Experience A Traditional Sailor’s Supper In The Venetian Lagoon

We could never find our host, we walked all over and we tried to call and text with no response. So we ate pizza at a local trattoria instead.🥲

Massimo is an excellent host. We shared this experience with a family of 4 so it was such an intimate event. We had the most amazing seafood, the tomatoes that were served were the ripest and so delicious. The focaccias we had were phenomenal, and anchovies that were so fresh and flavorful. The wine, the food, the stories, the company was so wonderful. You can come to Venice and eat at any restaurant but this was an experience as if you were in your friend’s home and they cooked just for you.

Wonderful time!! Massimo creates an intimate and relaxing evening. He clearly loves what he does - cooking, entertaining, and bringing people together. The food was wonderful, the table scape beautiful, and we left with new friends and a better understanding of what it is to be Venetian. Highly recommend!

Massimo was the most gregarious, charming storyteller and host. We loved visiting his home and sharing a meal with him. Authentic, magical, mouthwatering meals and all in all a brilliant evening. So grateful to be invited into his home. A memorable evening in the real Venice. Book your experience now!

An unforgettable evening inside a beautiful old Venetian house filled with candles, antique wood, and authentic charm. We shared a wonderful dinner with people from different countries and instantly felt like friends. The seven courses were fantastic, paired with excellent wine and great music. Massimo, our Venetian sailor and talented cook, prepared an incredible focaccia and a delicious fresh salad we’ll never forget. It truly felt like stepping into the real Venice, far from the usual tourist experience. A night of genuine hospitality, friendship, and amazing food. We will definitely return!

A true hidden gem in Venice. Massimo, a real Venetian sailor, welcomed us into his home in an ancient palace and created something unforgettable. We first met him in the street where he greeted us with a bottle of Prosecco and glasses, and strangers from distant places instantly became friends. Around his old wooden table, surrounded by candlelight, we shared incredible conversations, beautiful music, and truly sublime food. The menu was agreed beforehand, but he still surprised us with dishes you can only taste in real Venetian homes, never in restaurants. It felt like living the real Venice for one magical evening.Without any doubt, this was the best experience we had in Venice.

This was one of the most unforgettable nights we had in Venice. In a beautiful 500-year-old house, a Venetian sailor named Massimo hosts travelers for a candlelit dinner that feels like stepping into the real soul of the city. None of us knew each other at first, but soon the room was full of laughter, stories, and incredible aromas. Massimo kept us entertained while serving a wonderful seven-course dinner with fresh vegetables, homemade pasta, great cheeses, seafood, and old Venetian recipes you can truly taste only in a home. Wine flowed, the atmosphere was magical, and by the end we felt like friends sharing something special. If you want to discover the real Venice, don’t miss this dinner. Thank you, Massimo, for a magnificent night, we really discovered Venice with you

Dinner with “Sailor Max” in Venice was something truly special. We met in a tiny Venetian square, a small group of people from different parts of the world, and from the very first moment there was an easy, joyful atmosphere. Then Max arrived — full of sea stories, warmth, and that unmistakable sailor’s charisma — and the evening began. His home, a small 16th-century Venetian gem, was glowing with candles, good wine, and the smell of the sea. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever tasted seafood so fresh nd so beautifully prepared. Every dish felt like a celebration — simple, authentic, and incredibly high quality. More than a dinner, it was a life experience: real homemade food, fascinating conversations about the sea and Venetian history, and new friendships around the table. It felt like stepping intoa magical world far away from any restaurant — intimate, genuine, and unforgettable.

A private cooking class in Venice with Massimo was more than a lesson — it was a journey through time. Passionate about ancient dishes and the spice trade that made Venice famous, he guided us through the magical Rialto Market, sharing fascinating stories of history and flavor. Back in his tiny Venetian home — like stepping into an 18th-century spice shop — we created the most incredible risotto I have ever tasted: saffron, Parmigiano, a delicate orange cream he prepared, and a splash of Prosecco… absolutely unforgettable. We baked Renaissance-style bread, tasted forgotten recipes, and finished with heavenly Fritelle veneziane filled with cream. An intimate, delicious adventure that felt like a private museum visit and a dinner with a friend. I cannot recommend this experience enough — being with Massimo was pure magic.

