PARADISO PERDUTO
(cannaregio)
This is a popular “osteria” on Fondamenta della Miseriocordia, near the Ghetto area (very nice area to wander around). It has a few tables on the canal and loads of seating inside and has a lot of fish-based “cicchetti” type foods plus a full menu. There are usually a few tourists but it has a nice ambiance. There are long tables and you often start chatting to people sitting near you. There’s live music some nights during the summer; look at their website for details of upcoming events.
what to eat
They have all the local specialty dishes; “sardines in saor”, “baccala mantecato” (creamy salt cod, so good!) “cappasante” (small local scallops), grilled or baked sardines, fried vegetables etc. All theses “antipasto” foods are laid out in a big glass display, so it’s easy to pick what you fancy.
The portions are huge so you might like to consider sharing. We found that the mixed antipasto dish was enough to share among a family of four and the pasta portions are more than enough for two kids to share one. They claim to only accept cash, but as this is not strictly permitted in Italy they will take a credit card if you really push.
insider tip
You can order food to take away here, which can be a great option if you are renting an apartment. They’ll pack it up in foil containers for you to take out. In summer we often pass by on our boat and hop off to get some snacks to take away and have a picnic anchored somewhere in the lagoon.
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
Lovely, relaxed atmosphere. The staff are always welcoming with families. We find this is great for picky kids because they can look at the displays to pick something before they order and there is so much on offer that they should be able to find something they like. In summer the kids can search for cats and kittens in the yard out back where the toilet is.
FAMILY GUIDE QUICK FACTS
High-chairs available: Yes.
Open afternoon/early evening: Yes.
Outdoor seating: Yes.
Space for prams: Bit cramped inside but you can squeeze one in (or leave it outside near canal).
Changing table: No.
Toilets: Acceptable.
Address: Cannareggio 2540
Street: Fondamenta della Misericordi
Nearest waterbus: Ca’D’Oro (lines 1 & 2) or Sant’Alvise (lines 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2)
Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Phone: +39 041 720 581