El Cason In Venezia

11/01/2025: A rather unusual culinary experience. On the surface, everything seems fine—decent food with no major flaws—but when the bill arrives, you can’t help but feel like you expected more for the price, leaving you disappointed. Risotto can only be ordered in a double portion, which drives up the price of what is essentially a simple dish of rice and additions to that of a good steak (44 EUR). The fish is fresh and locally caught, but it’s prepared in the simplest way—just heat treatment. Some might enjoy the pure taste of fish, but I can achieve the same flavor by buying fish at the market and throwing it on the grill myself. I don’t need a restaurant for that. Alongside the fish comes radicchio, tossed on the plate without any finesse, and crispy, tasty polenta. The restaurant offers a good wine selection, but the staff lacks knowledge about the grape varieties and origins. Once again, I find myself comparing quality to price. And so, disappointment prevails... As per response to owner: The owner's response is exceptionally arrogant and warrants a comment. It's clear that the kitchen is designed for the convenience of the chefs, not the customers. I tried to be fair in my review, but some people let their success go to their heads. I've traveled across Italy extensively and have never encountered a requirement to order risotto for two people. Moreover, a simple walk around Chioggia is enough to see that this claim is untrue. Even in Bologna, I never paid €22 for risotto. Simple, rustic flavors can certainly be appreciated, but such flavors should come at an honest price, not at gourmet rates. This is a case of style over substance and ego over reason. It’s better to go to Osteria Penzo, just opposite —a family-run, friendly place with a wonderful owner who treats tourists just as well as locals. And the food is more honest too.

04/11/2024: Very good, highly recommended. The waitress is very good and nice.