Hyped Venice Restaurant Opens in Former Monastery-Turned-Hotel

VERO restaurant at Ca' di Dio hotel offers a contemporary take on traditional Venetian cuisine and hospitality.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:55pm

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One of Venice's most hyped new restaurants, VERO, is located inside the Ca' di Dio hotel, a former monastery-turned-luxury property. Led by Chef Carmine Amarante, VERO's menu blends traditional Venetian cicchetti and pasta dishes with the chef's Naples roots and global culinary influences. The hotel itself, designed by Patricia Urquiola, offers a tranquil respite from the crowds of central Venice, with stunning lagoon views and easy access to the city's art scene.

Why it matters

As Venice continues to grapple with the challenges of mass tourism, the opening of VERO at the Ca' di Dio hotel represents a shift towards a more thoughtful, immersive hospitality experience that celebrates the city's rich history and culinary traditions. The restaurant's focus on slow, seasonal cooking and the hotel's serene setting provide a welcome alternative to the typical tourist traps.

The details

VERO's menu features Amarante's reinterpretations of classic Venetian dishes, such as his take on schie (tiny gray lagoon shrimp) served atop a thin polenta disc. The pasta courses draw inspiration from Amarante's time working in Japan, Italy, and beyond, showcasing his skill in blending traditional and contemporary techniques. The hotel's bar, Alchemia, also puts a modern spin on Venetian aperitivo culture, with cocktails like the Salnegroni made with locally distilled Sal Gin.

  • Ca' di Dio dates back to the 1200s, having served as a hostel, monastery, home for single women, and retirement residence over the centuries.
  • The property was recently transformed into a 66-room luxury hotel as part of the VRetreats collection.
  • VERO restaurant opened inside the Ca' di Dio hotel in 2026.

The players

Carmine Amarante

The chef at VERO restaurant, known for his contemporary take on traditional Venetian cuisine that blends influences from his Naples roots and global culinary experiences.

Patricia Urquiola

The renowned Spanish designer who oversaw the interior design of the Ca' di Dio hotel, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the 66 rooms while highlighting the property's historic architecture.

Chiara Vierchowod

The general manager of the Ca' di Dio hotel, which is part of the VRetreats collection of luxury properties in Italy.

Marco Vecchiato

The head bartender at Alchemia, the hotel's bar, who has created modern interpretations of classic Venetian aperitivo cocktails.

Ca' di Dio

A luxury hotel in Venice's Castello district, housed in a former monastery-turned-property that has served various functions over the past eight centuries.

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What they’re saying

“Coming from Tokyo, a city defined by precision, speed, and rigorous organization, Venice had a profound impact on the way I cook. Venice moves at a completely different rhythm. Here, cooking means respecting time, distance, and limits: ingredients arrive by water, logistics are slower, and every decision must be made well in advance.”

— Carmine Amarante, Chef, VERO restaurant

“It is without doubt one of the best sunset views in Venice, and on Festa del Redentore and New Year's Eve the fireworks are directly in front of Ca' di Dio with uninterrupted lagoon views.”

— Chiara Vierchowod, General Manager, Ca' di Dio hotel

“To visit Alchemia Bar is to taste Venice in its purest, most contemporary form - a city of salt, stories, and centuries-old craft, reimagined with intention and respect.”

— Marco Vecchiato, Head Bartender, Alchemia Bar

What’s next

The Ca' di Dio hotel is expected to be a popular destination during the 2026 Venice Biennale, the city's renowned art and architecture exhibition. Visitors are advised to book rooms early, as May is the peak season, and to use the hotel's calm Castello location as a respite between visiting the Biennale's Giardini and Arsenale exhibition sites.

The takeaway

The opening of VERO restaurant at the Ca' di Dio hotel represents a shift towards a more thoughtful, immersive hospitality experience in Venice that celebrates the city's rich history and culinary traditions. By blending contemporary design, seasonal cuisine, and a serene setting, the property offers a welcome alternative to the typical tourist traps, providing visitors with a chance to slow down and truly connect with the essence of Venice.