Florence
We were in Florence for only 1 night, we stayed at Albergo Firenze, which was a fine hotel in a good location (right near the duomo). We had dinner at Il Latini...it was a very touristy place to eat, our most touristy dinner of the trip. The food was so, so. The wine was unlimited, you are seated with other people and eat family style. The company was fun, but the place was very overpriced I thought for the value of the food.
Venice
We stayed at Ponto Chiodo, which is a guest house. It was the nicest accommodations we had for the trip. We had a lagoon view, comfortable room and breakfast was included and was served in the private garden.
We ate dinner at Il Bacco in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood. The food was good, it was a local place, very quiet and nice neighborhood. We also ate at Vino di Gigio. This was spectacular.
If anyone needs more info, let me know!