The Venice Carnival, usually held in February, is a world-famous celebration of lavish masks and costumes, vibrant parades, and magnificent masquerade balls. With roots going back to the 12th century, it transforms Venice into a dazzling spectacle of art, culture, and tradition.
After arriving in Venice and settling into your cozy apartment, you join an informal welcome meeting to get to know the group and go over the rich and exciting program ahead.
Venice is full of tourist restaurants, but some places feel as if they’re hidden away from the noise and crowds — and Osteria Antico Giardinetto is exactly that kind of place. You don’t come here just to eat; you come to step into a small gastronomic theatre where food is always the star of the show. In the evening, a festive dinner awaits you right here. As you enjoy the refined cuisine, you’ll share stories and feel the anticipation of the magical, photography-filled days to come.
Chef Virgilio is a close friend of mine, and I’ll be honest: he’s a true culinary magician. He doesn’t cook — he conjures. In his hands, seafood almost comes alive: the freshest oysters, scallops, cuttlefish — everything becomes an unforgettable dish. His pasta is always on the edge of artistry: a delicate balance of simplicity and depth of flavour, where every detail matters.
The atmosphere is intimate and very Venetian: brick walls, soft lighting, and the warm feeling that you’re dining in a friend’s home rather than a restaurant. And that’s the essence — Virgilio doesn’t cook for the public or the critics; he cooks for the people he feeds from the heart.
Honestly, if there is one place in Venice where gastronomy turns into pure poetry, it’s here. And no matter how lofty the words may sound — until you taste his risotto or breathe in the aroma of freshly cooked sea bream, you simply won’t understand what true flavour means. And the best part? If you want to recreate any of his dishes at home, Virgilio will never hide the recipes. For me, visiting this restaurant is one of the special highlights of our tour!