Steve007NY

We'll be spending our fifth anniversary in Venice...and are now obsessing between dinner at the Terrazza Danieli or at Quadri. thoughts or suggestions? and what might we expect to spend with, say, a round of drinks and a $50 USD bottle of wine? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>

Diane

The best meal we had in Venice was at L'Incontro. It was really marvelous. I've been trying to pull up a report I made in June, but the ol' Fodor search engine just isn't cutting it lately. We had three or four courses and a bottle of wine (although we may actually have gone with a carafe of house red there...) for about $100 total. Also a bottle or two of water. I may also have posted in the Rants n Raves section. For $50 you should be able to get a bottle of Brunello.

Zoe

Hi Steve <BR>I really recommend Harry's Dolci on Guidecca. A vaporetto ride away, but well worth it. It's owned by the Cipriani group and the food is great. Really friendly staff too. It's quite informal but very popular. I have very happy memories of my birthday meal there earlier this year as I got engaged on the walk back to the vaporetto stop! Our bill was £100 - so approx. $150 including wine, prosecco aperitifs, coffee, water and three courses, although we shared a pudding (and they gave us a free one!) <BR>Zoe

Diane

My, my that rants and raves section is getting interesting! Looks like more people are contributing these days. I'll note that we went with the waitress' suggestions and we both had beef (it was like filet, off-the-bone which is the only way Italian restaurants are serving beef these days) and it was better than excellent. Tables are not meant to turn over 2 or 3 times a night in the better restaurants in Italy. Expect the meal to be your primary entertainment for the evening (although in Venice they start dinner a bit earlier than in Florence or Rome, say 7:30 or 8 instead of 9 or later!). You won't be hurried. Prosecco makes a wonderful before-dinner drink. I don't care for Champagne, but I loved Prosecco!

Dave

steve - <BR> <BR>Your obsession is fullproof because you can't lose at either of your choices. The Gritti, Cipriani and Monaco and Grand are also great "big night" options. As it relates to cost, I think you're probably talking approximately $250-$300 for the two of you. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

Nancy

Diane, <BR> <BR>Could you tell me what area L'Incontro is located in Venice? Canalside? Or nice interior? And are reservations necessary? Will be there for our 10th anniversary in October! Thanks for your help.

Nancy

Diane, <BR> <BR>Found the Rants & Raves you mentioned and I think that answers my questions. Thanks for the good suggestion.

Wendy

I haven't been to the other places mentioned, but I vote for Da Fiore. <BR> <BR>We had an incredible meal there, service was impeccable and they went above and beyond what most staff would do! No matter what we asked for, (or asked for help with the Italian menu) it was answered with a smile and appeared perfectly timed...not rushed, and beautifully presented. <BR> <BR>Although every seat/table is lovely, there is a window seat, in an alcove, right on the canal...we were so lucky to get it, as we didn't even know to ask for it. <BR>We were there in November (low season) and got a table, not knowing that normally it takes a few weeks to get one reserved. <BR> <BR>After the server made fantastic suggestions, spoke English, prepared, cooked, and served us table side, the sommelier suggested a La Grola wine...to accompany our pumpkin risotto and pasta, a baked asparagus and spinach seafood creation and I was falling over by the time dessert came...a sorbet decorated with fresh fruits, an elaborate 'lace' piece of caramel and a sweet dessert wine. I think we spent $180. <BR> <BR>And all the while, gondolas appeared suddenly and silently glid by like dramatic black shadows only illuminated by briefly by the low flickering glow of our candles... <BR> <BR>It was a fantastic experience. When I came home, a friend at Gourmet magazine told me that we'd eaten at the 'foodie haven' in Venice. <BR> <BR>That kind of luck won't happen to me twice. <BR> <BR>Whoever this helps, <BR> <BR>Bon viaggio! <BR>Wendy

Paul

Da Fiore !!! Go for it. You won't regret it. Make your reservations very well in advance and get very good directions to get there.

Rod Hoots

My wife and I stay at the Danieli when in Venice. If the weather is OK, you can't beat their restaurant both for ambiance and the food. Otherwise, I would recommend the Gritti Palace over the Quadri.

Melissa

I second Harry's Dolci, but for lunch. I just really enjoyed the sun, and being able to look out on the water at the main island. It was almost surreal! And like Zoe, we thought the staff was great.

dolores

Yes, Osteria da Fiore. Just got back from three weeks in Europe, and da Fiore was the best dining experience of the trip.

Dayle

I had an incredible dinner at Al Covo, roughly located between Piazza San Marco & the Naval Academy (not on the lagoon, but down a side street, of course). It was my best meal of a 3 week trip. Had a 1/2 bottle of great wine, appetizer, entre & dessert for about $80 US - expensive and worth every dime. DO NOT skip dessert - theirs are to die for!