julie_Colorado

I just received an email from Bruno which I'll append here:

We just add a few names of restaurants we are used to recommend, just to give you a wider choice (also in terms of prices/location; as already stated, the quality of "Da Fiore" is unsurpassed):

- Osteria Antico Dolo - a typical and very small venetian restaurant, with dark wooden tables and only fish in the menu; close to the Rialto Bridge (closed on Tuesday);
- Le Testiere - the most romantic one; great service and food, very small; only fish (closed on Monday);
- Trattoria alla Madonna - more than simple, very casual but good food at a good price; close to the Rialto Bridge and the "Antico Dolo";
- Acqua Pazza - the owner is a man of South Italy; lively atmosphere, pasta with tomato sauce at its best, as well as pizza; huge portions (closed on Monday);
- Vini da Gigio - it combines good food with reasonable prices, as well as a professional service with a friendly atmosphere (closed on Monday);
- Al Fontego dei Pescaori - quite similar to Vini da Gigio, also in the location (closed on Tuesday);
- Fiaschetteria Toscana - it's by far the most famous restaurant of this list; somewhat refined, wide choice of meat and fish; great location near the Rialto Bridge (closed on Monday).

angean

julie_Colorado,

THANK YOU for all of your advice!!

I agree, Bruno was exceptional! He wrote several emails trying to help me with reservations, and his words were so kind. I cannot wait for our trip either, and to meet him and his family.

I appreciate the email you copied, I will copy it myself and take some of those suggestions!

I agree with you, I was told that it's just better to find your way around, wherever you may go, without a map. The last thing a person needs to is be frustrated on a vacation.

You've been very kind....I appreciate it! Enjoy your trip as well!

gard

Hi

My wife and I went to Venice in June 2003 and we had a great time there. I don't think that it was that crowded at the time but we did get a heat wave and it was really, really hot to walk around all day I have posted a trip report with pictures on my personal homepage http://gardkarlsen.com. Maybe you can find some useful information there.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

angean

Thanks Gard! I will take a look at it right now actually!

rialtogrl

That was very kind of Bruno to email you the list of restaurants, but his closed days are a little wacky - keep this in mind if you plan to book one of them. Antico Dolo is closed Monday; Alle Testiere, Sunday and Monday; Fiaschetteria Toscana is closed Tuesday.

Fiaschetteria Toscana is a member of Buon Ricordo, so if you go there and order the Fritto Misto (a wonderful mixture of fried seafood and vegetables) you get to take a decorated plate home with you.

rohani

I have just booked at Locanda Orseolo for June 9-12 after the Hotel Ala said there was a 4 night min stay for the dates I was interested in. If you want to stay at the LO and don't mind changing your dates try for June. We booked a courtyard room for 190E.

angean

rohani...

What a coincidence! We actually worked out dates to stay at the Locanda with Bruno. So instead of May, we are checking in on June 12th!

We wanted a 7 night stay, but they had 6 available, so that was fine with us. I didn't want to postpone it any longer than June.

I'm really looking forward to staying there. Have you been there before? To Venice, that is?

I hope you enjoy your trip!! They booked us a room with a view of the Orseolo canal.