On my favorite island of Venice, Dorsoduro, is the wonderful canal-side restaurant, Ristorante Riviera. The white table cloths and sunset location ensure that it feels like a special occasion. The attentive, but relaxed service allows you to feel comfortable and focus on the beautiful food at hand and time with your fellow diner.

On this night of a full moon, the sun set on one side…

…as the full moon rose on the other.

Always a sucker for scallops, I had to begin the meal with these gratineed beauties.

The gentleman opted for the linguine with clams which must have been delicious as it was quickly gobbled up.

While my main doesn’t look so pretty (or at least my photography skills fail me), I solemnly affirm that this is the most delicious dish- seabass filled ravioli. While it’s just four ravioli, the filling is more than generous and this dish is something I have and will continue to order time and time again.

Despite being at a seafood restaurant on the water, the Gentleman chose the lamb chops which he also adored.

Ristorante Riviera is an absolute gem on the outskirts of mainland Venice and I look forward to sharing with friends and family.