Where to eat in Bologna, Florence, and Venice?

For rustic and authentic in Venice, check out Paradiso Perduto in the Cannaregio district. It gets slightly mixed reviews on TripAdvisor but I really enjoyed it for lunch. Often at dinner they have live music. Here's a video clip I took while there. It's empty because they had JUST opened for lunch and I was the first one to start eating. It was about 11:45 which is early for lunch in Italy, but I was starving. Lunch is served buffet style. The fresh fried sardines that they brought around were good enough to make you cry. You pay after you've finished. The bartender will have been keeping track in his head of whatever you took from the buffet then he just tells you how much you owe. Here are some photos and video I took at Paradiso Perduto. (The name means Paradise Lost.)

Hi Patrick, I am in Florence now with my 7 year old, mom and aunt and we also really enjoy rustic restaurants that serve locals as well as tourists. Here are some that we tried which can be found in the Rick Steves' 2010 Italy book: La Mescita Fiascheterria is fantastic! Small, lively, super friendly waiter/cook. Make sure to ask to use the toilette with is located next door in a former storage closet in the stairwell. So cute. This is located near the Accademia at Via degli Alfani 70 red. If you happen to go to Bolazano, put Hopfen and Company on your list. It's german, offers authentic german food and beer and the price is low. Located at Piazza Erbe/Obsplatz 17. Melissa

Frommers web site section on Bologna restaurants is quite useful.

Patrick, I loved Trattoria Mario in Florence. A wonderful place for lunch - very rustic and you share tables with locals and smart tourists that have heard of the place. Not too far from the Mercato Centrale. You will want to go back again and again. Ciao!

Thanks Everyone, Keep the tips coming this is very helpful.

Here are Mario Batali's descriptions of his favorite places in and near Bologna. http://www.mariobatali.com/exploreItalyDtl.cfm?rid=6

In Bologna, I recommend Il Tinello at Via de' Giudei, 1. It's easy to find as it's literally right next to the Due Torri (Two Towers). As you're facing the towers with the main piazza behind you, it's just to the left. I highly recommend the tortellini al balsamico - fresh tortellini marinated in balsamic vinegar. Easily one of the best things I've ever tasted.

I enjoyed the florence eateries and the pic and video from Michael. I think I will do the same when I go. It will help others. Pics and videos really are awe some!
I will keep looking for more videos or pics for Florence, yes keep them coming.