Riva del Vin is one of Venice's most historic spots: for centuries, ships laden with wine docked here, bound for the Serenissima's Fontego (warehouse). Today it is one of the few quays where you can sit at table one metre from the Grand Canal — and this is where the Sommariva family has welcomed guests since 1985.
From the 13th century this quay was the main landing for Venetian wine: boats from Verona, Padua and Friuli unloaded barrels for the San Polo warehouses. The name 'Riva del Vin' (Wine Quay) survives, and with it the convivial calling of the place.
Terrazza Sommariva is at number 731, under the arcades of the historic building. Interior room with Venetian mirrors and outdoor terrace facing the canal — one of the few with tables on the very edge of the water.
It is the narrow stretch of Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and the church of San Silvestro. Away from the busiest tourist routes, steps from the Rialto market: a position that combines view, authenticity and relative quiet.
Riva del Vin 731, 30125 Venezia. 12 minutes on foot from the station; 2 minutes from the Rialto Bridge (San Polo side). Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop, 100 metres.
Riva del Vin, 731 — 30125 Venezia VE