An unforgettable evening in Venice, inside sailor Massimo’s beautiful historic home, filled with antique furniture, candles, and a stunning old wooden table that felt straight out of another century. From the first moment, it felt like stepping into the true, hidden Venice. We enjoyed four incredible seafood dishes, three different vegetable plates, homemade bread and focaccia, fresh handmade pasta, and a traditional Venetian dessert made with ancient flours. Everything was delicious, authentic, and prepared with care. The wine was exquisite.His father make. But beyond the exceptional food, it was the atmosphere and Massimo’s warm company that made the night extraordinary. We didn’t feel like tourists — we felt like friends invited into a real Venetian home. A fabulous, intimate, and truly unforgettable experience.

We had a fabulous time at Massimo's dinner. A true sailor and a great cook! He was very welcoming and entertaining. The food was excellent and plentiful. It was a very special experience to be able to share a delicious home-cooked meal in an historical Venetian home. The focaccia and tomatoes with frash burrata was amazing. I highly recommend them and would do it again the next time I am in Venice.Don t miss if you want a beautiful experience in a magic city like Venice. Was really a dinner with friends!

If you want Venetian authenticity, this is it! Massimo welcomed us into his home and treated us like family. Every element of our dining experience was unexpectantly delectable! He shared personal stories of growing up in Venice, family, and culinary norms - absolutely WONDERFUL. We left with a full heart!!!

We had a fabulous time at Massimo's dinner.it was amazing to see that dining together with people I'd never met before could be such a fun experience! Massimo created a uniquely fantastic atmosphere in her home that was truly unique as well. I had the best time - absolutely loved it! Food was excellent, we try many new things 😋. Fabulos dessert, with hot chocolate 🍫 on the top...not be missed

The dinner party at Massimo’s place was one of the highlights of our entire Italian vacation. We had such an incredible time meeting new people and trying new foods, and Massimo is, as described here many times over, the best hostess I can possibly imagine, and her staff was friendly and efficient as well. Highly recommend!!

Massimo’s dinner are a must in Venice. It feels like dining with an old friend and the food: delicious! Don’t hesitate if you want a memorable experience with amazing Italian food. Oh, and of course vino! Many thanks Massimo and Martina, was a lovely meal with true a venetians, and the other fellows was amazing!

This is a not to be missed event/meal! We had the absolute best meal of our holiday at Massimo’s home. He went above and beyond. I thought his outstanding mulit-course meal was better than some Michelin starred establishments I have been to a fabulous night out in every way! Massimo made this first "Dinner with Strangers" into an unforgettable feast. His exceptional feel for combining exquisite dishes into a well-rounded whole was staggering.

I've attended several EatWith dinners at Massimo's, with each proving to be a unique and memorable experience. This most recent was no exception. The meal was an amazing combination of seasonal ingredients and interesting spices. In addition to providing back stories on each course, he regaled us with stories of life at sea and interesting tidbits of local history. He is a thoughtful, charming, engaging, and entertaining host with some amazing stories and life experiences. It was also fun talking with the other guests. Wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who is lucky enough to be in Venice when Massimo is ashore!

What memorable night in Venice. There were eight guests total, including my friend and me. I’ve been very fortunate to enjoy several Michelin-starred dinners over the last few years, and the meal prepared by Max was overtake everything.A lovely setting, full of character. But the food is the star of the show. His menu was a love letter to the secret underground life in Venice. A jurney in the past with a hint of innovation. He thoroughly explained each course and any ingredients with which we were not familiar. I have already recommended the experience to my friends traveling to Venicr in the next year. If I return to Venice , the first thing I book after booking my flight will be reservations with Max.

We had a lovely evening with Massimo! His space is delightful and the meal that he prepared was delicious. He spent some time with us (between courses, of course) and our conversation was interesting and enjoyable. We met two friends and shared the evening’s pleasure. Next visit I will take a cooking class with him! Highly recommended.

Truly the most phenomenal food experience of our lives (and we seek out incredible food experiences). Talking and interacting with Massimo took what would have been a very impressive restaurant meal and pushed it up to something extraordinary. Thank you so much for a most memorable evening. The location is a real venetian house...don t miss it!

What a dinner.We wanted a "different" experience for our last night in Venice; and found it 1000% with Max the sailor. What an incredible evening. I won't spoil it by giving all the details but suffice it to say that it was one of the top 3 memorable experiences from our trip to Venice. We have both experince in restaurants , l and have to say that the food was beyond compare, the atmosphere was phenomenal and the people we met, Max the sailor and sous chef Guillo included made for an evening worth so much more than the price of admission.

What a dinner.What a great idea. This is an unknown location until the very last minute and then it’s in a private secret spot. Beautifully decorated, great stories by the chef and of course the food was amazing.Is not simple to find Max on shore ( he is a great cook, but a sailor ), but if you have the opportunity book a dinner with him

Such an extraordinary experience! The atmosphere is great and Max is a perfect host, he will guide you through the dinner and spend some time at the table with you to explain and describe his wonderful dishes (from the origin of the ingredients to the best way to eat them). Dining with strangers is a cool add on, it’s always nice to share stories with people from around the world. Last but not least the menu: a real fusion travel connecting Ancient Venice's dishes to the modern way to cook! Food is great, wine is great and perfectly paired! Can’t wait to get back, thanks Max to have welcomed us to your house

When travelling in couple it’s a treat to enjoy an occasion with wonderful food and engaging companions. I was delighted to discover both a short walking distance from where I was staying. Location was a major factor in choosing Massimo ( great stories teller)luckily we managed to book, he is a sailor, but it was an inspired choice that exceeded my expectations. We were seven guests who instantly felt at home and at ease with each other. The food was expertly prepared and presented. We were introduced to several traditional dishes not typically found on menus, and the servings were more than ample. Our host was charming and made us all so comfortable. I will definitely go back whenever I’m in Venice. A old charming venue and nice chatting with lovely peaple.

It was simply fantastic. Very nicely decorated, with fantastic food full of surprises. He decorated like an artist, with flowers on the dishes, carefully composed. He was a very kind and warm host. We were very satisfied. Thank you, Massimo! A truly authentic dinner with a local in a lovely, ancient venue.

What a great experience! A small group of strangers met on a bridge in Venice. We were whisked through a few alleyways to the home of our host, Massimo who had been working through the day to prepare the delicious feast that awaited. A few get to know you's and we were in to the feast: Scallops in a tomato based sauce a mixed plate of fresh anchovies, cod mousse and salad with homemade foccacia fresh lagoon fish seafood strozapetti (amazing!) Tiramisu The quality of the food was up there with the best we had in Venice (ate at some very well regarded restaurants). Massimo is a great host. Telling stories of family, and adventures. The best part of a magnum of his grandfathers wine was consumed. A delicious cabernet franc. and 6 courses had us rolling out of there, full as fools. I'd highly recommend a night with Massimo.

“ Amazing night out with new friends! Massimo was the most gracious host and made everyone feel "at home" immediately. When in Venice, a dinner with locals and new friends from around the world is a must. Best dinner in Venice whit authentic traditional food with a hit of innovation! Outside of normal boring experience!

Ejoyable dinner! We had a fun evening with Massimo on our trip to Venice. It was great to taste local foods and wines and to hear his tales of his life as a seaman and also some insights into Venetian life. It was also nice to experience the meal with people from other parts of the world.we are happy to not miss this unique experience !

