Osteria Alla Bifora Venice
Late night spot!
The infamous Franco and his sister Mirella run Osteria alla Bifora in lively Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro. Locals tend to call this spot "Franco's". Franco Bernardi is a jovial character, a real life Venetian personality. He has had many a locale in the city. Osteria alla Bifora is the crown jewel of these projects.
Campo Santa Margherita is the largest campo in Venice. The word campo indicates that grass once grew here. In fact, animals once were stalled and slaughtered in Campo Santa Margherita. Once the local butcher shop, Osteria alla Bifora has been completely renovated by Franco himself. Each table and chair collected and restored. When the restoration was happening years ago, we lived in the Campo and would often stop to check in on Franco as he sanded down a table.
Upon entering, you instantly feel the love. A bar yes, but here the atmosphere whispers in your ear, this place is special. Murano chandeliers sparkle, candles flicker and locals chatter. This is one of Venice's rare late night spots. Sure it is open earlier but if you want to meet Franco and really have the full sensation of hanging in a local joint then go late.
Let's talk about salami! Franco serves up abundant affettati, spinning wooden boards layered in paper thin slices of cured Italian meats. Hidden spicy olives and cheese plates. Venetian delicacies like creamy crostini of baccala mantecato (cod fish spread) served with a crisp glass of Prosecco should get you started nicely.
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Venice
Fascist Ferrovia
Santa Lucia train station
"Fascist Ferrovia" Venice sits on the site of a convent. This station was originally a conceived and connected to the mainland in mid 1800. At present...
By
Stacy
Gibboni
MQ10
Canal side aperitivo!
"MQ10" Venice is among my favorite locales that I would highly recommend to enjoy the sun by a canal side for an aperitivo; a spot with delicious treats!
By
Stacy
Gibboni
Osteria Contemporanea da Riccardo
Rustic Luxury
Osteria Contemporanea da Riccardo in Venice blends tradition and innovation, offering seasonal raw fish, fine wine, and an unforgettable dining experience.
By
Gioele
Pellegrini
Carlo Scarpa
Get lost and find his work...
"Carlo Scarpa" is La Serenissima's most famous modern designer. Many of his works evoke the sensation of water lapping over edges around Venice...
By
Stacy
Gibboni
Ca' Bembo
Free space for everyone
"Ca' Bembo" is a referent point for Venice. It's an occupied palace that has become a free cultural and relaxation space right in the center!
By
Filippo
Muraro
Torrefazione Cannaregio
The essence of coffee
"Torrefazione Cannaregio" is the place I choose to get my first dose of caffeine for the day! Even the pickiest Venetian is satisfied at this shop!
By
Annamaria
Bergamo
Orsoni Furnace
Colour & Glass
"Orsoni Furnace" is the only mosaic tile furnace still functioning in the historic center of Venice. It has revived the city's Byzantine mosaic production...
By
Annamaria
Bergamo
San Francesco del Deserto
A secret island
"San Francesco del Deserto" in Venice is a little monastery and chapel located near Burano and Torcelio. You can only get there with a private boat...
By
Annamaria
Bergamo
Lio Piccolo
Immersion in the lagoon
"Lio Piccolo" in Venice is the perfect place to go on a summer day when the heat is too much to take. I love going there by bike and used to do so daily!
By
Annamaria
Bergamo
Da Luca e Fred
Discovolante (ufo) rules
"Da Luca e Fred" is a small Osteria just a few steps away from the Railway Station of Venice. I like going to this bar / restaurant for the Aperitif.
By
Annamaria
Bergamo
Heading to Venice?
95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Venice this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 95 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Venice
Get to know our other Spotters from Venice
As featured on:
