Hi

true. I visited in Aug 2020 so did not get to experience the large tour groups ( or the cruises or non eu citizen crowds due to the restrictions at the time.
I had not visited Venice before as I had been put off the reports of crowdsvbut took the plunge in 2020 and loved the city.
Once you leave the main touist spot it will be quieter and the evenings are nice.
in 2020 it was all table service and I went down around 0730 or so and the restaurant was very quiet. Expecting it to be busier this time.

Regards

Tbs