Anice Stellato

The sun begins its descent over the canals of La Serenissima. A few boats fill the air with the soothing hum of their engines. We cross bridges and stroll along one of the city’s many quays, as if we were lingering at the end of a never-ending vacation. There, a small terrace runs along the water’s edge. We’re happy to stop there, but don’t let chance guide your steps: it’s best to reserve a table here, or you’ll end up waiting on the sidewalk, on the lookout for any available table. On the menu: a restaurant with a vintage vibe—mismatched tableware, classic Venetian fare with well-placed modern twists, olive oil and bread to tide you over while you wait, a wine list carefully curated with still wines, orange wines, and sparkling wines… The last rays of the golden hour will fall on a beef carpaccio with mustard seeds and pepper sauce, and a baccalà mantecato (a typical dish of whipped cod) paired with a well-simmered, peppery caponata. Just enough time to twirl your fork in a plate of spaghetti with mussels and tomatoes—like a seafood-infused Bolognese—and to mop up the sauce from the plate of calamari and peas, and it’s already night. A local artichoke-flavored digestif from Sant’Erasmo later, and it’s time to head home. Eyes full of (anise-flavored) stars.