Living Venice

Jun 28, 2008 eat, drink, food, yum

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.

Aridos is normally open seven days a week, unheard of around these parts. And in the current summer heat wave, cold frulatti make an ottimo alternative to the traditional ombra on a mid-Sunday stroll (strolling San Polo instead? Caffè del Doge on the Calle dell Cinque can do the same for you there).

Ardidos
Cannaregio 2282 30131 Venezia
tel 041 894 6182
open 7 days (closed some afternoons from 4p - 6p) 

map courtesy venicexplorer.com

Tags: bars, Cannaregio, eateries, venice, wine