Buongiorno, late updates are becoming my thing and its not something I am proud of so lets get the ball rolling.

Venice. The floating city, Queen of the Adriatic. A place there are not enough words to describe, but I’m going to try so bear with me.

In September of 2016 I was whisked away by my mother and aunt for 5 days in this canal’d dreamland. I had been before in 2013 and my breath is still stolen from my chest as it comes into view from the dizzying heights of an aeroplane. 

As any true, or in my case faux, Italian knows there is no love truer than the love of food and my love for seafood is difficult to rival. 

In the middle of the Venice lagoon you will find Burano On Burano you will find houses in more colours than a box of Crayola. Buildings in pinks, greens,yellows and blues, bright as gemstones sitting against the water looking like something out offantasy. The leaning clock tower in the distance serving to make you feel like your about to tip over. (or maybe thats just my inherent clumsiness)

Amongst these picturesque surroundings you will find Trattoria Da Romano. Open for over 100 years and laced with tradition it is heralded as a must-see of venetian cuisine.

The walls were bedecked with various artworks from local and not so local artists with long tables filled to the brim with locals and tourists alike.

Famous for its fresh seafood and Risotto Da Romano. We were booked in for lunch.

We each chose separate starters, Mantis Shrimps for Aunt, Bresaola for Me and the Da Romano selection for Mother. 

The mantis shrimps were simply served lightly cooked with a wedge of lemon. Very delicate but alas not quite to my taste.

The bresaola was beautifully thin and densely flavoured served with rocket and parmesan.

The Da Romano selection was something else entirely. A plate containing some more mantis shrimp, baby octopus, lagoon shrimps, razor clams, cockles and a salt cod pate would have been enough to feed 2 people, not only this plate it was also accompanied by Sarde e Saor. The venetian classic of sweet and sour sardines with wondrously soft pickled onions and a bowl of some of the best Mussels and Clams in a fragrant broth. Perfectly cooked and unbelievably sweet.

To follow we chose to share the Risotto Da Romano, a light creamy white risotto flavoured by stock made from goby fish that are found in the canals and lagoon. It was heaven. They left the bowl on the table after serving and I greedily went back for more. Twice.

Also just a tip if you go and get the mussels and clams and then this risotto, save the liquor from them and pour it on the risotto. Thank me later.

Finally we had a main course. My aunt chose the Sarde e Saor, unaware it came with the selection earlier whilst Mother and I chose the salt baked Sea Bass.  Presented at the table in its crystalline tomb and served to us with potatoes simply dressed with olive oil and parsley. It needed nothing more, to have served this fish in anything other than its own glory would have done it a disservice. 

After such a feast there was not space for a dessert so we simply basked in our own gluttony for a while before we made our way.

Now in honesty if you are looking for a light, cheap lunch this is not the place for you. If you are will to spend the money and spend the time Da Romano should be on your list of ‘Where to Go’ in Venice. 

And if all else fails Burano is stunning, and why wouldn't you want to eat good food in a truly magical place?