Al Poggio

Reviews

• Olivia C.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 17 September 2026

  Let me start by saying that I TRULY wish that I could give this place more stars, because the food was AMAZING. We split the arrabiata, because I have some stomach problems and can't eat a lot at once, and ordered a 1/2 liter of the house Chardonnay, both of which were flavorful and smooth.
  
  When we ordered the arrabiata, the waiter said "are you sure? it's very small. I will bring bread," and walked off before we could tell him no. I had seen the €2 cover charge and 12% service charge on the menu, but assumed that at least covered bread, as it does in most Italian restaurants. Nope! We were charged €6.50 for the pizza base covered in garlic that WE DID NOT ASK FOR, and which was billed as "foccacia" (spoiler: it was not.) so if you are counting, we have now paid €4 each for a "cover" that covers nothing, €6.50 for fake foccacia, and €3.50 to pay a waiter who brought us food we didn't want and insisted we pay for it.
  
  And it's a shame... because like I said, the food was incredible.

• Anna I.

  star star star star star_border 31 August 2026

  My boyfriend and I were trying to figure out where to go for dinner while visiting Venice. When you walk along the streets, there are lots of restaurant employees out trying to get you to come eat their food. A women was able to usher us in, mostly because we weren't really sure where the heck to go and their menu looked somewhat decent. She was persistent and we said, well, why not? It was  windy and cold outside and we just wanted to pick something and warm up.
  
  Atmosphere: Small, rustic, romantic. There is a big bar near the front of the restaurant, outdoor eating is available. One of the walls has a cool map of Venice on it. Tables are small, close together, I believe most of them sat two each. We actually ended up sitting near another American couple and chatted with them for a little. The place was pretty quiet, but that could've been because Americans eat dinner much earlier than the majority of Italians.  
  
  Service: We were waited on fairly quickly. Our waiter did not speak the best English, but we were able to communicate what we wanted.  Our drinks came promptly after our order was taken. We were forewarned by the American couple we met in regards to some of the tricks of their service. They apparently ended up getting charged for wine, a bread basket, and dessert that they never ordered. Yikes! Our food took about 15-20 minutes to arrive. The waiter never checked in or offered more to drink (standard in Italy). We had to flag our waiter down for the menu, which by this point we had learned is the way things are done in Italy. It took awhile for the bill to come and we checked it thoroughly after being warned by the American couple. They didn't overcharge us for anything, but after reading others reviews on this place I can see there is a pattern to this. So, perhaps, be careful when ordering here?
  
  Food: I got a Margarita pizza and my boyfriend got the spaghetti with bolognese sauce. My pizza was actually really good. The crust was thin, crispy, no burnt spots. There was a good sauce to cheese ratio. Maybe a little heavier on the cheese than I personally like (I'm a pizza snob). I liked that I could actually taste the sauce. Per my boyfriend, his pasta was cooked properly, there was a good amount of beef, the sauce was tasty. He liked that there were some fresh minced tomatoes on top as garish that he could mix into the pasta. He also liked the balsamic drizzle on the plate, which added a little extra kick. We can't really complain about the food.
  
  Cost: As mentioned above, we really didn't get overcharged. The cost for my pizza and his pasta seemed reasonable based on the other placed we had eaten. There is that extra service charge as always but other than that we were charged for exactly what we ordered. Portions were also generous so I think you get your money's worth.
  
  I can't give this place a bad review based on my own personal experience. If this restaurant has a downfall it would be in the service area because of the pushiness, difficulty in communicating, and wait for the bill. I am sorry other people seem to have had a bad experience here. I love pizza and would at least definitely go back for another pizza! I'd say give it a try, be aware of the reputation about extra charges, but go with an open mind and focus on the taste of the food. Hallelujah for pizza!

• Miles C.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 29 August 2026

  0 star, 0 star, 0 star. They have unreasonable table and service fee. They don't provide full information for ordering and much overly provide the food with very high charge. Definitely do not go!

• Angela L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 29 August 2026

  I wish I could give this place a negative star if possible. Please read reviews before coming to eat here! It's a tourist trap!!!!
  
  1) My boyfriend wanted to order the seafood pasta, and the waiter was insistent on him ordering the lobster one. He didn't tell us the price, but kept pushing it upon us. So we said, why not. Turns out, his plate was 54 euros.
  2) The waiter asked us if we wanted bread, and we thought it was the free bread restaurants normally give. But no, it wasn't!!
  
  We were tricked and our bill was over 80 euros, when all we really wanted was the seafood pasta that was 18 euros and my mushroom pasta for 12 euros.
  
  This place is a scam. Please please read this before walking in here. We were tired and hungry on our first day in Venice and did not check yelp reviews, but we can relate to all these other yelpers that went here.
  
  Truly an unethical business. Will never, ever come back. No wonder this place had no wait and barely anyone in the restaurant. It's a SCAM and they are stealing.

• Mike P.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 29 August 2026

  Spotted the Al Poggio restaurant one night across the street from our hotel while in Venice Italy so we went over to check out the menu.  A pleasant greeter welcomed us while we were reviewing the English version menu and explained the specials for that day at the restaurant.   After some discussion my wife and I decided to dine here that night.
  
  We ordered a penne pasta and lasagna for entrees.  In addition we decided to enjoy a bottle of wine recommended by our waiter.  The pasta dishes were decent and the wine was good.
  
  Diner beware here at the "Pog".
  
  Once inside the specials were not offered.   We were served expensive wine without being notified of the price until the bill was delivered.
  
  Food is adequate here and comparable to other venues in Venice.  Business practices are to target the unsuspecting tourist / short term visitor.
  
  Make sure you ask questions here before you order!