly can't remember anything standing out incredibly. And given the prices, that makes me sad. The service was snooty. I remember the managers arguing with us about our reservation, and we had confirmation of that reservation in writing. Still, they argued. I don't think that I would recommend this place to others or return. Perhaps we ordered the wrong items that were not memorable.

Sheri M.

Yelp

Restaurant Da Ivo is a world-famous Italian restaurant located on a canal in the San Marco neighborhood of Venice. It is owned and operated by the charismatic Giovanni Fracassi, whose restaurant is small, intimate, and elegant. We had appetizers of octopus and beef carpaccio, spaghetti bottarga, and paccheri pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes followed by the Bistecca Florentine. The food was prepared to perfection and delicious. Highly recommended. Reservations required.

Mrs F.

Yelp

Fantastic. Very good food. Great ambience - very authentic. Wonderful daily specials & menu, great wine list. Staff are very attentive. Expensive but a wonderful experience. Definitely need a reservation.

Roland G.

Yelp

Food was ok. Not great , service not so good waiters lazy, resturant also was dirty. Location in the city great

David L.

Yelp

We had a very simple Meal of clams then pasta. Nothing fancy, just simple done perfectly. Without question the best clams and the best pasta I've ever had!

Wendy J.

Yelp

From the soup ...to the dessert, the food was excellent ! The setting was perfect. The service was uncomfortable and disappointing. As the only woman of color in the restaurant at the time, I was treated with less attention and clearly not given the same service as other guest dining during my visit. This was the only experience of this type during my stay in Venice. " DA IVO " It's 2018, time to Embrace all people, Not just those that look like you!

Darryl O.

Yelp

This is a gem of a restaurant tucked away in a corner of San Marco. A little hard to find (we actually tried to enter through the kitchen!) it is well worth the effort. Cozy and attended mainly by locals, this restaurant is the authentically Italian! We ordered the standard spaghetti vongole, a big order of langoustines and wine. We were very, very happy! A great meal. Next time we'll have the tartufo pasta, the mantis shrimp and the crab filled zucchini blossoms. Can't wait!

Jimmy H.

Yelp

This is my favorite restaurant in Venice. Was here the first time 12 years ago and luckily found it again on this trip with the kids. Every dish was delicious. Kids loved the Florentine steak and the truffle pasta.

Amanda S.

Yelp

I spent one night in Venice with my boyfriend. A friend said this was a must try place that even George Clooney had his bachelor party dinner here. Haha We absolutely loved everything about this adorable restaurant that's located on a romantic canal. The atmosphere and service was amazing. We had our best meal here on our two week stay in Italy. I will definitely make it a point to come back here. For anyone looking for suggestions the shrimp risotto was perfection.

Samuel A.

Yelp

This place is simply incredible in every way. If the life changingly delicious food wasn't enough, the staff makes it a truly unforgettable experience. We ordered 6 dishes in total and each was amazing, but the spinach tortellini takes the gold metal. Worth coming to Venice just for the meal.

Christine D.

Yelp

Food was amazing! A must when visiting Rome. Getting a table is a bit tricky. I found that getting in for lunch was a bit easier.. just arrive EXACTLY when they open (1230pm for lunch).

Mark O.

Yelp

I got recommended to go to this restaurant by a local and he wasn't kidding. The food is just superb; lovingly prepared and full of taste. We went with a selection of the specials of the day and we were very impressed. The wine list is wide and covers a good range. Just don't worry about the prices - when in Venice treat yourself !

Lisa Marie G.

Yelp

Delicious :) My husband and I had a wonderful time here! Truffle pasta was delicious! The service was excellent and the ambience was fabulous! Not to mention the couples siting next to us were friendly and we had lovely conversations :)

Natasha D.

Yelp

Fantastico. We return 22 years and crawl out the window into Gondola with Glennie

Marc U.

Yelp

Don't go here if you're cheap or don't appreciate great service. The food is top notch, but as good as the good is the quality of the wait staff is better. If there was a hall of fame for those in the hospitality trade the crew here would be enshrined there. It was a pleasure to watch the professionalism and skill of the four man team. The food was exceptional. We had portabello mushrooms, truffle pasta, risotto and Tuscan steak. All excellent. But the quality of the servers was perhaps the finest I've ever.

Sanjay H.

