Good Eats in Venice?
 

<BR>My husband and I are going to Venice Oct. 11-20. Any hope of a good meal? We are casual but like good food but don't like hovering waiters and the like. <BR> <BR>Also, we are staying in an apartment, not a hotel. I am intimidated about shopping for food for home picnics. Should I be? <BR> <BR>Finally, I am celebrating a birthday (40!) on the trip. A romantic but unpretentious spot would be fabulous. Know any? <BR> <BR>Many thanks.

Hi Holly, I was in Italy in May and LOVED it! Here are the restaurants we ate in in Venice: VENICE: "Taverna San Trovaso" Dorsoduro, 1016, (ponte 1l'Accademia, tele: 041-520-3703. "Trattoria Ai Cugnai" S. Vio Accademia N857, tele: 528-9238; another recommendation from Cheap Eats. Best meal we had in Venice. "Omnibus a Terrasse" S. Marco, Riva del Carbon 4171, tele: 041-52-37-213. On the <BR>grand canal near the Rialto bridge. Had the 'tourist' menu which was pretty good. <BR> <BR>We enjoyed all meals in Venice and throughout Italy. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!!!! <BR> <BR>Ciao!! <BR>

<BR>Monica: <BR> <BR>you're the best! Have recorded your choices and will check out the Omnibus I think, since we are staying near the Rialto. Any tips on fun day trips?

Holly, for day trips we took the boat to Murano and watched the demonstrations at the glass making factories. Very touristy, but fun. If you plan to buy any glass, head into the island area. However, it's all expensive, so buy what appeals to you. I wish I had bought a few more pieces, but I'll wait till my next trip. <BR> <BR>I don't know about day trips on the mainland, you'll have to research that yourself. <BR> <BR>Where else do you plan to visit in Italy? I loved Italy very much. In May we were in Rome, Naples, the Amalfi coast, Venice, and Milan. In 1990 we went to Florence and Pisa. <BR> <BR>If you have any questions, email me directly, though you're off to Italy in just a few days! Lucky you! <BR> <BR>Monica <BR>

Re day trips, be sure to go to Burano, all multi-colored houses in vivid hues. While Murano specializes in glass blowing, Burano makes gorgeous laces. We found it infinitely more charming than Murano, but you will have ample time for both. You are off and away almost immediately, aren't you? We were there in October last year, and the weather was great all the time. <BR>

Try Graspo de Ur and A Le Posta Vechia (not sure of the spelling). Good food and service. Cozy enough to be romantic. <BR>

just got back, can recommend the following <BR> <BR>Da Raffaele. In good weather you can sit canalside.Ponte delle Ostreghe, 2347, San Marco. Phone 041 523 2317. <BR>Very good food, and you can order as much or as little as you like. Very pretty setting. <BR> <BR>Trattoria-Pizzeria San Toma, Campo San Toma. "Neighborhood place" for pizza, pastas, fish, even paella when the cook is in the mood. Recommended in <BR>Cheap Eats... book. 2 minute walk from San Toma vaporetto stop. Outdoor dining in private garden in good weather. Very good food. <BR>

We loved the Corte Sconta (or is it <BR>Corta Sconte?) in the Castello district. <BR>Many restaurant gems are in this relatively untouristy (for Venice...) area. They have serious food, but it's not formal or stuffy. Reservations are a must or come after 10 pm. If you avoid places with "Menu Turistico" you will probably avoid mediocre food and being overcharged. We spent a week in Venice and had great food everywhere and didn't get ripped off, but it is worth investing in a good guide and avoiding the Rialto and train station areas. Good luck. <BR>