NataliyaNewYork

Hello lovely travelers:

My husband and I are traveling to Italy in 3 weeks and are staying in Venice for 3 days, Arezzo for 5 (with day trips to Florence, etc) and finishing it off with a couple of days in Rome. 10 days total. I know it's not enough time in Rome, believe me. We already have a trip planned for 2012 to spend more time there!

The Venice portion will be the only time we are alone and I would love a restaurant recommendation or two for dinner. We're game to try anything, just want something that wouldn't be too overcrowded by tourists, if that's possible. I find tourists dressed in Hawaiian print shirts with jean shorts complaining about house wine/portion size/price to be anything but romantic.

Staying using points at the Molino Stucky Hilton so our hotel is free...meaning budget is open. Just want something truly memorable.

Please help!

Many thanks to all.

qwovadis

Right across the canal from where you will be is

the Dorsoduro many great local and more upscale

eateries...my most romantic memorable dinner

was on the quay here when there last week

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...218716-Linea_D

Wonderful views prices were good for venice

Always a cover on the upscale places of 3.50 per person

Some tourists mostly locals in the know but

Great Vibe for me...good seafood Italian salads were awesome.

Nobody in a Hawaian shirt in sight think they were all

over at St Marks.

Happy Hunting,

tarquin

I suggest Algiubagio on Fondamente Nove. Great outdoor tables by the lagoon with view of San Michele and even the Dolomites on a clear day. And fabulous seafood and service.

Also Antiche Carampane, also good fish and pasta. It's a bit tricky to find, but the food is outstanding and the service genial.

You can google either for directions etc.

nini

We enjoyed Locanda Montin in the San Trovaso area. It is tricky to find (on a tiny canal) and we did not have reservations on two times eating at Montin. The food was very good and there is a garden area for dining in good weather. Prices are moderate and diners were mostly locals. Fish is the specialty and don't skip dessert-excellent Tirimisu.

Lexma90

One of our favorites in Anice Stellato, which is located in the outer reaches of the Cannaregio. We do see Americans there, but also plenty of Italians, and they are all well-behaved. The restaurant is pleasant, and on nice evenings they set out 4 or so tables along the canal outside. Focuses on seafood (of course), a bit creative. On a nice evening, it's a great place to walk to.

Very popular, and a wonderful experience, is Alle Testiere. It's tiny, and right in the middle of the San Marco area. But the food is very good, creative, but simple, takes on traditional cuisine, and the service is great too.

Marija

Another vote for Alle Testiere. It's one of our favorites. Definitely make reservations.

LisaG

I suggest the restaurant at the Locanda Cipriani on Torcello:
http://www.locandacipriani.com/en/ristorante.html

This is a very romantic and dreamy place. Great food, very intimate. You must have reservations as they will send transportation for you to get to them (from St. Marks Square). I recommend lunch however, so you can appreciate a walk on the island afterwards. Soak in the serenity.

Enjoy yourselves!

LisaG

annw

Another vote for a trip to Torcello and lunch at Cipriani.

NataliyaNewYork

Thank you all! We've also gotten recommendations for Trattoria All’Antica Sacrestia, a la Vecia Cavana and Trattoria all Madonna. We're going to have lots to choose from in Venice!

Thank you all! Can't wait for Italy. 21 days left!

Gwendolynn

The trip to Torcello would be very romantic. Our favorite rest. is Corte Sconta. (Hope it's still there.) It's a place to really eat if you like fish. Madonna is fun... but really touristy...

cruiseluv

Another vote for Locanda Cipriani in Torcello! We were there for lunch this past summer and loved it. We have already decided to stay there overnight next time we are in Venice.

Our other great experience was at Ostaria Boccadoro , located in a small piazza in Cannareggio section. We had a lovely, very relaxed dinner al fresco. Food was delicious.

cruiseluv

Lisa G,

i wished I had known they offered transport! We took the vaporetto and had to change in Burano ( which was a nice place to see).

We also went to Trattoria Alla Madonna. I thought it was ok, nothing memorable.

LisaG

And I'll chime in on Alla Madonna as well......touristy, nothing special as I am echoing posters prior to me in this thread. You can do better.

LisaG