Massimo is not only a sailor...he cooked the most delicious dinner and we had so much fun visiting with all the other guests from different places. We even had live entertainment - Massimo's friend paint for us in the candlelight and had an amazing talent.Such a unique night art. The whole concept of going into her home was so unique and I will recommend to anyone visiting Venice and will do it again if I ever go back! It was such a neat experience and such delicious food!

More than what expected ...My husband and I booked to dine with Massimo and had an amazing 9 course meal where the wine and conversation never stopped flowing. Met a ton of great people and got some good recommendations for our trip in Italy! Would love to go back next time I am in Venice!

Dinner at Massimo's was a highlight of our trip to Italy.Stories from the sea and incredible food.Seafood incredible. We were so warmly welcomed by Massimo, the atmosphere was very festive, and all of the food and drinks were excellent, delicious and plentiful! I would call it a Must Do for anyone who visits Venice. Massimo our favorite pirate!

Magic evening from the fantastic hosts of sailor Massimo and his friend Luca the painter: Simply a phenomenal mixture of international friendships newly made – including Danemark, Australia, Brazil, and others including the majestic storiesteller from the sea Massimo! Lovely and fresh food from the lical market so beautifully presented and offers of more for each course. All of us from conversation across the dinner tables loved them all. The ample and topping up your glass of their lovely wine to match the particular plates and dishes and then again more spirits of your choice to finish completed a superb evening. Massimo then accompanied us into Venetian flavours. We have made friends for life between the hosts and the dinner party guests. I cannot speak highly enough of the whole experience. Regards and love to our hosts and thank you again everyone in attendance on this evening!

An absolutely fantastic experience.A sailor from Venice, Massimo a great cook. Warm, friendly and personal welcoming. A feeling like I have known Massimo and his painter friend for ages. Generous with delicious food and wines and drinks. New friends and a great party. If you get the chance go for a dinner with Massimo.Something really outside off touristic path

Let this experience surprise you! I cannot recommend this enough! Massimo is absolutely amazing! This was our first time in Venice and we had a fabulous night at her house with amazing company and a 9 course meal that was fabulous . It was an authentic Italian experience. Massimo surprised us with a lovely bottle of champagne and old photo for us of Venice! We had no idea and she made a wonderful celebration for us with all the other guests. We will definitely be doing this again and made a life long friend with Massimo!

The experience was fantastic. A proper Italian meal with a local as a host, who knows a lot of history and tells you small details of the city while you enjoy great food.

"A Sailor's Night", Wonderful Local Food This night was not like any other night in Venice. It was absolutely amazing! We arrived at the apartment a little late, but this was absolutely no problem. We felt very welcome, and the party started immediately. We were served amazing food and drinks. Massimo and the girls took good care of us during the whole evening. Not only was the food fantastic, but also meeting people from other countries and sharing stories with them was very fun and interesting. Dining here is absolutely recommend

How to describe a dinner a local with candle light many different ingredients and a sailor storiesteller? Our best moment in Venice. Unique

AMAZING!!!!! here you feel the real VENICE! here you can feel the CARNIVAL! Massimo opens his house for you and it is the mystery, the flavors and the Venetian party! the best of our trip! I want to go back to carnival2023!!!!

Pleasant dinner in a Venecian old building, sharing with people all around the globe I went with my 14 years daughter who enjoy learning from others

This evening was one of the highlights of our travels. We joined with 5 others for a feast prepared in the sailor's apartment, who is a merchant marine. The food and wine were excellent. The stories and the conversation with all were memorable It's s an evening we will never forget. Highly recommended.

Massimo's food was delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed his company. We totally recommend having this experience whilst in Venice. It is one of the best experience of our time in Venice.

Massimo was great!!! Had amazing food in his home. Enjoyed the other people in our group. We talked, laughed and took pictures together. Just like visiting with family!! Loved it.

We have been several times to Venice, but this time we wanted to search for an experience slightly outside the tourist track. This evening we were served delicious home made Italian food in a private flat, together with other travellers (a family from Australia), we got stories and entertainment beyond expected. We really enjoyed it, and Massimo (the sailor) is an excellent cook and host.