La Patatina is a very good exception in Venice’s restaurant panorama, that is actually pretty expensive. There are two locations, both close to Campo San Polo.
Here there is a large choice of dishes, especially fish-based, but I like this place especially for its all-inclusive menu that consists of starters, a first and second course, desserts, water and wine.
The food’s quality is excellent, and it is possible to refill the wine. Starters include typical Venetian fish appetizers, as sarde in saor, baccalà mantecato and capesante au gratin as well as other fish courses. The first course is usually pasta with shrimps and tomatoes, the second course is a large fried mix of fishes – plentiful and tasty. The choice of dessert is up to the customer.
I think this is the best way to have dinner — without concerns about how much I am spending for the wine or that delicious lobster, just enjoying talks and food.
The restaurant is not that big but I recommend it a lot because it offers a pleasurable atmosphere, whether for couples looking for a romantic night or for group of friends that wants to meet up and have a good dinner without spending an insane amount of money.