Indeed, in-the-know visitors to Venice will scramble for a taste of Mara’s seafood at Mich-starred Da Fiore, and special white-gloved service at Harry’s Bar…
But for an even more exclusive getaway, climb aboard to float away to nearby foodie getaways Venissa and Locanda Cipriani for sumptuous meals, wine and idyllic lagoon living.
Venissa, on the little-known island of Mazzorbo (30min by boat), is a locavore’s dream – billing itself as a humble “ostello” (hostel), this restaurant-cum-B&B; is far from it. The kitchen uses veggies grown on the property and flip-fresh wild fish caught daily from the surrounding waters, while the on-site vineyard provides stellar sips.
In clement weather, little could be more pleasant than an alfresco lunch on the cottage’s patio, but why not prolong the pleasure and stay overnight in one of the 6 stylish rooms within the tri-level manor?
Or, steer your boat further north and you’ll arrive on Torcello, where you’ll find the sylvan Locanda Cipriani (yes, of the family Cipriani). In your Rossis, retrace the footsteps of Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Nic Kidman and Princess Di and glide onto this tranquil, fecund garden isle for simple Venetian fare, featuring plenty of local seafood. Later, bed down in a blissfully TV-free chambers, with breakfast served under the pergola of roses in the garden tomorrow. Ah, serenity at last.
Venissa, Fondamenta Santa Caterina 3, Mazzorbo, +39 041 5272281, venissa.it
Locanda Cipriani, Piazza Santa Fosca 29, Torcello, +39 041 730150, locandacipriani.com
