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San Marco: Vino Vino

Calle della Veste 2007 , Phone: 041 241 7688

Reviewed by: Shannon from CA, review #3647

When: 2010

Vino Vino has changed, and not for the better.

Directions: Close to the La Fenice theater.

I used to love Vino Vino. You used to order at the counter, and then sit; they would heat your food (which was already prepared) and bring it to you. They had a massive wine list and the food, while not gourmet, was tasty and also, inexpensive.

They have remodeled the dining room and given the place a completely different feeling. The dining room is very nice, and there is table service with menus now. The food seems to be pretty much the same, except the prices have almost doubled.

I had heard the place had really gone downhill so I wanted to check it out for myself. I had a vegetable lasagna which actually tasted pretty good, however it was 11 euros. That is a lot of money for a little piece of lasagna, and the same piece used to be 6 euros. I also had two glasses of Soave, each one a nice pour of a good white for 5 euros each. I can live with that. Everyone around me (all tourists, from English speaking countries it seemed) seemed to enjoy their meals. I was ready to walk out of there recommending it - if you want to pay a premium for a meal that should cost less, Vino Vino is a decent place where tourists will feel comfortable.

But then as I was about to pay the check, the waiter said "Madam, the tip is not included." Argh. There you had to go and ruin everything Mr. Waiter. I think in all my years of eating in Italy, no one has said this to me before.

So I cannot really recommend Vino Vino. It is not required or even necessary to tip in Italy if one does not want to, and I found his comment offensive.

I can't say it is truly awful either, so I will give it a neutral. I won't go back though.

Reviewed by: jgk from FL, review #1628

When: 2004

The food was hearty and homey. It's fun to point and choose the dishes on display. Service: less than wonderful.

Directions: Near La Fenice Opera House

We happened on Vino Vino after a full morning of art and walking. It was a great spot for us; not too expensive and relatively quick service. The food reminded me of things I cook at home. Chunks of turkey in a creamy sauce, pasta with veggies and sauteed greens were all delicious. The waitress did not seem glad we were there, though. Oh well...

Reviewed by: nelsdorter from UK, review #1026

When: 2004

Is this restaurant simply getting too popular for its own good? Food and wine were good; service was not.

Vino Vino serves excellent wine and good food at reasonable prices. However, service is becoming somewhat haphazard and the staff are developing an "attitude".

Last week we entered the restaurant at 12.45 midday and I found a table next to 2 workmen who were just being served with delicious-looking rabbit cooked with rosemary. My partner joined the queue: there were only 2 people in front of him. However, the harassed-looking woman behind the counter took so long to serve the 2 people in the queue and to attend to a Japanese tourist attempting to pay his bill; and in the process leaving the counter twice for quite lengthy spells, sighing volubly and making it clear by her body-language that we were all just a complete nuisance, that in the end we gave up and took our custom elsewhere.

We have eaten well here in the past, but Venice offers plenty of good places to eat and drink: perhaps Vino Vino has become a victim of its own success.

Reviewed by: Lorac from NY, review #776

When: 2004

The menu is a bit limited, but the food here was very, very good. Enjoyable family-type restaurant in a neighborhood surrounded by expensive restaurants.

This is a wine bar that was crowded with locals as well as tourists.

We selected the dishes we wanted, had no idea of the cost and were quickly taken to a table. The food was great. We had chicken breasts with roasted leeks, eggplant in a parsley and olive oil sauce, penne Alfredo and grilled sausages. Everything was delicious. We didn’t think we could finish it all, but we did.

We washed everything down with a very nice bottle of Fattoria di Felsina Villa Berardenga Chianti Classico. I don't remember the exact cost but do remember it being very being reasonable.

Reviewed by: Amy from MA (moderator), review #316

When: 2002

Tiny, fun place. Walk in, take a look at the food at the bar and listed on the chalkboard. Tell the folks behind the bar what you want, and go grab a table.

We had great rabbit in an olive-tomato sauce, eggplant that even this eggplant hater really liked, baked polenta, and a very moist slice of pork loin. Incredible wine list. This is the place to check out what the Venetians are wearing, drinking and eating. Be prepared to wait for a table, or come early.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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San Marco: Vino Vino

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