Ospi in Venice: What We Ordered
Back at Ospi in Venice—and honestly, it’s one of our favorite places to take someone for their first visit. We’ve been a few times, and it still has that magic of being consistently excellent while making sharing feel effortless.
Ospi is built for sharing—pizzas, pastas, and starters that come out and instantly become the center of the table. Here’s exactly what we ordered, what stood out, and what I’d recommend if you’re deciding what to get.
Start Here: The Ricotta and the Crispy Rhode Island Calamari
The Ricotta (Don’t Skip It)
The ricotta was the surprise hit. It was so good it tasted like dessert—rich, smooth, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without being heavy. It’s one of those dishes where everyone takes a bite and immediately does the “okay wow” look at each other.
If you only order one starter at Ospi, make it the ricotta.
Crispy Rhode Island Calamari (Perfectly Seasoned)
Calamari can be hit-or-miss, but this one was a total win: crispy, well-seasoned, and not greasy. Each bite stayed crunchy, and the seasoning was dialed in. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you expect.
The Main Event: Two Pizzas + Two Pastas
We went all-in on the shareable favorites:
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Pepe-Roni Pizza
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Funghi Pizza
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Spicy Rigatoni
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Tagliatelle Bolognese
My Top Picks: Pepe-Roni Pizza + Spicy Rigatoni
Pepe-Roni Pizza
This was my favorite of the pizzas. It’s bold, classic, and ridiculously satisfying—everything you want when you order pepperoni, just done with extra care. If you’re choosing one pizza for the table, this is the safest “everyone’s happy” order.
Spicy Rigatoni
The spicy rigatoni was the other standout. It’s comforting, flavorful, and has just the right heat—enough to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish. This is the kind of pasta you keep going back for even after you swear you’re full.
Also Worth It: Funghi Pizza + Tagliatelle Bolognese
Funghi Pizza
Savory, earthy, and super balanced. Even if you’re not normally a mushroom-first person, this one plays well with everything else on the table and feels like a great counterpoint to the Pepe-Roni.
Tagliatelle Bolognese
Classic bolognese comfort, executed really well—rich, hearty, and exactly what you want when you’re in the mood for something familiar but elevated.
The Ideal Ospi Order for a Group (Steal This)
If you’re going with 3–4 people and want a table that feels full without overthinking it:
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Ricotta
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Crispy Rhode Island Calamari
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Pepe-Roni Pizza
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Funghi Pizza
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Spicy Rigatoni
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Tagliatelle Bolognese
It’s a perfect mix of crispy, creamy, spicy, savory, and hearty—plus it’s all designed for sharing.
Final Thoughts
Ospi is the kind of Venice dinner spot that makes you feel like you nailed the reservation. If you’re into shareable Italian, great pizza-and-pasta energy, and starters that genuinely impress, it’s an easy recommendation.
And seriously—that ricotta. It’s rare that an appetizer steals the show, but this one did.