(updated 30 August 2020)
A trip to Venice is never a trip without an excursion to Burano, probably my favourite island (yes, even more so than Venezia), only because the colours, the solitude, and the tranquility calm me and inevitably bring a smile to this sometimes-hardened face.
Nites
In my next iteration, I will build a small, boutique hotel on Burano so that a lucky few can enjoy the wonders of this magical island. Why, you ask? Because there are no hotels on this island! But thanks to the folks at Venissa (http://www.venissa.it/ospitalita/wine-resort-camere/) they’ve begun buying individual flats at both the restaurant location on Mazzorbo as well as around Burano. I must admit that I have not had the pleasure of staying here but it won’t be long. Trust me!
Bites
Venissa (http://www.venissa.it/) is three parts, not equal but each divine in their own right. Il Vino is a lovely wine tasting venue of their outstanding local wine. Il Ristorante is their Michelin starred restaurant that serves haute italiana cuisine, if I can say that. They specialize in either 5-, 7-, or 9- course menus, and none are cheap, but I would argue that each is worth the experience. They also offer a la carte but don’t expect the prices at the local trattoria. And then there is the Osteria, which is my favourite, simply because I love the décor, the staff are outstanding, and the food divine. It’s still not nona’s cooking at the local osteria, so the prices are a little higher, but my goodness it is worth it.
And if you’re on Burano during the day, and you need a bite to eat, the Trattoria al Gatto Nero is just as wonderful, and just as difficult to get a table at. So, make a reservation in advance or be prepared to wait in line for up to an hour or more https://www.gattonero.com/.
There are of course pizzerias along the main tourist area, and scattered along the numerous canals but it is the above that I would gravitate too without hesitation.
Sites
There aren’t specific places that one must seek out while in Burano, or Mazzorbo, but, instead, walk. Just walk, and walk, and walk, and when you find a canal that looks intriguing, take it. It’s an island after all, and a small as well, so you really can’t get lost except for getting lost in the stunning colours of the city.
