La Porta D’Acqua

Dinner at La Porta D’Acqua, near the Rialto bridge, was a welcomed culinary hello to the delicious spirit of Venice, Italy

During check in at H10 Palazzo Canova, I asked the front desk  for suggestions of where to dine during my stay. Happily, he directed me to a few dining choices on a map. Not wanting to venture too far into the city at night, I was delighted when he suggested La Porta D’Acqua, located within feet from the entrance of the hotel.

After my friend and I settled into the Apartment, he effortlessly called and made a reservation for us. Within minutes, my friend and I were seated at a visually delicious table, facing the canal.

It was a pleasure to watch the water of the canals slap against the gondolas. The lights of the Rialto district glowed as the sun went down.

Again, I had to remind myself that I was not in Las Vegas. I was literally sitting outside, dining al fresco, overlooking buildings of Venice, Italy. It was surreal but real at the same time.

Of course, I started with a spritz. In this case, the name was the RIALTO SPRITZ (prosecco, Campari, sparkling water). The tarallo and bread were soon brought to the table.

First course was the TASTING OF FIVE CICCHETTI:

Zucchini Muffin with Baccalà and Caper
Egg Coated Anchovies, pan fried in sweet and sour sauce
Musky octopus in red wine sauce over fried Polenta
Courgette flower stuffed with Ricotta cheese and Anchovies
Grilled Octopus over chickpeas and leek cream

I will say that my favorite was the courgette flower stuffed with ricotta cheese and anchovies.

For my main course, I ordered the LINGUINE WITH GARLIC, MUSSELS CREAM AND RED SHRIMP TARTARE. Which was absolutely delicious.

My dinner at La Porta D’Acqua was a memorable welcome to the city of Venice.

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