Antico Martini (Venice)

Charming and historic restaurant in the

Antico Martini is a restaurant that dates back to 1720 as a coffee house and which once had regulars in the 1930s such as Toscanini, Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles in its then guise as a piano bar.  Now a converted restaurant, the setting is absolutely charming in a more secluded, tiny square of central Venice.  That, combined with the heritage of the ‘cafe’ and quality of the food is why I believe this to be one of the gems of Venice.  The truffle linguine was one of the best I have ever had with the sauce being potent with genuine truffle (you would be surprised how many are not) and was without an avalanche of cream as many, poorer versions are; just well-judged butter and stock here, combined with freshly made pasta.  This was utter beauty in its simplicity. The classic Vongole (spaghetti with clams) was reportedly very good at the table as was the classic Antico spaghetti (served with mussels) and Bronzino (Mediterranean sea bass) from all the seasoned diners and local residents of Venice with me.  With wine, the whole meal was €233 (£202) for four which, at approx £50 per person is basically very reasonable for the whole return. Thoroughly recommended for all the above reasons.

Food Grade: 75%

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