Taverna San Lio

They have a set menu for about 22 euros per person. We chose it from the rest of the set-​menu places on this street because they had branzino. But beware — tiny portion sizes and somewhat cold service didn’t make for an optimal dining experience. My first course of spaghetti and clams was disappointing — swimming in oil and nothing light and fresh like I was hoping for. I did enjoy the sea bass, but my husband’s fried fish plate was severely lacking in fish — lots of greasy bits of carrots though! It’s a good choice if you’re in the area, but I’ve definitely had Italian in the states that tasted better.

My first review — as I was so impressed!
There seem to be so many restaurants in Venice but many appear to be serving the same old fare targeted at the short term cruise ship visitor witth a selection of pizzas. Even with the menus posted outside of the restaurant it is difficult to determine what might be special vs ho-​hum fare.
So we (my wife and 2 young kids) were pleased to stumble across this small restaurant with in and outdoor seating not far from where we were staying (near the Rialto bridge).
Food and service were best we had in our 4 days. I had a terrific veal filet crusted with goat cheese and in a gravy. My wife and kids went for the grilled beef in balsamic vinegar. Both were great. Dessert for the kids was a vanilla ice cream that they claimed was best ever while I had a very good warm chocolate cake with a hint of chili peppers. My wife had a coffee semi-​fredo desert that was as good to look at with it’s little heart decorations as it was to eat.
All along there were little extras like the gazpacho to start, the cookies with coffee and the grappa/​limoncello.
Both of our servers were very friendly, had above average English, and were great with the kids.
Really a great experience — and a good value — to complete our time in Venice — strongly recommended.