The panorama is definitely one to remember. In fact, Al Traghetto rises in a very suggestive place, where the Cortellazzo’s mobile bridge embraces the Piave river just before it flows into the Adriatic sea, offering truly unique view and colours.

It is here, surrounded by unspoiled nature and the lifting of the fishing scales and fishermen’s nets, that Sergio Capiotto in the 60s gave life to a chip shop, benefiting from the heavy transit of the area and the generous availability of the raw material, the best fish of the upper Adriatic.

Our grandfather has always fought for the traditions of the local people and their trades, a path that we still continue, offering our guests the most authentic emotions of this corner of the Venetian countryside.

(Sergio and Riccardo Capiotto)

Sergio’s grill, still the star of the restaurant’s outdoor area today, gains increasing acclaim and, slowly, with the support of his family and in particular of his son Mauro, the small business grows to become one of the most renowned restaurants on the whole coast. Today it is his grandchildren Sergio, maître d’, and Riccardo, the chef, who carry on this tradition, enriching it with new flavors and highly refined style details.

And if the grilled fish remains the much-loved local specialty, a fun showcooking when chef Riccardo prepares his creations in front of guests, today Al Traghetto is also known for its great creative research. Thus on the menu we find traditional recipes, like the grilled eel, alongside more contemporary dishes such as excellent raw fish, amberjack sashimi or fresh fettuccine pasta with scampi and truffles.

The catch comes from trusted suppliers of the Caorle fish market, where ancestral fishing methods still survive, ensuring top-quality raw material. Faithful to the “rural” soul of the place, Riccardo has also created a small vegetable garden in front of the restaurant where he grows all the vegetables that complement his dishes.

In the summer, you can have a truly wonderful dinner in the gazebo facing the river, arriving strictly before sunset to enjoy some bubbles while admiring the thousand colors of the water. Perhaps by boat, by taking advantage of the romantic mooring pier that allows you to arrive from the sea by crossing the mouth of the river which is just a kilometer away.

The wine cellar of the restaurant has over 200 references that insist on bubbles and whites in particular from Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy and Champagne, and also includes various international excellences on the menu, such as Etna wines or renowned French Bordeaux blends, all personally selected by Sergio.

At sunset, a dinner at Al Traghetto, capturing the magical spirit of these places, is certainly an experience to do at least once in a lifetime.

The Secret

One of the secrets of the proverbial Al Traghetto grill? The corn cobs that form the embers as they constitute the best technique for cooking fresh fish without risking contaminating its flavor with other odors. This way you can enjoy both tastes and aromas of the raw material cooked in the traditional way, without having to add any seasonings that would alter the flavor of the food.

Useful Info

Ristorante Al Traghetto
Via Massaua 33
30016 Cortellazzo, Jesolo, Venezia
Tel. + 39 0421 378020