Restaurant · Venice
Al Covo
Choose a day and party sizeInformation
- Price
- €€€€
- Where
- Venice
Lagoon cooking since 1987
Al Covo opened in 1987 on the site of a Venetian osteria from the early 20th century and is still run by its founders, the Benelli family. It is in Castello, in a campiello off the main thoroughfare, near Campo della Bragora and the Arsenal and a few minutes' walk from St Mark's. The house is a member of the Slow Food Cooks' Alliance and Presidia and works with small producers from the lagoon islands, the coast and the interior of the Veneto: Upper Adriatic and Mediterranean fish, never frozen, and vegetables from Sant'Erasmo, Vignole, Cavallino and Treporti. It is part of Osti in Orto, a group of thirteen Venetian restaurateurs who grow their own kitchen garden on Sant'Erasmo.
The fresh pasta and desserts are made with organic stone-ground flours, and the cellar has more than 240 labels, with a preference for natural and biodynamic wines.
What to order
The menu changes with the market. Among the starters there are oysters, a large bollito of fish and shellfish from the Upper Adriatic (€42), the cod of the day (€29), garusoli alla borgognona (€29) or spider crab meat in its coral (€36). For first courses, the bigoli mori in salsa from ancient grains, the traditional recipe, linguine with mussel ragù or pasta e fagioli with Gialèt beans and clams, all at €29. For main courses, the fish of the day in two versions (€35 to €43), Upper Adriatic sole (€36), the mixed fry of paranza with potatoes and artichokes (€41) or lamb from the Alpago (€36). Diane's desserts cost €14, including her Devil's food chocolate cake.
The seven-course tasting menu costs €108 per person, cover charge included, and is taken by the whole table; order before 13:30 or 21:15.
When to go and how to book
The kitchen is open from 12:45 to 14:00 and from 19:30 to 22:00, and the restaurant closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In December 2026 it also closes from 9 to 16 and from 22 to 25, and for winter holidays from 1 to 20 January 2027. Book by phone, by email or through its website.
The atmosphere is informal but refined; in the evening the house asks men to avoid shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. They also warn that, with babies and pushchairs, the space can feel tight.
Getting there
Along the Riva degli Schiavoni towards the Arsenal, turn left into Calle della Pescaria, the third after the Hotel Metropole and just before the Hotel Gabrielli, and continue to the campiello. The nearest vaporetto stop is Arsenale, with lines 1, 4.1 and 4.2.
What to order: the fish of the day chosen at the market, the bigoli mori in salsa or the paranza fry; if the whole table agrees, the seven-course tasting menu
Practical details
- Phone
- +39 041 522 3812
- [email protected]
- Opening hours
- Mon12:45–14:00 and 19:30–22:00
- Tue and WedClosed
- Thu–Sun12:45–14:00 and 19:30–22:00
- Cuisine
- Venetian, Adriatic fish, Slow Food
- Bookings
- Book a table on their website
House specialities
- Gran bollito di pesce e crostacei
- Bigoli mori in salsa
- Frittura mista di paranza
- Pasta e fagioli Gialèt e vongole
- Diane's Devil's food cake
Tips
- Go at lunchtime The kitchen closes at 14:00: arrive on time.
- Ask about the Sant'Erasmo vegetables They come from its own garden in the lagoon.
- Check the closures Tuesdays, Wednesdays and several weeks in December and January.
Frequently asked questions
Which days is it open?
Thursday to Monday, at lunchtime and in the evening. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
How much does the tasting menu cost?
€108 per person, seven courses, for the whole table.
Is it a good idea with babies?
The house warns that the space can be awkward with babies and pushchairs.
How do I get there?
By vaporetto to Arsenale (lines 1, 4.1 and 4.2) or on foot from St Mark's along the Riva degli Schiavoni.
