Should I book dinner reservations in venice April

Posted by debbieengerran on 01/29/25 10:49 PM

We will be there April 2-5th. Got Doges palace and St. Marks booked. Wondering if I really need dinner reservations or not. I'll take any suggestions. We aren't looking for most expensive or overly touristy, unless it's worth it. Yes, i'm aware it's jubilee. I typically would prefer not to make reservations and have a list of places i should try. Feel free to give any advice. I know that the places trying to lure you in with English menus arent always the best. That is definitely not what we are looking for.

Thanks,

Posted by TC

Atlanta

01/29/25 11:04 PM

5290 posts

Many canal side places are lacking quality. An exception is Trattoria Da Giorgia ai Greci. It is very close to San Marco, but well away from the crowds, and has really good food. Never had to have a reservation.

Between the Rialto Bridge and Piazzale Roma on the same side of the Grand Canal as the fish market, is an out of the way place named Pane Vino e San Daniele on Calle Dei Boteri. Definitely a hole in the wall local place, but it has good food, good house wine, and is not expensive at all.

Another local place (although some tourist know about it) is Trattoria Da Marco Valla Fava on Calle Stagneri. It is near the Rialto Bridge on the same side of the canal as the train station. A bit pricey, so you might want to do lunch rather than dinner. Some of the best sea food ever!! Try to eat inside rather than outside. The place has been around at least 50 years so they must be doing it right. Never had to have a reservation for lunch, but for dinner it would be a good idea.

Posted by Becky

seattle

01/30/25 03:03 AM

2148 posts

We often walk by a place that looks good at lunchtime and then make reservation for that might. Most plaxes setaside sometables for peoplewho they know will showup.

Posted by DebH

01/30/25 07:51 AM

264 posts

I make reservations everywhere we visit, no matter the time of the year.

We like to eat at around 8pm, and you generally can't get in anywhere these days at that time without one.

If we find something we like better, we cancel or change the existing reservation.

It's never been a problem.

Posted by Laurel

Forest Grove, OR

01/30/25 02:35 PM

11848 posts

We do what DebH does. Making a reservation is a sign of respect for the restaurant and is essential if you want to dine somewhere less “touristy” and more likely to cater to a local crowd. You may or may not know that the table is yours for the evening. It is not expected to turn as they do in US restaurants. You will get a better table if you reserve.

As Becky advised, stopping by earlier in the day, if they are open, is a good tactic but don’t be afraid to call as most have English speakers and many have online reservations these days.

From much personal experience in Venice, I advise researching some options ahead of time and zeroing in on places that appeal to you. Carefully read reviews. If you make a reservation and change your mind, be kind enough to cancel. You will see places with “hawkers” outside urging you to dine there that are almost empty and next door an innocuous looking establishment that is full and has no need to beg people to come in. That is where you want to dine.