This lovely Osteria in Venice was recommended by some well traveled friends and it didn't disappoint! We were a group of 5 and well cared for (and fed!) but the mom/owner. We did book weeks in advance and did place a deposit, but totally worth it! Food was incredibly fresh and seasonal with shareables and full plates and some delicious wine. We tried practically everything on the menu and shared with each other and I'd love to say one dish was THE standout but really they were all so delicious, I don't think you could possibly go wrong. Highly recommend. read more

One of our favorite meals on our trip to Italy. Everything was delicious, service was great, and I highly recommend it here. Their specialty is the stuffed fried zucchini flowers, and we understand why. We also got the squid ink maccheroncini, gnocchi, calf's liver with polenta, and seasonal vegetables. The gnocchi was so pillowy and soft. read more

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So I ate at a lot of local Italian restaurants during my vacation in Italy; Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. I can say unequivocally that Osteria Oliva Nera was the absolute BEST. We started off with their fried zucchini flower, which is supposedly one of their specialties, and it was awesome. I don't even like zucchini, but I tried it and loved it! I got the sea bass and my wife got the lasagna. The Sea Bass blew me away. That green sauce, whatever it was, paired perfectly with it. The lasagna was really great too! We got there a little early, but the nice lady setting up tables before opening offered to let us sit down on the outside patio since we were a bit tired from sightseeing all day. She was so welcoming and proud of her restaurant. If I ever go back to Venice, I'll definitely be eating here again. Just thinking about the experience makes me smile =] read more

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By far the best seasoned food we had the entire time in Venice. Our meal started with an adorable amuse bouche of gazpacho. For entrees, I had the seabass, which was crispy and perfectly seasoned with a bit of sea salt. My partner had the veal chop which was cooked perfectly and the potatoes were seriously delicious. We finished off with some creme brûlée and tiramisu. The cream brûlée was very creamy custard forward with a light vanilla finish. The tiramisu was very light, fluffy, and overall an easy end to the meal. Wine recommendations were also on point. Highly recommend. It was so good and I would make a point to return. read more

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This was by FAR the best meal we had in Venice. Ive eaten at many Italian restaurants in my life, but I had the best lasagna I've ever tasted in my life at this restaurant. We sat inside because we did not have a reservation. Beautiful setting. Impeccable service. If you have only one meal to eat in Venice, you absolutely must choose to dine here. read more

Osteria Oliva Nera - Fried zucchini flowers. Chefs kiss! - Venetian Near Me - Venezia, VE

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Absolutely amazing from start to finish. After a Vivaldi concert we walked to the restaurant to see if they could fit us in. The owner found us a table in just minutes. She helped us through the menu and made wonderful recommendations. Buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad for an appetizer- incredible! I had the lasagne- family recipe and also incredibly tasty. My wife had the calf liver with polenta and we split Tiramisu for dessert. Absolutely one of our favorite meals in a long time. The restaurant is sparkling clean, and beautiful. The service was amazing, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended. read more

This was a recommendation from the concierge and it was amazing!! This was our first dinner in Venice - if we didn't have other reservations we would have gone back! The service is outstanding!! The owner is a super friendly woman, who speaks English, and gave us great recommendations. We loved the wine, a little pricy, but it was very good. We ordered the zucchini flowers, we got 2 each, that were stuffed with a cheese and were sooooo delicious!! There was a special menu item, a Burrata salad that was fabulous! We enjoyed them as our appetizers. For dinner I was torn between something local with squid ink or the lamb chops or veal cheeks. The owner recommended the squid ink ravioli. I went with the salmon and mint ravioli in ink sauce, it was tasty but wish I had gotten meat instead. We also ordered the sea bass which was great. We were going to stay for dessert but we were full. I would definitely come back! They do charge a cover charge, 4€ per person but it was not the most expensive one we paid. We also ordered a side salad so we'd get some veggies with dinner. It was good, in an oil and vinegar dressing. Everything was great!! Really want to come back read more

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We had an absolutely fantastic meal at Oliva Nera. We were greeted by the owner, who was super friendly and passionate about her food. She didn't treat us like the tourist that we were and made killer recommendations. Staff was very kind throughout the entire meal. The lasagna was spectacular. I highly recommend you order this. The staff helped us pick a great wine and the attention to detail was very obvious on each dish. We ate outside with the locals but there is indoor seating as well. Cute spot! read more

This was a really great restaurant, one of the best meals I had during my two week trip through Italy. Everything from appetizers to dinners hit the mark, the wine was great, service was great. There's nothing bad I can say about the experience overall - would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice dinner in beautiful Venice. read more

Best meal in Italy by far! The owner took our order, and it felt like we were being invited into her home. We ordered the zucchini flowers (to die for!) the lasagna, the sea bass, (perfectly cook and crispy) and the veil chop! We both loved everything. To top it off we had the tiramisu and pana cotta. Perfecto! read more