Yelp

I returned to Ristorante Da Ivo during a trip this month for my wedding and we had my bachelor party here with a group of 12. As always, the restaurant did an impeccable job, and was unphased by a large group of 12 hungry men. The service was stellar, the food as always, had a wide range of choices ranging from authentic venetian, to options to satisfy a few vegetarians in our group. While this is one of George Clooney's favorite restaurants in Venice, the owner, Giovanni Fracassi, and his staff,s attention to every detail, and hospitality make every guest feel like George Clooney!

Judy J.

Yelp

Best Service. Best Food. One of the most memorable dining experiences ever. If in Venice, this is a must go to dinner. Make a reservation. The owners come out and discuss the menu with you. They ask questions about your particular tastes. Absolutely charming..

Mista H.

Yelp

Simply the best meal I had in Italy. Even though their service I a little even for European siesta style, the food & atmosphere more than make up for it. Would come back for sure...when I had more time.

Vittorio M.

Yelp

Davvero eccezionale, una esperienza da non perdere!

Dylan R.

Yelp

Went for lunch after reading incredible reviews. Got there just as they opened so no wait for a table for two. Had the spinach and ricotta tortellini, which was absolutely delicious, but at $25 for the dish was pretty overpriced. Would recommend for a fine dining experience.

Luke H.

Yelp

After we spend +260 Euro on our meals, the waiter lied and says gratuity is not included in the charge when the bill clearly states that it is. For a place that takes itself as seriously as this place does and charges the prices it charges, it's laughable that they resort to low class tourist trap antics like lying about gratuity. The food is mediocre and this place owes its good reviews to the fact that Clooney and (judging by the pics on the walls) other celebs apparently ate there at some point in time. Do not be fooled, this place is nothing special in the food, ambience and service departments. Avoid this place, Venice has so many places with better food and more integrity.

Jamie P.

Yelp

Truly wonderful meal, out of a group of 8, the best restaurant in Venice, after 6 nights of dinners and lunches. Everyones dish was wonderful, however the atmosphere is so great, that the food could have been mediocre and still been a special night. Although we mostly ordered off the menu, the specials are what they try to focus on. We had ZUchini Blossoms stuffed with crab, Burratta, grilled porcini mushrooms and frutti di mare to start, all wonderful, for main courses our entire table almost ordered their special of the house the pasta pasaeano, however I order the vongole, which was the best i have had in venice and maybe anywhere. This is a MUST if you come to Venice. It is inside but on a canal, so Gondola's literally row by all meal, it is almost to picturesque.

G S.

Yelp

We had a very bad experience and I relay it so that those who want to eat at da Ivo with small children are warned. I booked by e-mail, in Italian, for 5 adults and an 18 month old child. I specifically asked da Ivo to tell me if they had a problem with our bringing a child. They said "va bene" (ok). The day of the reservation, when our hotel (up market) concierge called to re-confirm, da Ivo said we could have our reservation but we would be squashed in. I told the concierge it sounded as though we would not be welcome so I thought we should cancel if we wouldn't be charged for doing so. The concierge called da Ivo and then called me back and said we would not be charged to cancel and, in any event, despite da Ivo having confirmed a table for our group at 7.15pm, da Ivo had, in fact, had us down for 'mezzo giorno'. So we cancelled. We were subsequently charged $293.50. Needless to say, we will never recommend this restaurant - I've eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world and have never been treated like this. I wonder if da Ivo would have had the same attitude had they known that a high profile guest was in our party ?

Jocelyne D.

Yelp

Fabulous. Book ahead. Not a tourist trap. Wonderful food. Fabulous atmosphere and friendly involved owner. Gracie per una no due ceni merveliose

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, and Co. Take a Trip Across Italy in ‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’

"Ristorante Da Ivo in Venice is amazing—you can arrive or leave by gondola to their side door."

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

https://www.vogue.com/article/how-george-and-amal-clooney-spending-summer-italy

@vogue

3,763 Postcards · 1,060 Cities

How George and Amal Clooney Do Date Night in Italy | Vogue

"Off of St. Mark’s Square, this restaurant serves classic Italian fare like spaghetti with clams, veal ossobucco, grilled prawns over rice, and a healthy selection of gelato." - Vogue

https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-venice

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Where Locals Eat in Venice - AFAR