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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