Birthday Dinner in Venice?

Kent - if only it was that easy. Unfortunately, there are only two Michelin starred restaurants in Venice, Met inside the Hotel Metropole and Osteria da Fiore. And even these are only one star in the guide. There are none higher. One could argue that we cut down the the list to a manageable two from a bunch. But I've heard from friends and on other boards that da Fiore hasn't been as good as it was when it was relatively undiscovered and for the prices they were disappointed.

Some folks go so far as to suggest that you can't get a great meal in Venice, arguing that the best you can hope for is perhaps a great dish at your meal. I am not one of those people. So I do think that suggestions from ordinary folk on boards like these can be sometimes more helpful than the Red Guide.

Ron, I am listening in. We will also be in Venice for my husbands b-day in Sept. How do the Italians celebrate a b-day?

Two quick questions. Budget? Where are you staying?

There are lots of very lovely places scattered all over the city, how much you want to spend and how much you want to travel are a couple of the main criteria for a lot of people.

I'll suggest a couple of places now. For all out extravaganza, I'd do the Locanda Cipriani on Torcello in the lagoon. If you have deep pockets I'd suggest a private water taxi both ways. You can however get there by vaporetto as well. Food is outstanding and it is away from the bustle of Venice.

http://www.locandacipriani.com/index.html

We like this place in Cannaregio, Vini da Gigio. Smaller, family owned and run, food is great.

http://www.vinidagigio.com/index_eng.html

Start your resarch at chowhound.chow.com and go for Venice
Lp

We enjoyed Bancogiro, which was recommended by our hotel (Ca' Angeli). However, it turns out that it's also in Rick's 2007 book.

Budget is not that big a deal for this one night. My Wife is so excited that she is going to be spending her birthday in Venice. I want to make it a special night for her. We are staying at Hotel Pensione Guerrato. We will be in Venice from Sept 13-16.

Ron, based on where you are staying, I'd recommend one of these three places. They are all within reasonable walking distance back to the hotel.

Osteria da Fiore

http://www.dafiore.net/

Ristorante Fiaschetteria Toscana

http://www.fiaschetteriatoscana.it/index.html

Vini da Gigio

http://www.vinidagigio.com/index_eng.html

I'm guessing with a reasonable wine selection at around 100-120 euros per person at the first two. Maybe 80-100 per person at Vini da Gigio for dinner (three courses plus dessert)

Where ever you decide, a good approach is let your waiter help you with specials. They'll know what looks best that day from the kitchen and by all means let them know when you make the reservation that it's a birthday celebration.

You will also be very close to another favorite of ours, Osteria la Botte. It's a bit hard to find but it is off Campo Bartolomeo just across the Rialto bridge in San Marco. Great for lunch.

http://www.ristorantiveneziani.it/botte/index_en.htm#

Thanks everyone for your replys. I will look at eating at one of the places suggested.

Be sure to follow up with a drink at one of the outdoor cafes in St. Mark's square listening to music under the stars. I wonder if they take requests and can Happy Birthday for her.