In the heart of Venice, just steps from Piazza San Marco, Nolinski Venezia, the five-star hotel of Evok Collection, welcomes a new gastronomic signature: Zeffirino Venezia, the legendary restaurant founded in Genoa in 1939, as it opens its first address in Venice.
With this opening, the iconic Ligurian institution returns to its Italian roots while continuing its international expansion, bringing nearly a century of culinary heritage to one of the world’s most captivating cities.
The arrival of Zeffirino Venezia at Nolinski Venezia marks the encounter between two houses sharing the same vision of hospitality: excellence, elegance and the art of living.
Nestled within the refined setting of the former Venetian Stock Exchange building, just steps from Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Opera House, the restaurant introduces a new culinary destination where Ligurian gastronomy meets the timeless sophistication of Venice.
Founded in Genoa in 1939 by Zeffirino Belloni, the restaurant quickly became one of the most renowned ambassadors of Ligurian cuisine. Still run today by the Belloni family, now in its fifth generation led by Marco Belloni, the house continues to celebrate Italian culinary tradition through the purity of flavour and the uncompromising quality of its ingredients.
Over the years, Zeffirino has welcomed countless personalities, from heads of state to international celebrities. The restaurant famously served every Pope for decades, while legendary singer Frank Sinatra was among its most devoted guests.
At the heart of the restaurant’s identity lies its most celebrated creation: the Genoese pesto, considered by many to be one of the finest in Italy. Prepared according to the original recipe with Basilico di Pra, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, pine nuts, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, it will be theatrically prepared tableside from Zeffirino’s signature pesto trolley.
The menu celebrates the richness of Ligurian heritage through handmade pasta and iconic recipes prepared daily in the restaurant, including Trofie al Pesto, Paffutelli alla Frank, the ravioli created in honour of Frank Sinatra, Focaccia di Recco, Branzino al Sale and Gelato al pistacchio come alle giostre, pistachio gelato prepared à la minute and served with caramelised pistachios.
At Nolinski Venezia, Zeffirino will unfold across two distinct yet complementary spaces. On the third floor, Zeffirino Ristorante will offer an elegant dinner-only experience inspired by the original Genoese institution, opening at the end of May 2026. On the ground floor, Il Caffè Zeffirino, opening on 30 April 2026, will provide a more relaxed, all-day setting centred around a lively patio and a lighter menu, with lunch and dinner service.
This opening marks a new chapter for Zeffirino, reconnecting the house with its Italian roots while continuing its international expansion.
