Today was somewhat of a relaxing day as we only had one thing planned -- a trip to Murano Island later that afternoon. Before heading off, the group wanted to grab some grub. Naturally, the bunch I was with wanted pizza. Well... no thanks. I suggested we head over to Leon D'Oro because they had both pasta and pizza on the menu.
As always, my dish ended up being the showstopper of the table. While everyone else ordered pizza, I went with the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare. I've come a long way in two weeks and may have finally figured out this whole Italian ordering thing after all. When my plate hit the table, the waiter looked at me, smiled, shook my hand, and said, "You ordered the best dish here." At that moment, the pizza lovers around me instantly went into full-blown depression.
The looks on their faces were priceless. They stared at my plate like seagulls eyeing their next victim in Saint Mark's Square. My seafood pasta arrived piping hot with steam rolling off it like fog on a cool Venice morning. The first bite sealed the deal -- absolutely fantastic. Fresh seafood, perfectly cooked pasta, and flavor in every bite. Meanwhile, the pizza heads kept munching on their dough while I sat there feeling like a king enjoying lunch in Venice.
The food, the waiter, and the cool indoor dining area were exactly what we needed after walking all morning through the Venetian streets. To be fair, even the pizza looked good, so if that's your thing, come grab a slice. But don't leave without trying that seafood pasta.
I've officially saved this spot, and if I ever make it back to Venice, Leon D'Oro will be one of my first stops on day one. read more