Hostaria Da Franz

Without a doubt, by far, my best culinary experience in my life, and I am 61. Fantastic food and amazing service and ambiance. I am in no way connected to this restaurant (we are visiting from Florida), and I am used to good food and service. But, truly, this dining experience will be one I remember forever. Bravo!!!

Overall, I disappointed with
the food. I would never recommend this restaurant. I don’t like not having a menu and not knowing the prices. The portions were ridiculously small, presentation was pretty but the main course was 4 bites and lots of bones. Pasta with clams were good. Shrimp cake was all breading. When I explained this to Maurico all he did was shrug his shoulders and say that is how they prepare the food. That is not how I would expect a restaurant of this reputation to react. Disappointing experience.

I’m staying in a 1-​star hotel just steps away from this 5-​star restaurant. Came because of the Unilocal reviews (which were few, but very good.) Stayed for the incredible experience. I’ve eaten at many good restaurants and this was easily one of the best.
Maurizio, the owner (and second generation restauranteur), not only greets you at the door, but presents today’s (verbal) menu (no prices) to you. He’s passionate about food and his restaurant. Everything is what’s fresh, right now; somethings are are only available a few weeks out of the year. (Today it’s Sicilian swordfish.)
My experience began with a bottle of white Italian wine he recommended; something different than I’d ever had, but paired perfectly with what I ordered. At $ 33 euro I thought it was reasonably priced.
Dinner began with a complimentary glass of Prosecco and then, a cuttlefish and polenta amuse bouche. Can’t remember my appetizer course, but it was light and flavorful. Next was the shrimp spaghetti in a light tomato and avocado sauce with cilantro (which I generally dislike intensely, but was great here.) My main was sea bass, perfectly cooked. I never have this many courses, but am so glad I did this time. Portions were perfect and I kept wanting to experience one dish after another.
Timing of each course was well-​paced and service staff very attentive. Maurizio checked in often to see how I was enjoying things.
Because the preceding were so good, I decided to have tiramisu for dessert. It’s a cliché I’ve avoided in Italy until now, but I thought there was a good chance his would be special. I recounted this to Maurizio and asked if his was as good as his other courses. He said he felt sorry for the next place I ordered it.
He was right. The flavors were perfect and the dish very light with a perfect hint of coffee and wonderful chocolate. A perfect end to a perfect meal. So good, I made a reservation to return in two days.
Total cost $ 119euros; worth every cent.
My only suggestion is to dim the lights to enhance the magic and romance of the room.

Sensational. Away from the clatter of Venice on a quiet street shared with a few other nice places Da Franz seems hidden and unpopular. We walked in a bit concerned because the entryway was empty and were greeted by the warm & passionate owner. Here is a man proud of the food and with good reason. Everything is fresh and creatively prepared. The old classic dishes are well executed with subtle improvements and there are exciting but not pretentious options too. Expansive wine list and realistic prices. Friendly and efficient servers.

That was an exceptional experience. The owner of this place greets you when you enter. Does not matter if you have or not have reservations, you will be accommodated, taken care of, and up to a outstanding culinary treat! Every bite of food we eat, and every sip of wine and beer were sensational! The service is impossible to bit. Will always recommend it to all friends who travel to Venice as a great opportunity to experience Venetian hospitality, and gourmet food and drinks.

Dont miss!!! One of the most incredible meals. He did an incredible job, completely trusted the menu and food and every bite was sensational. The wine was amazing. They truly go above and beyond in details and it did not go unnoticed. Will always return to here. Maurizio was amazing. Dont miss. And with ordering great wine and all the food we wanted the meal was still only around $ 150. Definitely will return.

We’ve been to Venice five times now, and Hostaria da Franz is the best of every place we’ve tried. Be comfortable with the fact there are no menus, just a daily run down of the best of locally-​sourced food by the fantastic Maurizio. Be comfortable that no prices are quoted — even going all-​out, our meal last night was a reasonable € 200 or so. Genuinely excellent Venetian experience
This was our third visit, but the first to the new, much easier to find, location. And it has become even better. Many reviews will tell you how fantastic the locally-​sourced-​only food is, or how welcoming host Maurizio is. Just know that the way it works is: no menu — Maurizio will run through what is good that day, but with no prices. We have seen a few Americans look a little uncomfortable with no menu to peruse, but this works so well. For Venice, the lack of prices is not a cause for concern. My wife and I had the full experience and the bill was around € 200, which was around half that at Cip’s Club, but da Franz was twice the experience. The restaurant is relaxed, dress is informal, they take cards. All in, this is easily the best restaurant we’ve found in Venice in 5 visits, and people do get advised to come by the concierge at The Danieli, so we aren’t wrong…