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Thank you Isabella & your staff for going above and beyond for an amazing dinner experience. We had the best dinner and we felt so welcomed! For starter: We had the delicious burrata tomatoe caprese. The best burrata and sweetest tomatoes. And the bread was the best bread we had in Italy. Then we had the most delicious lasagna! I wish I can eat this lasagna everyday. Then the sea bass with some kind of pea sauce, beautifully decorated. Tiramisu and the most heavenly dessert; cream brûlée, who knew! It was better than Paris! They were so sweet to give us the Limoncello to end the meal. I wish we bought their vinegar that they poured over the burrata. Looking forward to coming back! read more

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We wandered in on Yelp's recommendation and had the best meal we've eaten in Venice and well beyond. The squash blossoms were sublime, but the liver will haunt me until I return, which I hope will be soon. Highly recommended! read more

After a couple of disastrous dinners in Florence and Venice this place completely restored our faith in great Italian dining. We were greeted and sat by a very attentive waiter (who took our jackets) and was excellent throughout the evening. The owner came and explained the specials and various items on the menu in great detail based on my wife's allergies. You could just tell the care and pride she had for her business and patrons. When I ordered a Spritz she said "why?" We had already ordered a fine bottle of the owners private label cab and she had no problem putting me in my place in a comical way and we loved that. She knew how to make this a great evening and they knocked it right out the park. Everything from the staff, outstanding food, presentation, cleanliness and ambiance was first class. We couldn't recommend this place highly enough. read more

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Just delicious!!!! From the diverse and delicious wine selection to the zucchini flowers to the lasagna to the tiramisu, everything was just amazing. HIGHLY recommend!!!!! A must visit!!!! read more

Our favorite meal in Italy. You must stop here if you're in Venice, but make sure to book a reservation ahead of time. Thankfully, Jessica was nice enough to squeeze us in on short notice. I love that this restaurant is family owned and run. The entire family could not be more warm and friendly, and the food is to die for. The complimentary gazpacho was a really nice touch as well. I hope one day we can come back to Venice and eat here again. This family puts their heart and soul into their business and providing excellent food and customer service, and I couldn't have enjoyed the evening more. The crème brûlée was also delicious. read more

Osteria Oliva Nera - Venetian Near Me - Venezia, VE

We got food poisoning after eating there. I tried to reach out to the restaurant twice and they never replied. they are overpriced. we could not eat for five days read more

Amazing !! Family owned. Best lasagna. Wonderful. Can't wait to go back Lamb chops were excellent. Service right from owner! read more

A very charming ristorante! Isabella is a warm personable owner who is confident that her family recipe meals will not disappoint. We were very very pleased we came here. The zucchini flowers are amazing, and grandmas lasagne is delightful!! You will love the charming ambiance and the service is wonderful! Thank you. read more

Read the previous reviews which lead us here. More of a 4.5. I took off for the service. It wasn't that busy yet we sat for 15 minutes before someone acknowledged us, then another 10 minutes to take our order... 25 minutes sitting there?!? Well, we were tired and the food was known to be amazing... so we waited it out. And yes! Worth the wait :) Complementary bread basket and olives... if your not watching your carbs it's a generously filled basket. Their house reds and whites by the glass are delicious! *zucchini flower- rave reviews I see on yelp... it's good but it's really hard to mess up on anything deep fried. It's 3 pieces of breaded zucchini on a plate of arugula. Tasty but nothing making me want it again. *Lasagna-delicious! Flavorful and filling. It was savory to the palate. We were too full for dessert but the table next to us ordered. They didn't have a menu for it but the server made an animated picture on the table describing the types of desserts. I thought that was impressive. It made me wish we had room for dessert. Prices are on the higher end. There weren't a lot of menu options enticing me to return. It's a nice place and I'm glad we tried it. It's one of those places you need to read the menu 1st before your commit. read more

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I don't write reviews unless the review warrants less than 1 star or 5... but when an establishment goes above and beyond I have to give them a glowing review. We've been coming to Venice for years and since our first visit Isabella's family run osteria has always gone beyond what one would expect. Her family makes you feel at home, as if you were part of their local community and the quality of the dishes she serves go beyond what one would expect. I cannot express how grateful we are when we get the privilege to share a meal with her family and the other guests at tables near us. Tonight is no exception. Brava! read more

This was our best meal in Venice. Run by a mother who takes your order and daughter. Free pumpkin something. Caprese was great. Lasagna was a family recipe and was the best. Also had spaghetti and clams which was good. Overall great experience. Must make reservations read more

The service was excellent! The waiters were friendly. The ravioli, venison, Tiramisu, and Zucchini were amazing. I would definately come back here again the next time I am in Venice. It was very close to my hotel. About 15-20 min walk from San Marco Square. Great first meal in Venice! read more

The food and the service was amazing. I had the calves liver which was the best I have ever tasted.

Wonderful family own business. The owner went out of her way to serve us on our first night in Venice. Beautiful food. read more

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This gem of a restaurant may look like any other Venetian spot, but this one rises above the rest. The food is really good, service is friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is quiet - off the beaten path of St Mark's. Reservations are highly recommended. As most places in Venice, there is both indoor and outdoor seating. The kids loved the lasagne, for adults the fried zucchini and seabass are highly recommended. read more

We visited twice during a four day stay in Venice; once simply wasn't enough. The epitome of a family run restaurant with heart and passion in their food and their business. Eat everything! read more

Awesome food. So much food . Owner and staff are fantastic. Nice outdoor space. Highly recommend. read more

Osteria Oliva Nera - Seafood tower - Venetian Near Me - Venezia, VE

The owner and servers were all great. The food was fantastic. I would highly recommend this restaurant!

