Restaurants in Venice Mestre🇮🇹 | Hidden Gems Where Locals Eat | Ep. 16

Venice might be the dream, but just across the water in Mestre, a world of authentic, affordable, and flavorful Venice food is waiting.
This episode of ‪@BitesofItaly‬ is a Venice travel guide. Natalie and Scotty share two local favorites in Mestre that deliver everything you want in a Venetian food experience. Best food in Venice without the tourist traps or price tags!
🍷 Osteria Al Diplomatico – A classic Venetian restaurant & tavern with a buzzing cicchetti counter, regional wines, and… surprise: live music nights! This local favorite offers:
• Fried fish and saor (yes, more than just sardines!)
• Tuna-potato meatballs, baked scallops, stuffed squid, and a crowd that brings the place to life
🦪 Ostaria da Mariano – A traditional restaurant with heart and a mission. Since 1963, they’ve been serving fresh lagoon seafood — and building a team that includes people with autism and Down syndrome. Highlights include:
• Peoci saltai (Venetian sautéed mussels)
• Risotto di gò, made from a tiny lagoon fish you’ll only find here
• Seasonal vegetables from the islands and moeche (soft-shell crabs) in season
💡 Plus, helpful tips on:
• Italian restaurant etiquette (yes, you need a reservation even when tables are empty!)
• How to ask for the check without waiting forever
• Why dinner starts at 8pm, not 6
Whether you’re staying in Mestre or just hopping off the train from Venice, these are two stops worth adding to your foodie map.
🎧 Listen now and discover a side of Venice most visitors miss.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 16: Mestre, Venice’s Underrated Food Base
00:33 – Why More Travelers Are Choosing Mestre
02:05 – First stop: Restaurant “Osteria Al Diplomatico” - Buzz, Cicchetti & Local Energy
03:12 – Favorite Bites: Sole in Saor & Mazzancolle in Saor (Venetian Sweet and Sour Prawns) & More
04:26 – Live Music Surprise at Al Diplomatico!
05:07 – Next Stop: Restaurant “Ostaria da Mariano”, Near M9 Museum
05:43 – Inclusive Staff, Warm Service, and Real Heart
06:05 – Seasonal Cooking with Venetian Island Produce
06:35 – Highlights: Risotto di gò, Peoci Saltai & Moeche
08:05 – Wine Picks & When to Go
08:26 – Italian Dining Customs
08:44 – Reservation Culture & Why Empty Tables Aren’t Free
09:45 – Ask for the Bill (Il conto, per favore!)
10:39 – Final Thoughts: Mestre as a Base with Heart
12:02 – What’s Next: Pisa & Naples Are Coming!

#hiddengemsitaly #veniceitaly

👇 Links & Resources
• Full podcast audio 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vaF...
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