we will be having dinner next wednesday in osteria da fiore in venice, and i wonder if my partner will need to wear jacket and tie, or only "casual smart" attire <BR> <BR>thank you <BR>-anna

Anna, <BR>I just purchased the Fodor's 2001 Italy guide and I remember seeing something in the book on restaurants that require a jacket and tie, but I can't recall what the policy is for this restaurant. I'll try to check this for you later today. In the meantime, I checked the restaurant info on this site and came up with: <BR> <BR>OSTERIA DA FIORE <BR>Calle del Scaleter, 2202/a San Polo, Venice, Italy <BR>Phone: 041/721-308 <BR>80000 lire to 120000 lire <BR> <BR>Tucked away in a little calle off the top of Campo San Polo, Da Fiore is an established favorite among high-end diners in search of superbly prepared classic Venetian cuisine in a refined and relaxing atmosphere. The long dining room, softly lit and warmly decorated with wooden wainscotting, is run by sure-handed waiters in white coats. Delicate antipasti of moeche (soft-shell crabs), capesante (scallops), and folpetti (baby octopus) might be followed by a succulent risotto or tagliolini con scampi e zucchine (with shrimp and zucchini), and a perfectly cooked main course of rombo (turbot) or branzino. . AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.-Mon., Aug. 10-early Sept., and Dec. 25-Jan. 15. <BR> <BR>Maybe you should try calling them for this info. Please let me know what you think of the restaurant. I'm also interested in going there when I visit Venice in July. Thanks, and have fun.

I'll be in Venice in June, staying at a hotel near Campo San Polo, and I'll be waiting to hear about this restaurant, too. Please report back, Anna! and have a wonderful trip.

In September for dinner most men wore coats and ties, though there were a couple in more casual attire.

Great choice! This was our favorite restaurant from our 2 week trip to Italy last year. Delicious food with attentive and cordial service in a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere. According to our photo album, I wore a black sleeveless dress with matching jacket and my husband wore a sports jacket over a turtleneck. Enjoy!

This restaurant is said to be difficult to find. Any tips?

Anna, seems to me most of the men in the restaurant were in jacket and tie. but I don't recall if there was an actual dress code. <BR> <BR>Judy, it IS hard to find. I'm fortunate that we had a good map, and my husband has an extremely good sense of direction. We didn't actually have any trouble, we just followed the map. one hint, it's a longer walk than you think, and the alley its on is very narrow. SO you may think you've missed it, when you haven't gotten there yet. Sorry, I can't offer much else. <BR> <BR>We had a WONDERFUL meal there. The menu was entirely in Italian, but a waitress (well, maybe hostess is a better word) very patiently translated everything for us. The shrimp and porcini risotto for two comes to the table in a beautiful copper pot and is outstanding.

Hi Anna, <BR> <BR>We've been there for 3 wonderful dinners. Most men were wearing jackets, but not necessarily with a tie - lots of turtlenecks. Women in dresses or nice pants/jacket. <BR> <BR>Judy - it is tucked away a bit - away from main passages. The first time we went, we went and found it during the day, so we'd know where we were going that night. If you can get to the Campo San Polo (easy to find), you're almost there. I don't have my map with me, but if you are facing the Campo from the Church side, you would go to the opposite end of the campo and take the small street to the right. Just follow it along (over 2 bridges I think). It twists and turns a bit, but keep your map close at hand and you'll be fine. The restaurant is on a quiet street - about mid-block on the left side - just a small lamp that says Da Fiore - nothing else to mark it. <BR> <BR>Enjoy - it's a great dining experience.