If you have been reading my blog, you should be already aware that Torcello is by far my favorite island in the Venice lagoon. In addition to the most stunning basilica in Romanic style beautifully described by John Ruskin, there is one of the most iconic bridges with no hand railings, the notorious Ponte del Diavolo.
Well, at only few meters from it, there is an incredible restaurant that carries its name: Osteria Al Ponte del Diavolo. Hosted in a former private villa, the venue is now a restaurant, with a surprising garden, a gorgeous pagoda, delicious food and extremely lovely people. I had the pleasure to meet the managers, Alberto, Roberto and Stefano, and I can say that they are true gentlemen.
In this brief post, I wish to share some images of the location and of the dishes I tried!
I went on a dull day, but again, if you know me, I actually prefer this type of light and found everything particularly magical.
The garden was in full blossom, with lush flowers and bushes of different green shades. I was in the company of a lovely man called Francesco who moved to Torcello with his wife during the pandemic, and was so kind to invite me to their home and has offered to introduce me to some other locals, so that I can discover a more secret part of the island (more about this soon!).
Anyhow, going back to the restaurant, the first thing I want to say is that there is a huge attention at ingredient sourcing. The fish is local, most of it is brought by Domenico, one of the last moecanti (fisherman of soft-shelled crabs), and the bread, the grissini and the pasta are homemade.
I had already been at Osteria Al Ponte del Diavolo, during another summer, and that day the weather was hot and sunny, the tables were prepared on the lawn and we were given some Cuban hats so that we could protect ourselves from the rays of sun. This time, we ate under the roof of the veranda.
Everything was wonderful. As an entrée we were brought a small bowl of raw asparagus with eggs.
Then I we tried a summery dish with aubergines, mozzarella and tomatoes.
Followed by a dish of scampi with herbs and mozzarella and for me an artichoke hummus with shrimps.
A mouthwatering pasta dish with mussels, a sea-bass that looked like a modern art painting and a raw artichoke salad.
And for dessert, a revisitation of the Sicilian Biancomangiare, with carrots and a soft heart inside.
Well... what can I say??? We were definitely satisfied and enjoyed every moment. Not only the food and the location, but also the staff. Stefano was our man, he took great care of us and I felt the passion they put in what they do. The details, and the kindness... I loved everything!
Of course... I could not leave Torcello without going for a short walk and breathing in all that beauty.
So... if you hope to experience a quiet Venice, love good food and want to be immersed in nature and history, I believe that a visit to Torcello is a must and a meal at Osteria Al Ponte del Diavolo a luscious addition!
Osteria Al Ponte del Diavolo Address: Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, 10/11, 30142 Torcello - Venezia VE
Phone: +39 041 730401