This is our favorite restaurant in Venice and we have sent dozens of people to experience the wonderful food. Squash blossoms were the best!! "Grandma's Recipe" for the lasagna was excellent. Save room for dessert! Every single one was excellent!!!! read more

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This was the best restaurant we've had during our 3 days in Venice, staying near St Mark's Square. The food is well prepared, fresh, with more sophistication than most, and quite delicious. We had the best burrata, an excellent fish ravioli with crab sauce, and a great cuttle fish and polenta here. However, the portions are not large, so keep that in mind if you're trying to feed teenagers. read more

Of all the places we ate at during our five day trip, this was by far our favorite! The owner was our server and she was so sweet! My husband got the lasagna and it was *chefs kiss*!!! She actually makes the lasagna using "grandmas recipe". It is PERFECTION! I had the fish ravioli which was my favorite dish that I had! The sauce!! Oh the sauce!! Just when we thought it couldn't get any better.. she brought our crème brûlée! I always order crème brûlée when it is on the menu & when I tell you this was the best one I've ever had I am serious! Honorable mention, the wine was spectacular! We did two glasses of the reserve named after the restaurant. Everything was reasonably priced and you don't need a reso to get a table but I would recommend having your hotel call ahead just in case. You must stop in for dinner! 10/10 would recommend! read more

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Food was amazing and fast! We went back two nights out of three! I highly recommend. The lasagna was the best.

This was one of the best meals my family has ever had. The food and service were all a 10+ out of 10. Isabella went above and beyond to make this a special dining experience for some family members with this being their first time in Italy. She and the team are incredibly personable and provided impeccable service. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but would recommend everything we ordered from the artichokes to the veal, sea bass and lasagna. Would recommend anyone visiting Italy and Venice to add this restaurant to the very top of their list. Thank you so much Isabella and team for an amazing dining experience. read more

Great service by the owner and her family, a warm environment, and the food is amazing.

We had a very short amount of time for dinner, given a concert we needed to attend less than 45 minutes later. (I know, I know, it's shameful to have so little time to eat. In Italy, that's just crazy!) Osteria Oliva Nera was quite nearby, so we stopped by and asked if we might be seated and eat within the limited time we had. The response: "if you don't have a reservation, we won't seat you." That was it. The place was completely empty, but they wouldn't even entertain us eating there. So we went to Prebateo right next door--a much smaller place with already full tables, but one (for us!)--and we had a great meal. (In fact, we were so happy, we came back to Prebateo for drinks and dessert!) When we left Prebateo, we walked by Oliva, and only 1 of 12 tables was occupied. Given the dismal customer service at Oliva, we gave our business to their neighbor, and will happily do so again in the future. Sorry, Oliva. read more

This was by far the most delicious meal we had in Venice. A lot of well reviewed Venetian restaurants are good in that they are "good for being in Venice", a city bulging with a constant influx of tourist dining demand. This restaurant would stand out anywhere in the world as being something special with the great flavor profile it brings to classic Italian food with some contemporary twists. Their fried zucchini blossoms: like the best tempura you never had until you tried this. Lasagna Bolognese: so delicious! I had a grilled veal chop that was perfection. And they had a wonderful wine list. Plus the staff was all really sweet. Try it for a special, relaxing dinner. read more

It's okay - the zucchini flowers are amazing but the main courses are just okay and pretty pricey for the quality. Service was average as well. read more

This restaurant was amazing!! We ordered the lamb chops, lasagna, and liver for our main courses and they were all exceptional! The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned and the lasagna was way better than anything in the US! The dessert menu was drawn out for us and it was amazing. Best first night in the city and we will probably be back! read more

Such a fantastic place! Not sure if it's well known or not but a friend recommended it and it was a great choice for our last night. The fried zucchini flowers were fantastic. Filled with creamy cheese and tempura crispy. The aperol spritz was delightful and a perfect start to the night. Then I had the black fettuccine with shrimp and veggies which was delicious! My friend had the salmon special which was also divine. And the chef surprise dessert was incredible!! Awesome waitress and all around adorable place is reccomend to anyone in Venice. read more

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Found this gem while trying to dine close to Metropole and avoid a rain storm. Very fortunate to get the last table for two inside the restaurant, as we didn't have a reservation. The food was delicious, the service left nothing wanting and the owner/hostess was very engaging. We selected the linguini with clams, fish ravioli with creamy crab sauce, lamb chops with red wine sauce and potatoes au gratin (cooked to perfection). The owner recommended a local vineyard's pinot noir to go with our dishes. It was a great choice. We Left room for dessert and had two of their specialties - tiramisu and crème brûlée w fresh fruit inside and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Finished with a cappuccino. The restaurant is modern and immaculate, has a wide range of wine and I would recommend dining here. Also would recommend making a reservation- I would never want to be turned away from this gem of a restaurant. read more