Can anyone recommend any Cafes/Restaurants/Bars in Venice. I am travelling Friday and would welcome some advice. <BR><BR>Also anyone know a rough price for a gondola ride?<BR><BR>Thanks

Anyone at all!!!!

Lee<BR>I have a file on Venice; if you'd like to see it, email me.<BR><BR>If you do a search here on Venice restaurant you will find many suggestions in all price ranges.<BR>It is worth it to do some research because Venice's only industry is tourism. I love it there very much but there are tourist traps esp around San Marco that are best avoided.<BR><BR>Gondola rides are supposed to be a flat rate for up to 6 passengers for about 50 minutes. After 8pm the price goes up.<BR>Bargaining is acceptable, but expect I would guess these days at least 75-80 euros. Maybe less in winter.<BR><BR>Two major gondola stations are at Piazza San Marco, and Rialto Bridge. Just remember that this gondola thing is a business; you are looking for romance, they are looking at their watches so they can go get their next fares.

da fiore dont miss it alla testiere as well

Good morning, Lee<BR>here is a list of ristorantes which we<BR>have used since the early 70's and are<BR>still open and good...<BR>LA CARAVELL, San Marco, via XXII, $$$$<BR>resvn required in Hotel Saturnia about<BR>block and half west of the Pza. S. Marco.<BR>POSTE VECIE, Rialto Pescheria, $$$$ resvn required. in the Fish Market near<BR>the Rialto Bridge, perfect for special<BR>occasioins.<BR>HONG KONG, Cannaregio Stradda Nuova, 4386. $$$ resvn not req. Good break from Italian Foods located about one<BR>full block nw of the Rialto, runs out<BR>os Shing Tao requently...<BR>DA RAFFAELE, Ponte delle Osdtreghe, 2347<BR>$$$ resvn sugg..located about two blocks<BR>westof the Pza S. Marco, just before <BR>crossing the second bridge to leftg.<BR>BAR AL TEATRO, Campo S. Fantin $$$ resvn sugg. Located about two blocks west of the Pza S. Marco in the same<BR>square as the opera house La Fenice is<BR>located.<BR>CHAT QUI RIT, San Marco FGrezzeria, 1131<BR>$$$esvn not reauired. This is a complete<BR>cafeteria style ristorante with pizza being made at noon and evening hours.<BR>located about 1 block froim the Pza S.<BR>Marco....<BR>Richard of LaGrange PLark, Il<BR>

For a *Bellini-with-a-View* (- Grand Canal, cathedral, gondolas ...), the bar at Hotel Monaco near the Piazza S. Marco landing stage is very nice.

I really enjoyed the stand-up sidewalk bars that served coffe, wine by the glass, some food. Many have tables (but food costs a bit more when you sit). No special one to recommend, just keep your eyes open for old Italian men hanging around talking and leaning on a marble countertop off the sidewalk. Food and pastries premade in a glass case. Yumm. Also a good way to use a free bathroom (well i mean if you buy something there).

If this is your first time to Venice..you must go to the Florian. Sit inside and order anything. It will come on a silver tray. Try to sit down before the music begins as that adds to your tab. The place is so perfectly over the top and it is a wonderful way to ease into Venice(It's on Piazza San Marco). Enjoy!