La Sferetta In Venezia

04/11/2025: Superb, cozy and elegant and sophisticated

04/11/2025: WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE! We visited Taverna La Fenice on my birthday, for a cocktail (or two) and there we met the lovely bartender, who was absolutely MAGNIFICENT! We were so impressed with him and the service (faultless and to perfection) that we booked a table for the following night, sadly our last night in Venice. The food was Michelin standard, the atmosphere was magical and the staff were amazing and very friendly...except for who we think was the 'head waiter'...a blonde haired man in a blue suit and a red tie who was completely arrogant and thought himself above all other staff and obviously customers! He was constantly standing and talking to the couple on the next table, whom he obviously knew well, whilst we were trying to enjoy the ambience of the place. Not very considerate of him and very offputting. He had the task of creating our crepes at the table, no conversation with us! Almost as though it was beneath him to do this task. He made absolutely no eye contact, which made us feel very uncomfortable and even when he served the dishes to us, he could not bring himself to speak to us, just to grunt something as he handed them over - not professional at all. He then went back to talking to the couple on the next table and waited until he had finished the conversation with them and as he was moving off almost shouted at us, 'It's good, yes?' How rude. How unprofessional. How ignorant. This 'head waiter' or whoever he was, needs to pay more attention to how fabulous all the other staff are, instead of being 'puffed up' and full of his own arrogance. Ridiculous man. HOWEVER, do not let this man you off...the food is the best we tasted in Venice, the atmosphere of the restaurantis is amazing, you are made to feel special by the other staff and the bartender outside was MAGNIFICENT (I wish I had asked his name...he was so lovely) he was worth his weight in gold - what a marvellous front man for the restaurant. Exceptional. You must experience it for yourself...hopefully the 'head waiter' will leave for pastures new soon (he needs to) and let everyone else just get on with doing a spectacular job in a very professional and faultless way. Eccezionale! We will be back on our next visit to Venice. Gary and Alison Brookes x