dinner in Venice

Although its been a few years since we were there, you might try Anice Stellato. Its a locally owned trattoria, with very nice owners and good service (they may not speak english). Food is true Venetian, with lovely seafood. For a special meal (and more money) try Da Fiore.

In Cinque Terra, Our favorites were Miky in Monterosso and Ristorante Il Cilegio also in Monteroso.
Have a great time! Grant

I cannot give you specific recommendations, but I can tell you that in the last 29 years I never had a bad meal in Italy. They are a nation of gourmets and they set a serious table. One suggestion would be to skip the places that post signs indicating they speak several languages and look for places where locals eat.

Italians normally eat later than we do. Generally, we were the only clients in restaurants when they open at 7 or 7:30. Keep in mind that nothing in Venice is cheap.

Buon viaggio,

RB

in Venice, ate at this place http://www.naranzaria.it/ last Septemeber...just before sunset.

Florence- http://www.goldenviewopenbar.com/ (click on the moving circle things!) ate lunch here...wonderful view of the Arno River...the area around the bathroom looked so nice I was temtped to take a photo! we had a table with a view right on the river- this was in February though...not really busy time of the year. We ate dinner at Trattoria Za Za both nights I was in Florence...seemed to be a lot of locals there...don't remember much seafood on the menu there.

http://www.trattoriazaza.it/index.html?Pagina=/news/primapagina.asp?idLingua=1&PrimaPagina=X&idSito=1

have fun!

One of our favorites in Venice: Casin dei Nobili, a Rick Steves recommendation and we believe the best pizza in Venice! We had bruschetta and Pizza Biance (tomatoes, mozzarella and arugula.....and of course baked in a wood-fired oven) and wine (Valpolicella) Dinner was 40 euros plus 2 e. tip.

In CT, Vernazza, order the Seafood Plates anywhere...They are delicious! Has a mix of octopus, clams, shrimp, ect. I would also reccomend the 'Pub Crawl' in Rick Steves book. They have interesting app's at each place.

Sorry..forgot to mention the Pub Crawl is in Venice.

Another hint about a good place to eat is to listen and see if Itaian is being spoken. If the Italians eat there it probably is good,

BUT, grdaughter and I sat down right on the Campo in Siena because we heard all these Italians.

Worse meal ever. Then we noticed that the Italians were leaving, as the tours were coming in.

Talked to our hotel owner and she told us that they all go to the Campo for a drink before dinner and then go on the streets in back for dinner.

That is where we had our next seversl dinners.

This summer in Venice we ate at a wonderful, small restaurant that has delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian food; La Zucca. They are famous for their pumpkin flan appetizer, but they have many other fresh options as well. It is extremely popular so it is vital to reserve.In Florence we definitely loved Acqua 2. They have tasting menus with fresh local but modern cuisine (Do not confuse it with their sister restaurant also called Acqua which is an American style diner).Another great Florentine choice would be Il Fagioli.It could fool you from the outside,but inside is comfortable and full of fresh typical Tuscan cuisine All 3 of these places are reasonably priced and popular with locals so again reservations a must (same day or day before should do)

Try Al Fontego dei Pescatori - alfontega.com. Our hotel recommended it to us for our anniversary. The owner is also the President of the Rialto Fish market so there is many seafood choices there. Great food and a special place.

We ate at a great little trattoria in Venice called A La Valigia. The only thing I can say was the pizza was great, the food was delicious and reasonable and the atmosphere was cozy, laid back and romantic...just like Venice should be.

My 15 year old daughter even loved it...now that's a compliment!