On the picturesque Riva degli Schiavoni, the romantic restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the San Marco basin is housed within the Hotel Danieli, the legendary 5-star hotel that has celebrated two hundred years of history in 2022. Erected in the 15th century by the Dandolo’s family, descendants of the mighty Doge Enrico Dandolo, famous for the conquest of Constantinople in 1204, it became one of the most luxurious palaces of the St. Mark Basin. Allegedly, in fact, it was decorated with the booty of gold, marble and Byzantine artworks carried by the Doge in Venice from the Ottoman Empire.

In 1822 part of the palace was rented by Giuseppe Dal Niel, known as “Danieli”, who converted it into a hotel, managing to buy it a few years later. In those years the building undertook also an extensive restoration that transformed the entrance hall into the apotheosis of Moorish arches, oriental columns and golden stairs that we know today.

The terrace of the Hotel Danieli overlooking the San Marco basin is the most beautiful 180° view of Venice, wonderfully kissed by the last rays of the day that fall on the Basilica della Salute.

The interiors are an ensemble of works of art, antique furniture, Murano chandeliers and gold-leafed ceilings that makes Danieli one of the hotel-museums most iconic in the world. Its terrace is definitely the most impressive in Venice with a 180° view over Giardini della Biennale, Isola di San Giorgio and Punta della Dogana; but it’s not just all about the panorama as the rooftop’s restaurant is just as “spectacular“.

The menu follows the flow of the seasons reinterpreting the tradition with modern techniques that do not leave any space to chemistry, in favor of the respect of food and its nutritional properties without the use of semi-finished products.

Follwing a sustainable philosophy, the Chef places the best products of the territory such as the Lagoon fish, the Alpago lamb, Dolomites cheeses as well as the tastiest local vegetables such as Treviso red chickory, the broccoli from Creazzo or the artichokes from Sant’Erasmo. The vegetarian and vegan menus are also excellent.

For the 200th anniversary of the Hotel, it has been created a Bicentennial Menu, in cooperation with the historian Samanta Cornaviera, a 7-course tasting journey that presents, revisiting them, the culinary trends in vogue in the last 200 years of the Hotel’s history such as the Oysters in Venetian Sauce of 1868 or the Risotto alla Dandolo from 1909. Also a classic, do not miss also the Venice By Brunch event, Danieli’s Sunday brunch with Ferrari wines served ad libitum.

The wine cellar is the one of the great occasions: over 450 labels ranging from Ferrari bubbles, through Poja di Allegrini or Valpolicella Quintarelli, to vintage Petrus champagne or Ornellaia Bianco.

On the ground floor, there is the famous Bar Dandolo, undoubtedly one of James Bond’s favorite bars who “frequents” the Danieli in at least two of his films: From Russia with Love (1963) and Moonraker (1979). And it is precisely in honor of the famous spy that the house cocktail is called “Vesper Martini”, from the name of the Bond Girl who appeared in the first book of the saga, Casino Royale of 1953, served strictly “shaken, not stirred”.

A dinner on the terrace, at the corner table towards Punta della Dogana, preceded by a few cocktails, is certainly one of the experiences to do, together with a special person, at least once in a lifetime.

The Secret

When staying at the Hotel Danieli do it big! The Doge Dandolo Royal Suite is one of the hundred most beautiful suites in the world. Restored four years ago by Pierre-Yves Rochon, it is famous for having been the protagonist, in the film The Tourist, of the love between Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp (in reality the room was replicated exactly the same in another location). The 150-square meter apartment is furnished with original 15th-century furniture, Rubelli upholstery, handmade glass decor by Archimede Seguso, a king-size bed to rest in the shade of an original 18th-century fresco by Jacopo Guarana and bathroom in white marble with spa and golden taps. It is here that Gabriele D’Annunzio invited actress Eleonora Duse, conquering her with a private dinner prepared in the living room of the suite. Have we given you an idea?

Useful Info

Riva degli Schiavoni 4196
30122 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5226480

Ristorante Terrazza Danieli
Every day 12.00 — 15.00, 19.00 — 22.30
Tasting menu: from 150 euro per person, wines and cover charge excluded, with wine pairing 210 euro
First courses: 32 — 46 euro
Second courses: 32 — 66 euro
Sunday brunch (12.30 — 15.00): 145 euros including wines (from May to October)

Bar Terrazza Danieli
From 15.00 to 18.30 from May to October
Cocktail: about 20 euro

Bar Dandolo
Every day 9.30 — 1.00
The afternoon tea: served with a selection of pastry, sweet and savory products (scones, canapés, Venetian biscuits, etc.), 42 euro per person, or 56 euro per person including a glass of champagne
Advance booking is recommended.