It’s what many places try to be, but miss the mark. A classy locale tucked away under the Ca’ Gottardi, Ardidos makes a lovely addition to the Cannaregio neighborhood (in fact, the other day owner Beatrice and Cantina co-owner Francesco were vying for who had the longest salame…this can only be a good omen for the rest of us). Ardidos is contemporary and warm decor; elegant yet casual ambience; friendly staff, great food. A nice place to be.

Owner Beatrice is una foresta: an interior designer from Milan who, contrary to most bar owners, never served a cup of caffè in her life. The degree to which the space inspired her is evident in every angle of the brick-ceramic-glass-steel-wood decor that includes a number of exotic touches; Barbara, Stefano and other friendly staff expertly supplement Beatrice’s (pronounced Be-a-TRI-ce) lack of serving experience. Small but not cramped, a candle-lit cortile in the back allows for crowd overflow, and even offers a canal-side table for a truly Venetian repast (reserve in advance). You can snack on everything from affettati of fine salami e cheeses, choose among wines from prosecco on up; elect to sample an Ardidos caffè from all over the world, by the cup or the kilo; they even serve fresh juices and smoothies (frullati e centrifughe)…their specialty.

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This is an initiative from the innovative, energetic think tank 40xVenezia (40 for Venice), a group of local 30-, 40-, 50-somethings and others who “believe in the enormous potential of Venice and of its international prestige,” and who want to harness its “artistic and cultural heritage, along with sustainable tourism, and revive the challenge of developing a true, metropolitan city.”

Sign the petition.

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