Introduction, A Hidden Venetian Gem

Every so often, a dining experience lingers in your memory long after the final sip of limoncello. For me, El Magazen in Venice is one of those rare restaurants that manages to strike the perfect balance between refined fine dining and heartfelt hospitality. Tucked discreetly along one of Venice’s charming side streets, perched elegantly on the corner of a bridge, this modern yet cozy restaurant is the kind of place you might easily miss, until someone who knows Venice well whispers it in your ear.

That’s exactly how I found it. A trusted client of mine, someone whose taste I hold in the highest regard, insisted that El Magazen was not just one of the best meals of her life but a must visit when in Venice. With praise that glowing, I couldn’t resist! So, after a sunlit day wandering Murano, we eagerly anticipated our dinner reservation at this tucked away treasure.

Arrival & Welcome

The anticipation heightened the moment we received a call from the owner himself, letting us know our table was ready early. We arrived around 8:30, delighted to be seated at the coveted window table. Despite the cool evening, the view was enchanting, Venetian lights reflecting across the quiet waterway outside.

The greeting was warm and genuine. Nino, our host for the evening, ushered us in with the kind of ease that makes you feel less like a guest and more like a dear friend arriving for dinner. Within minutes, he had us engaged in an enthusiastic conversation about wine, particularly his recommendation, a Garangheo from Dorado. One sip was enough to confirm we’d made the right choice, and we ordered the bottle without hesitation!

Even the tableware set the tone for the night. Our water glasses held a delicate Murano glass ball at the base, a subtle yet beautiful nod to Venetian craftsmanship, while our wine glasses were exquisitely slender, enhancing the entire ritual of enjoying wine. These details may seem small, but together they created a sense of dining theatre that carried through the evening.

The Menu, Curated and Considered

One of the pleasures of dining at El Magazen is its thoughtfully curated menu. Rather than overwhelming guests with endless choices, the à la carte menu presented just four options per course. It felt refreshingly intentional, a sign of confidence from the kitchen that each dish had been perfected. For those seeking a more immersive experience, five and seven course tasting menus were also available, complete with optional wine pairings.

Although we briefly considered the tasting menu, and yes, a flicker of envy crossed our minds when we saw the procession of courses arriving at nearby tables, we ultimately chose à la carte. With Nino’s guidance, we embarked on a journey through Venetian flavors with a few unexpected twists.

Starters, Sardines and Beef Tartare

The meal began with a flourish. At Nino’s suggestion, I ordered the Sarde fritte in panko, taccole, cipolla caramellata e salsa wasabi soia — fried sardines in panko with snow peas, caramelized onion, and wasabi soy. Now, I’ll admit, I am not usually a sardine lover. Yet, this dish converted me! The balance of flavors was masterful, rich, fresh, delicately seasoned, and presented with such elegance that each bite felt revelatory. It was, without question, the standout dish of the evening.

My fellow diner opted for the Battuta di Fassona, patate schiacciate all’erba cipollina, stracchino e bietolina — beef tartare with mashed potatoes infused with chives, stracchino cheese, and red chard. The dish was a triumph, silky, perfectly seasoned, and paired with subtle accompaniments that highlighted rather than overshadowed the quality of the meat. Both starters set a tone of refined indulgence without tipping into excess.

Mains, Pasta and Prawns

For our main courses, I chose the house special pasta, a delicate spaghetti infused with chili, garlic, and scampi tartare. The pasta was al dente perfection, infused with just the right balance of heat and aromatic garlic. My fellow diner’s prawns were equally memorable, their sweetness elevated by the chef’s confident hand with seasoning.

What stood out most was the portion sizing, generous enough to satisfy, yet never overwhelming. In a menu where richness played a starring role, restraint was a welcome, and wise, element of the experience.

Dessert, Tiramisu and Sweet Surprises

Of course, no Venetian meal would be complete without tiramisu, and at El Magazen it did not disappoint. Light, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it was everything you hope for in Italy’s most beloved dessert. We shared a portion, but in hindsight, I could have happily ordered my own!

