Blog - Life in Italy

Ristorante La Caravella: This restaurant serves great cuisine, mostly known for its excellent service and ambience. Quality is tremendous but quite expensive. They serve large portions and you will get your money's worth considering the price range in Venice. Good choice for picky eaters.

Osteria Da Fiore: If you enjoy Italian food and specially the Venitian Seafood Delicatesse, then you must visit Osteria Da Fiore!!... It's cooked simply to perfection, allowing the freshness of the seafood come through. The scampi (my favorite) and the "Moleche" (soft shell crab from Veneto) is delicious and ligh. The "Alghe" pasta (Colored Green is homemade with spinach) deliciously combined with fresh mussels. If you have a chance, buy their book... you can make Fiore dishes at home for yourself. Cuisines: European, Italian, Seafood

I Figli Delle Stelle (Giudecca):   Located on the Giudecca Canal, overlooking a sensational sunset, the lights of the city and all the boats going by. Most recommended dishes are the Little ears (pasta) in tomato sauce, and the Rissoto, simple but delicious. Seating is available on the banks of the Lagoon providing a romantic ambience and atmosphere. Only open 5 months out of the year. In May they make their own "Lemoncello". Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean.

Alle Testiere (Castello):  It's run by two young men, a very small place near Campo Formossa in Venice. The menu is small and everything is fresh mainly serving seafood. It is an incredible little find - 22 seats, 2 seatings per table. You must book preferably for the 9.00 pm slot, otherwise, risk waiting in line. These logistics are important because despite the intimate and very friendly nature of this restaurant, it is absolutely professional. At Alla Testiere, the food was sublime, generous and passionate. The dishes are creative but not overdone. Closed in August.

Al Marca (Santa Croce): Located in the San Polo/Santa Croce area is known to locals and many tourists along the years to be the place of the best sanduiches, aperitifs in Venice. The prosciutto is a must have in this place. Try the spritz!

Cipriani (Giudecca): Known for exquisite menu and very expensive!  It provides a beautiful view of Venice as you dine offering a great ambience and comfort.

Met Restaurant: Just steps away from the main strip was this little quiet garden area with lovely plants, flowers and trickling fountain. Beautifully decorated with a calming garden dining area. A perfect place to step away from the chaos of San Marco Square area. It was charming, relaxing, excellent service, delicious food beautifully presented. Cuisines: Italian, Contemporary.

Vini da Gigio (Cannaregio): Lovely restaurant a stone's throw from S.Felice Vaporetto stop. It has tables by the windows looking out onto the canal. The portions are generous for Venetian standard, specializing in Venetian cuisine (both fish and meat varieties). It's very hard to find, even when you have the address. I would recommend booking in advance.