With a splendid view of the Tagliamento River, Al Cason in Lignano is a landmark in the city for good seafood cuisine, lots of bubbles, and the famous evenings with DJs and entertainment organized on its panoramic terrace.
Al Cason is located right inside one of the typical “casoni” (traditional huts) of the Friulian and Venetian lagoon with a sloping roof of straw and marsh reeds, wooden beams, and many references to the sea, born, in fact, as a refuge for fishermen.
Since the 1960s, it has become a restaurant that, about 15 years ago, was taken over by its splendid hosts, Marilena Pines and Alessandro Zanello, who, a close-knit couple in life and work, have become like a “family” over the years for their many regular customers.
We were born and raised in a unique territory, a sea of navigators, explorers and merchants, who gave us perfumes and spices, colors and flavors that we then recreated in our philosophy of traditional cuisine.
(Marilena and Alessandro)
Al Cason has, in fact, become a point of reference throughout the coast for its excellent seafood cuisine and also for the many parties and evenings that are organized on the beautiful terrace, such as NEPTUNIA, the spectacular aperitif show with DJ sets and international performers that liven up the place every Friday evening.
The splendid view of the surrounding nature has a peculiarity that has become a real tourist attraction in the area: a fascinating semi-sunken boat that stands out against the wonderful sunsets that can be enjoyed from the restaurant.
Its history is curious: the boat was, in fact, purchased in the 1960s in Norway by Commander Tempo, who had moved to the country for cod fishing, and then brought to Lignano. Renamed “San Marco”, he used it until 2012 when, once he retired, Tempo decided to leave it there, right near the mouth of the Tagliamento River, so that its memory could be passed down over time.
On the menu, we find recipes in which the fish has the taste and aroma of fish, like the great classics of the area, from the mixed raw or cooked fish plateaux to the tartare and oyster selections, tagliolini pasta with clams, spaghettone with lobster, and, among the second courses, the fried and grilled mixed fish, the Catalan lobster and the fresh whitefish, from sea bass to sea bream, offered in different cooking methods, from salt crusted to grilled.
The excellent drink list has a selection of over 800 labels ranging from the Collio of Friuli to the Carso and all the way to Croatia, passing through the Slovenian Brda. It also offers many bubbly wines, such as the Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, the main references of Franciacorta, and a hundred varieties of Champagne.
In 2024, Marilena and Alessandro also took over the management of the former Bancut, in the centre of Lignano, also open in winter, which they renamed Al Piccolo Cason, characterised by a wooden interior reminiscent of a ship.
Whether you book Al Cason in the summer or Al Piccolo Cason, which has the feel of a cozy hut by the sea in winter, Marilena and Alessandro will know how to pamper you and convey their love for their beautiful territory.
The Secret
As a child, Alessandro used to go fishing with his father right nearby the casone, which is why, when he had the chance, he was happy to be able to build his gastronomic “home” just there.
Useful Info
Ristorante Al Cason
Corso dei Continenti 167
33054 Lignano Riviera, Udine
Tel. +39 0431 423029
Al Piccolo Cason
Via Friuli 32
33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine
Tel. +39 0431 377653
Starters: from 15 euro
First courses: from 16 euro
Second courses: from 20 euro
