Luxury hotel Aman Venice has been the place of high-society soirées since the 16th century. Formerly the Palazzo Papadopoli, this grand Baroque building houses original frescoes – by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo – and Neo-Renaissance decor have been restored to their former opulence.

Palazzo Papadopoli, is one of the city’s eight monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice embodies all that is sumptuous and sensuous about La Serenissima. Rococo works of art are offset by the contemporary restraint of Jean-Michel Gathy interiors, while private gardens – rare in this floating city – are overlooked by opulent dining venues and spacious suites. 

Just a short walk away from Piazza San Marco, Aman Venice offers the perfect place from which to explore this romantic city, and to discover the hidden gems of the city while floating away on a traditional gondola.

Traveling in high style, we arrived to the private Aman pier for lunch in a classic glossy Mahogany Motoscafi. Aman’s sumptuous Yellow Dining Room, and restaurant Arva, enjoys sweeping Grand Canal views below a towering ceiling painted by Cesare Rotta.

The dishes are a true love letter to Italy’s culinary heritage, think the best local produce and unfussy cooking with a warm atmosphere. Executive Chef Matteo Panfilio, originally from Tortona, Italy, approached the kitchen at an early age. Observing and helping his grandmother prepare traditional Italian dishes and fresh pasta, Matteo developed a deep passion for ingredients, combined with the desire to learn the very best techniques to enhance their flavors in every dish.

Each day, sustainable, seasonal produce, and fresh fish and organic meats are brought from the Rialto market, the Venetian lagoon and its islands. Salad greens are grown on Sant’Erasmo island.

Embraced by subdued quiet elegance, the low overstuffed slipper chairs glide whisper soft across the ancient polished parquet wood floor. I felt like I was in a cathedral, swathed in splendor and silence.

Immediately presented with a pale rose bubbly and finely rolled bread sticks, we began our elegant Lunch Odyssey! We nibbled and swooned over the cloud like Potato dough Focaccia, with green olives and datterini tomatoes, followed by an aromatic white truffle tagliolini with in season asparagus. No, per piacere, leave the Focaccia! Bites of milk and honey chicken from Padua and seasonal mushrooms, and a yummy mixed green salad. I was on a Risotto Mission, endlessly repeating do you remember the Risi E Bisi!?- A risotto dish of peas and grains, which evoked peals of giggles! Sipping a light white bubbly from a hand-blown Venetian flute enhanced the decadent lunch. Am I in heaven?

Arva is worth a visit even if you are staying elsewhere, but why would you?

The Palazzo Kitchen Table is a unique dining space that can include market strolls with the chef, private dining experiences, and cooking classes. Taking place in this intimate kitchen setting overlooking the private garden, each experience brings guests face to face with Aman Venice Executive Chef, Matteo Panfilio, for a celebration of culinary creativity and locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.

A world of fine wine. In addition to indulging in exclusively created dishes, guests at The Palazzo Kitchen Table will be introduced to Aman Venice’s exemplary wine cellar. The hotel has accumulated an extensive and wide-ranging collection of some of the world’s finest wines, including rare vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne in France, as well as a 1995 Merlot from Tuscany in Italy.

The Bar Overlooking the secret garden beside the Grand Canal, Aman Bar serves drinks, tea, late-night snacks and light meals – including Aman’s take on classic Venetian cicchetti – from midday until midnight. A homage to Lord Byron, it’s a warm and inviting space. Explore the largest selection of gins in Venice or request a bespoke cocktail from the award-winning resident mixologist.

Mixology with Antonio Ferrara. Step into a world of refined flavors and expert craftsmanship, embarking on a cocktail making experience Aman Venice’s head mixologist, Antonio Ferrara. At the bar, Antonio shares his deep knowledge of mixology, guiding guests through an exploration of unique ingredients, techniques and combinations. As he describes the story behind each cocktail he creates, he moves with precision and grace, showcasing a symphony of color and aroma. Saluti!

Aman Venice Rooms Signature Rooms and Suites which vary in size and configuration, feature works by a number of Italy’s greatest artists – including 16th-century architect Sansovino and 18th-century painter Tiepolo. Contemporary furnishings complement authentic silk wall coverings, chandeliers, wood paneling, chinoiserie and painted ceilings, with many rooms offering Grand Canal views.  

Highly Recommend!