Il Grifone

Handmade leather goods

Noteworthy for: Il Grifone is famed for its craftsmanship. There's nothing factory-made here; it's all made by hand in the workshop out back.
Word to the wise: The opening hours are a bit hit and miss, so if you find the shop shut, have a beer somewhere close and try again later.

Unlike Florence, Venice isn't particularly known for its leather goods, but this shop is the exception. The owner makes everything himself, and the store is refreshingly devoid of any commercial tourist tat.
Items are made in the workshop and then brought through to the front to be sold, and customers are encouraged to rummage about and even make orders for specific, one-of-a-kind goods that can be ready in a couple of days.

You'll find everything here from gorgeous soft-leather handbags and satchels to notebooks, key rings and belts. Prices are reasonable, too and, like most artisan stores, they appreciate a good haggle.