Our reviewer tucked in at the venue that’s ‘less like visiting a restaurant and more like being invited into a welcoming family home somewhere in Italy’
First class food and hospitality to match(Image: Julie Richards-Williams)
First class food and hospitality to match – dining at da Venezia never fails to please, as my friend Nerys and I found when we put it to the test. With an appetising array of traditional and contemporary dishes, plus excellent wines, this cosy restaurant run by the Venezia family in the heart of Llandudno captures the flavours, freshness and simplicity of authentic Italian cuisine.
Situated above a row of shops at the upper end of Gloddaeth Street close to Llandudno town centre, da Venezia launched in December ‘22. It was the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the career of the Venezia family, who came from Bergamo in Northern Italy and was well known for operating the Mamma Rosa eatery in Craig y Don for more than two decades.
The dream team of Sibilla and Michele, together with their children Christopher and Sophie, re-opened the former Valentino’s restaurant that had closed a few months earlier when owner Antonio Manfredino retired. News travelled fast and before long the new venture was firmly established.
Thanks to the family’s dedication and culinary skill of chef ichele- a master of Italian cookery, in the last two years da Venezia has gone from strength to strength. Today the eatery attracts customers from a wide area.
Could this intimate trattoria really live up to its reputation as the resort’s top rated venue? Nerys and I were ready to find out.
The atmosphere was lively and informal, everybody was obviously having a great time(Image: Julie Richards-Williams)
A dining experience at da Venezia was less like visiting a restaurant and more like being invited into a welcoming family home somewhere in Italy. As we stepped into the first floor dining room, a heady aroma of simmering sauces, garlic and spices gently wafted our way.
Maitre d’ Sibilla greeted us like old friends, quickly seating us at a reserved table for two where we had a great view of our surroundings and fellow diners. Although it was not yet 7pm, the place was almost full with couples and small groups laughing, talking and tucking into some very tempting plates of food.
The atmosphere was lively and informal, everybody was obviously having a great time….‘la dolce vita’ was here in North Wales. Pleasantly warm, with twinkling fairy lights around the street facing window, the room was well lit and spotlessly clean.
Colourful Venetian masks and pictures of Venice, Sorrento and Lake Garda adorned the cream walls and an unusual wooden ceiling added to its charm. Just 10 tables seating some 30 guests were beautifully set out with gleaming glasses and crisp linen tablecloths.
Dining at da Venezia never fails to please(Image: Julie Richards-Williams)
There was a real ‘feel good’ factor about the place, making it ideal for a quiet meal with family and friends, a special celebration or a romantic dinner for two. We began our culinary adventure by choosing drinks from the small but perfectly adequate wine list.
Italian wines are considered amongst the best in the world. and certainly da Venezia had some very palatable and not too expensive vintages from all over the country. Prices ranged from £20 – 30 for a bottle, whilst a small glass of house red, white or rose would set you back £5.20.
Sparkling proseccos were available and if you wanted to push the boat out, champagne could be produced on request. The drinks list also offered a good selection of spirits, including a number of Italian after dinner liqueurs, bottled lagers, beer, cider, soft drinks and coffees.
Nerys was on driving duty so she chose a bottle of Becks Blue – a non alcoholic alternative to lager and I went for a small glass of house wine – a fruity dry pinot grigio from Northern Italy. The extensive a la carte menu was a lovely mix of old classics and new dishes.
Many recipes had been handed down through generations of the Venezia family, whilst others had been created in house by chef Michele to provide a modern take on genuine Italian fare. A great selection of pizzas, pastas, risotto and ravioli dishes, fish and meaty mains, as well as lots of starters, daily changing specials and delicious desserts were available.
Food that aptures the flavours, freshness and simplicity of authentic Italian cuisine(Image: Julie Richards-Williams)
With vegetarian, veggie options and dietary needs m catered for, there was something for everyone, children included. Portions were generous and prices very affordable- quality and value in every bite. Everything is cooked to order from scratch using seasonal local produce where possible including seafood, fish and lamb. Every morning at 7am pizza dough is freshly made.. it doesn’t get better than that.
We decided to give the starters a miss and go straight to the mains, leaving room for a sweet treat to finish. Nerys is very fond of poultry and after much deliberation she selected Pollo al Limone – a classic Italian dish consisting of pan fried chicken breast with lemon, leeks, capers in a a creamy parmesan sauce accompanied by a fresh side salad,
Piping hot and beautifully presented, It was a treat for the taste buds. The plentiful chicken pieces were succulent t and tender, the lemony sauce rich and zingy.
“That was the nicest chicken dish I’ve had in a long time,“ Nerys said happily, leaving an empty plate.
In my travels over the years I’ve had many a good and not so good seafood risotto so I was delighted to find Risotto Amalfi – a dish inspired by the flavours and ingredients of the Amalfi coast, on the menu. I didn’t have to wait long before a plate of creamy arborio rice containing a substantial mix of mussels, squid, prawns and tomatoes arrived.
Enriched with lemon zest and basil oil, all the different ingredients were flavoursome and perfectly cooked,. It was first class, full marks to the chef. We couldn’t leave without sharing a house speciality – Cheesecake al Limone.
A different and delicious take on a popular dessert, this was served in a glass and consisted of meringue, mixed berries and lemon sauce. From start to finish our experience at this hidden gem of a restaurant had been delightful – a true taste of Italy on a plate.
da Venezia is a family labour of love – a ‘go to’ destination for any occasion. Give it a try– you won’t be disappointed.
THE FACTS – DA VENEZIA
What we ate and drank; 125ml white house wine £5.20. Becks Blue £4.20. Risotto Amalfi £18.30. Chicken £17.30. Cheesecake £7.30. Total £52.30
Atmosphere: Informal, warm and welcoming.
Service: Excellent, helpful staff go the extra mile
Parking: Free in street if you can find space
Disabled: Difficult if you have mobility problems No access for wheelchairs. No disabled toilet
Children: Children and guide dogs only welcome
Overall: Lovely family run restaurant, great for any occasion.
Da Venezia, 3a Gloddaeth St, Llandudno LL30 2DD…Telephone 01492 872074
Dining and Cooking