Has anyone had lunch at the Cipriani in Venice? What did it cost and was it worth it?
Any other tips for Venice?

A number of years ago I had lunch at Cipriani's on Torcello. Fortunately I didn't pay but the bill was very steep and we went light on the food (I bought aperatives which were pricey). I think the bill was about $250 for 4 - appetizers, 1 course, and 1 bottle of wine. I've had meals I've enjoyed more (in fact, I don't even remember the meal but I remember meals that I had years before that).

On the same trip we went to Harry's bar for 1 drink each and, again, the bill was enormous. I would say that if you want to spend lots of Euros just to say you've been there then do it. If you're looking for a good meal that won't break the budget then look elsewhere.

Which Cipriani? The hotel on Giudecca has, I believe, two restaurants. The Locanda Cipriani on Torcello and Harry's Bar are owned by the same family (which does *not* own the hotel). Many years ago, I ate at Locanda Cipriani and Harry's Bar. Both very expensive and not, in my opinion, worth it, although the garden of the Locanda is pleasant enough.

Lately, the Cipriani operations in Venice have gotten mixed reviews.

There are some very lovely restaurants in Venice with good food. There are, however, only two spots that are Michellin starred. The Met at the Metropole has two stars and Osteria da Fiore is a one star. Da Fiore is within the last couple of years.

http://www.dafiore.net/

http://www.hotelmetropole.com/eng/met/

Well we did the Torcello / Cipriani outing several years ago and it was a delightful afternoon. As I remember the prices, while not cheap, were reasonable esp. for Venice where it is easy to overpay for mediocre food. What I ordered, a pasta with ham and creamy sauce, was very good. The outing itself (the extended lagoon ride) and the garden at the restaurant were very pleasant - Torcello is much quiter than Venice and everyone should view Venice from out in the lagoon. It will take several hours, even without a long lunch. SO depending on your time in Venice, I'd go for it - there are other restuarants on Torcello (but not many) so if you see the menu and are shocked by the prices, you could go elsewhere.

Whilst in Venice for our honeymoon in May/June 2005 we ate lunch out at Torcello and had an evening meal on the terrace out at Guidecca, prior to which we'd stopped into Harry's Bar for a couple of Bellini's each.

On no occasion were we watching a budget. Good job!

Both meals were exemplary but, at a distance of nearly six years, memorable more for the occasion and ambience as opposed to the food and service. I have no regrets whatsoever and when we next return i'd like to repeat one or other of the two - but in the knowledge that, whilst the food will be excellent, the wine and the service faultless, it'll be other memories we're paying for.

Hope that helps

Dr D.

I have had lunch there, while good was it worth it well maybe. I have since however, taken friends and my daughter there to have a drink and to enjoy the gardens. Cheaper by far and the bonus is the gardens.