But the indulgence didn’t stop there. Between each course, we were treated to little complimentary surprises, culinary interludes that elevated the entire evening. A delicate cod and cheese puff to start. Fresh bread served with beautifully aromatic olive oil. A palate cleansing mini cheesecake with biscuit between mains and dessert. And, finally, after the tiramisu, a playful finale of a chocolate rice crisp with raspberry jelly, an unexpected pairing that, eaten together, was pure delight!

These thoughtful touches made the meal feel layered, like a series of chapters in a beautifully told story.

Service & Hospitality

What truly sets El Magazen apart is its people. Nino was not only our host but also our guide through the evening, a storyteller, an educator, and, above all, a passionate ambassador for the restaurant. His warmth and attentiveness never felt rehearsed, instead, it was as though we were being welcomed into his home.

In the kitchen, his wife Yasmin brought the food to life with artistry and flair. Watching the seamless interplay between front and back of house felt like witnessing a duet, two people deeply in sync, channeling their passion into a shared creation. Their partnership is, in many ways, the soul of El Magazen.

The evening concluded with a gesture that perfectly encapsulated their hospitality. As we asked for the bill, Nino brought over two limoncellos, on the house! It was a small touch, but one that left us smiling long after we stepped back into the Venetian night.

Atmosphere & Setting

The interior of El Magazen is modern yet cozy, a blend of contemporary sophistication softened by Venetian charm. Curved plates, striking cutlery, and unusual tableware all added to the sense that this was a restaurant where every detail mattered. The playlist, soft, chilled, and perfectly curated, complemented the atmosphere beautifully, adding an understated soundtrack to an already romantic evening.

The dining room was full, the energy vibrant but never noisy. Most guests opted for the tasting menus, creating a sense of shared experience throughout the room. Our two hour dinner unfolded at a leisurely pace, allowing us to savor each course without ever feeling rushed.

Location & Practical Details

Address: Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina, 5402, Venice, 30132 VE
Opening Hours: 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm, 6.30 pm – 10.00 pm
Thursday: 6.30 pm – 10.00 pm only
Closed: Wednesday
Website: elmagazen.com

Like many of Venice’s best kept secrets, El Magazen is discreetly hidden. Located on a corner by one of the city’s bridges, it offers that quintessential Venetian moment when you stumble upon something magical just off the beaten path. It’s easily accessible yet feels like a discovery, a place you’re almost tempted to keep to yourself, though it’s far too good not to share!

The Story Behind El Magazen

El Magazen was born from romance, and it is designed for romantics. From the elegance of the smallest detail, to the overwhelming quality of the raw materials, everything here is about passion and connection.

Nino and Yasmin have shared a lot, including their love for catering. When you enter their restaurant, you are invited into their world, to be lulled by their warmth, and to experience a true romantic escape in Venice.

The philosophy is simple yet profound, food that intertwines tradition and innovation. Starting with fresh and healthy raw materials, Yasmin uses her expert touch, blending Venetian roots with global spices and techniques. The result is a cuisine that delights the eye, the palate, and the heart, a world without borders that speaks the universal language of love for food.

Who It’s Perfect For

El Magazen is, above all, a restaurant for those who love food not just as sustenance but as an experience. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening, for friends wanting to immerse themselves in Venetian flavors, and for serious foodies eager to discover a hidden gem. With vegetarian and vegan options available, it caters inclusively without compromising on creativity or quality.

Final Verdict

Would I return? Without hesitation! El Magazen delivered one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Venice, a restaurant where the food, wine, service, and atmosphere combine into something truly special. High end yet unpretentious, refined yet warm, it’s the kind of place that captures the essence of Venetian dining in a way that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.

If you visit Venice and only have time for one truly unforgettable dinner, let it be this one! Book the window table, trust Nino’s recommendations, and prepare yourself for a meal that will linger in your memory long after you’ve left the floating city.