My husband and I are going to Venice for five nights in March. We would love some names of restaurants--we are interested in all price ranges ($80 - $200 for two people). We have heard that the food in Venice is not as good as in other Italian cities, so we understand that we may have to pay more in order to get good quality. Whatever suggestions anyone has is much appreciated. Thanks.

Try La Caravella. Wonderful poached fish. Linguine with clams. Lobster bisque. I still think about it. Also try Poste Vecie near the fish market (ask to be in the main room with fireplace, not the extension). Loved the cuttlefish and polenta (a specialty) and their clam and mussel soup. You cross a little bridge and you’re right at the door of the restaurant. Had a very pleasant lunch at Antico Capon in the Campo Santa Margherita. Also had a fine meal at the restaurant of the Hotel La Fenice et des Artistes. And a modest little fish restaurant Ai Tres Spiedi was a wonderful and inexpensive find. If you make it to Burano (and you should), I heartily recommend Al Trono di Attila (Attila’s Throne). Incredible fish soup and grilled fish dishes. You’ll dine well in Venice.

Got so carried away about the food in Venice, I made a mistake. Attila’s Throne is in Torcello. (Also worth a visit.)

Fish and seafood are prepared wonderfully in Venice, although they are usually the most expensive thing on the menu. Being a New Yorker and used to Atlantic Ocean fish, I find the flavor of Adriatic fish more delicate and subtle. Cuttlefish cooked in its own ink is actually delicious, I believe it's called "seppie a la nero". I also recommend Zuppa di pesce, which is not a soup but a large bowl of either shellfish or fish and shellfish, in a very light and garlicky tomato broth and is a less expensive dish. If you read up a bit on Venetian cuisine and stick to the things they are known to do well, I think you'll find it delicious. <BR> <BR>We've had dozens of restaurant recommendations on this site, I'd really recommend doing a search on "Venice restaurants". A fodorite names Paulo Rizzi also outlined a wonderful tour of Venetian wine bars which serve snacks like tapas, called "cichetti". Buon appetito.

I'd like to warn you AGAINST eating at Fiaschetteria Toscana. We had dinner there last September, and both found the food was mediocre at best, and the service was nothing to write home about either. In particular, the cold spider crab appetizer was full of shell bits - not something one would expect at a restaurant of this reputed high reputation! We did eat well another year in Venice at a restaurant from the "Cheap Eats in Italy" book. It was called "Sempione", and is between San Marco & the Rialto Bridge. The food was good both times we ate there, and the service was great! Hightly recommended!!

Restaurant Da Raffaele, Ponte delle Ostreghe, 2347, San Marco. phone 041 523 2317. They don't frown if you just order pasta and no main course. Attractive setting along a small canal. Casual, but not jeans in my opinion. Dine outside in good weather. Excellent fish, other dishes available. Restaurant is next door to Do Pozzi hotel, hotel guests get a discount I was told. This restaurant is often recommended by others on the Fodor's Europe forum. <BR> <BR>Restaurant of the Hotel Cipriani, Giudecca 10. phone 041 520 7744. <BR>A good chance to see the famous Cipriani hotel, to see where I can dream of staying. Exquisite food, perfect service, beautiful room, private launch to pick you up and bring you back to San Marco. That was my very big splurge. Budget permitting, what more can you ask for? <BR>For a more Venetian experience, book your dinner reservations for 8:30pm or later to avoid rooms full of visitors. <BR>The crowd at the Cipriani was perhaps mostly visitors, given that the restaurant is in a hotel. <BR>

My husband and I love venice...our favorite restaurant is Harry's Bar. Down a little side street right on the Grand Canal...famous for Bellini's...the place to see and be seen!!! Food was really good. The upstairs is a full restaurant but not really too fancy...downstairs is mor like a deli where you can get great sandwiches.

Just got back from Venice and loved Terrazza Sommariva, right next to the Rialto Bridge (it's got a red awning with tons of Murano glass hanging lamps). Next door (the next restaurant closest to the bridge) was recommended to us by a local as having the best food, but as there was no outdoor seating and it was a beautiful night we skipped it.<BR><BR>Be forewarned -- many restaurants do not even open their doors until 7 PM, and lunch at many places is strictly from noon to 2 PM. We tried to grab a bite after spending the afternoon in the Academia, and found no place open except the little sandwich type shops. Then wanted to try some of the Fodors recommendations and get some "real" food before a gondola ride at 8:30P, but nothing was open.