You go to Venice and you want to experience what Venice has to offer. There are churches and squares. There are gondola rides. Museums. Art. Cafes. And tourist traps. There are also restaurants and restaurants and restaurants. There is an endless list of the same things to eat all the time. It does not matter. In this post, I’ll tell you about my visit to Mira Hostaria Pizzeria, and about our dining experience in Venice.
But then you go down the block and find something different. It is not big. It is small. Maybe 20 people if you are lucky. You can see through the front window and there is the chef cooking. Making something fresh and looking tasty. You can smell it coming from the front door.
It was dinner time and with friends, we had arrived in Venice and were looking for something new not far from where we were staying. We saw the chef cooking in the window and a small crowd of fewer than 10 people inside. There might have been only a few seats left if that. It looked interesting so we went in and were able to have a table.
This is when it all changed. Welcome to MIRA HOSTARIA PIZZERIA. This place is situated nicely by the canal. It is an experience you will not forget.
START WITH A BELLINI AND PREPARE FOR DINING IN VENICE
Where to begin? First is a cocktail that was first created in Venice. The Bellini. It was made at Harry’s Bar but is served everywhere now. And this was a place to start. It was fresh and cool. The right sweet taste to enjoy as you look at the menu. It is not a large menu. You can ask the waiter to assist you as you ask questions and wonder what to have.
We then looked back at the menu and took our time. The first thing we did was to order the Antipasto. Very typical in Italy, or being Italian. We do like the mix of cheese, salami, prosciutto, tomatoes and olives. Naturally, it has some fresh warm bread to break and use as you take a bite. Along with the Bellini, it is ideal as you decide what to have.
We also had a selection of Capricciosa – raw fresh beef that is so thin you are afraid to miss it. But it is there with a taste and topping of olive oil that compliments the bite with an extra slice of bread as well.
As we took our time we did enjoy what we had already. Then we made the selection and discussed it with Baggi, the gentleman who waited on us. It was a good selection. Since the four of us liked it so much we ordered 6 entrees. Might as well as where are on vacation, and being Italian you do like to eat. So we did.
THE TASTE TO ENJOY IN VENICE
Even after the antipasto, this is where the fun can begin. You have the course come to you as it is being created and finished by the chef at the front of the shop. He and the team are making each dish fresh. This is not mass-produced. It is for each person who orders. There is no extra. There are no leftovers. It is made for you.
Again, where to begin? First, it was fresh Prawns that were very large and fresh. Like right out of the sea. It was slightly grilled and cooked. It had a light mixture of spices for taste. It is topped with a little olive oil to enrich the flavor. They are waiting for you as you take a bite that you can enjoy. Excellent.
The Haddock
Next, we have a selection of fresh Haddock. A write firm fish that is also fresh. It is as if this was caught in the morning and served tonight. The thing is slightly grilled and not overcooked. It is tasty with some accent of spice to enrich the flavor. We liked this so much we had two of these.
Naturally, we needed to have some pasta. Of course, this was freshly made that day. You can see them making fresh pasta upfront as you sit behind them waiting. This Rigatoni Pasta had Pesto. It was not overcooked. Aldente. And there was the pesto that covered the pasta. Nothing extra. The best part was that there were pistachio nuts spread on top. It was an interesting complement to what you expected. We had to have two of these as well. You could not go wrong on this.
And don’t forget the Spaghetti and Muscles. These are also fresh from the sea. Gust enough combination of tomatoes, garlic, pepper and oil. It is a taste with each bite you will enjoy. Especially with pasta that is also freshly made.
NEXT FOR DESSERT.
After a meal like this, who needs dessert? That is for you to decide. We had enjoyed the meal completely and we left the dessert very light. A bit of Tiramisu and some Biscotti. They are perfect with some espresso after the dinner we had. You could not go wrong.
There is a small amount to select from. You can discuss with the team and figure what you might want. But the main course is what this is all about. To have a meal you could not imagine but could enjoy.
MIRA HOSTARIA PIZZERIA IS A PLACE TO VISIT
We enjoyed our stay at MIRA HOSTARIA PIZZERIA. Even with a pizza, which we are sure we would have enjoyed.
MIRA offered everything you might want to try. From the appetizer to the dessert, and everything in between, it was all here. Biaggi and the team were here to help you. The chef was THE chef. He knew what he was making and how to make it better. His team supported him and he supported them.
This was a great meal in a very small space. There were only 20 of us at the most in the establishment. And there was no rush. We were in at a reasonable time and lasted for over 2 hours. We were the last to leave. Even some of the team was eating their dinner before we finished and said good night.
Grolam, the chef, magically transforms a simple dish into an amazing culinary experience. We were in heaven sipping wine, and eating amazing food while next to the canal. The prices were very reasonable. The whole experience was the best!
If you are going to Venice then it is time to go to MIRA HOSTARIA PIZZERIA. You are not going for a slice and a drink. You are going to take a step off the Grand Canale and have a dinner that was worth the trip for when you arrived.
Grazie!
You can check out more reviews here on Tripadvisor.
Location: MIRA HOSTARIA PIZZERIA, Santa Croce 555/A, 30100 Venezia
There is NO website. Just ask!
