Trattoria Misericordia

Remaining True to Venice’s Roots

TEXT: KIKI DEERE | PHOTO © TRATTORIA MISERICORDIA

Tucked away in Cannaregio, one of Venice’s prettiest and quietest ‘sestrieri’ (districts), well away from the city centre’s throngs of tourists, is Trattoria Misericordia, a canalside restaurant specialising in fish and seafood.

Cannareggio is home to the city’s historic Jewish Ghetto, founded in the early 16th century, when the Jews of Venice were forced to live together in one area of the city.

“Cannaregio is a largely residential area. Our restaurant offers customers a quiet corner to relax and enjoy a meal,” explains the owner of the trattoria. “We have remained true to our city and our country by offering dishes based on the riches of the Venetian Lagoon and of the Mediterranean Sea”.

Venice’s days as a port and merchant city have indeed left a long legacy on its cuisine. The menu at Trattoria Misericordia features ‘sarde in saor’, an ancient Venetian speciality consisting of fried sardines served with caramelised onions and vinegar. The history of the dish dates back centuries to a time when Venetian sailors used onions and vinegar to preserve fish during long sea crossings. To this day, this much-loved Venetian staple is traditionally enjoyed on the Festa del Redentore, commemorating the end of the plague of 1576.

Fish soup, grilled seafood, black-ink risotto, and spaghetti with clams are just some of the dishes on offer. Guests can dine al fresco in the leafy interior courtyard or soak in the atmosphere of this maritime city from one of the canalside tables.

trattoriamisericordia.com