DD724

The definite culinary highlight on my partner's and my visit to Venice was Linea D'Ombra (Dorsoduro 19). Located on a quiet street, we were led to a table on their spectacular waterside terrace overlooking the Venetian lagoon and a series of picturesque facades including the Redentore church.

This being our second day in Venice, and somewhat already jaded by mediocre food at exceptional(ly high) prices, we didn't harbour great expectations, but we were quite pleasantly surprised. Aside from the magical and unashamedly romantic setting, the food was quite exceptional. The seafood bisque came with a mountain of fresh shellfish and fish; very tasty, and our main course (roasted sea bass stuffed with orange, served with spring onion and balsamic reduction) was both fresh and delicious.

The serving sizes were quite decent; both my partner and I couldn't fit in dessert, albeit the chocolate concoctions described animatedly by the waiter sounded sublime; in general the menu is seafood-biased, with some fusion (Italian-Asian) going on. All this doesn't come cheap though, the bill just south of EUR 100, despite not ordering dessert or alcoholic beverages. Although the investment-banker-in-credit-crisis in me heaved a small sigh of relief, given the tourist traps we came across during the trip (perhaps we were unwise/unlucky but most restaurants charged us in a similar vicinity, albeit for a considerably more mediocre experience), Linea D'Ombra is not spectacularly overpriced in relative comparison, albeit should be kept for special occasions.

All in all a great experience; excellent, friendly service (so slick it seemed almost criminal), fabulous food and location. Definitely somewhere to go to for a treat.