28th Jan - An institution (Harry’s Bar)

Well it’s been a while since we’ve been able to visit a Michelin starred restaurant for a meal. We couldn’t find one in the right area whilst in France (seems crazy given that’s where the concept started) and we had despaired of Italy as well. However, we managed to go to Harry’s Bar in Venice with Roma and experience a real institution in Venice dining.

Mum, Tam and Mark at Harry's

I had read about Harry’s Bar in books and seen comments on it in articles about the top restaurants in Europe, so we had high expectations. We got dressed up (as best we could in 1 degree weather with a high chill factor). After perusing the menu which is designed twice a day based on the absolute freshest foods, we decided on just one course each. I had green taglietelle with veal ragu which was beautiful. Mark had shrimp and zucchini risotto and Roma had the Classic Chicken (which was really beautifully cooked) but extremely plain (surprisingly) and came with steamed veggies. Mark and I shared a slice of the divine vanilla meringue pie, which was eaten before a picture could be taken. After 1.5 courses, half a carafe of wine, bottled water and a coffee, it cost almost as much as the Copenhagen Michelin restaurant where we ate 4 courses! Oh well, you only experience this once and it had fantastic service, (4 waiters in white coats and bow ties attending to our every need) and a great ambience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Green taglietelle with veal ragu


Mum's $100 Australian roast chicken!


Shrimp and zucchini risotto