Estrò

The story

Estrò Venice: Contemporary Venetian Cuisine with a Bib Gourmand

Estrò – Vino e Cucina

In Venice, brothers Alberto and Dario Spezzamonte run Estrò, a restaurant that balances a deep respect for tradition with a clear contemporary vision. Born in the city and passionate about food and wine since childhood, they opened Estro – Vino e Cucina in 2014. Alberto leads the kitchen, while Dario manages the front of the house and an impressive selection of wines.

The kitchen’s philosophy rests on simple pillars: seasonality, terroir, respect for tradition, and quality. Dishes are reinterpreted in a contemporary way, putting produce at the center. The menu changes often, drawing from the market and the lagoon. Starters might include a homemade Russian salad with local steamed spider crab, or char-grilled artichokes from Sant’Erasmo. Primi piatti range from a "Soupe à l'Oignon" risotto to homemade tagliatelle with a courtyard ragout of rabbit, guineafowl, and duck. Mains feature local fish like umbrine fillet with marinated courgettes and fava bean puree, or saffron-scented Adriatic monkfish.

The wine list is equally considered, built on respect for the terroir and the vigneron’s work. With over 700 bottles from around the world, it leans heavily toward natural wines, with a strong representation from France and Italy. Dario Spezzamonte is known for his principled approach—he doesn’t serve spritz, preferring to champion authentic, terroir-driven wines over industrial mixes.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, somewhere between a high-level wine bar and a gastro-bistrot. A 2018 renovation brought a more refined, aesthetic approach to the dishes without losing focus on the produce. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and value has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that highlights good quality, good value cooking.

Estrò serves lunch and dinner, with tasting menus and an à la carte option. Small pets are welcome, and the menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options.