A Traditional Hotspot at Carnival and other Venice, Italy Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Cafe Florian

Cafe Florian opened in 1720 originally. The rcafe is split into small rooms, each one covered on the walls and ceilings with frescoes and old mirrors.

The hot chocolate is fab on a cold day. In the evening at carnival time it's a traditional gathering place for those in costume and the space outside the windows is 4 and 5 deep with people trying to get a look inside and take pictures.

It is very expensive, but your drinks come with assorted nibbles on a silver tray served by a waiter in a bow tie and white tuxedo. It's a thoroughly pleasant experience.

Favorite Dish: Drinks and nibbles

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Locale storico d'Italia, Sala d'ingresso
Directions: Standing in St Marks Square with your back to the Basilica, Cafe Florian is on your left about halfway along.
Website: http://www.caffeflorian.com/

Restaurant Name: Ristorante Terrazza Sommariva

I can't remember what either of us had to eat here but I remember vividly that the food was fantastic.

We were walking along the canal, it was cold and we were hungry. Near Rialto there are several restaurants that have cosy covered over terraces by the canal. This one looked the most inviting.
You're also subjected to quite a lot of heckling from restaurant staff as you walk past trying to get your business. The waiters outside this one seemed the most humourous and weren't so in your face.

Favorite Dish: I can't remember what we had but all 3 courses were fantastic. I think it worked out at about £75 for drinks and a 3-course meal for the two of us.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average

Phone: 041 5231164
Address: On grand canal, Santa Croce side, by Rialto bridge
Directions: By Rialto bridge
Website: www.sommarivarestaurant.com
Other Contact: fax: 041 5286886

Restaurant Name: Trattoria Pizzeria da Roberto

Very friendly service. Good location, really nice food.

There is a menu on their website which will give you an idea of choice and cost. As a guide, the Calzone (filled with Ham, tomato, mushroom and Mozzarella cheese) cost 8 Euros. An average price for a pizza is about the same.

Favorite Dish: Good pizza and I can recommend the Calzone as a good lunchtime meal with a nice glass of wine.

Best way I can describe Calzone to those who don't know is like a pizza folded in half and sealed round the edges.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average

Phone: 00390415221506
Address: Castello 4707 (Campo San Provolo)
Directions: Down the alley right next to the Savoia and Jolanda, through Campo San Zaccaria and turn left into Campo San Provolo. The restaurant is on a corner and has a big blue canopy covering the terrace.
Website: http://www.trattoriadaroberto.com/
Other Contact: info@trattoriadaroberto.com

Restaurant Name: Ristorante Amadi

Fairly small friendly restaurant on the main street on Burano.

It's next to a shop called Elvis which I found highly amusing.

Favorite Dish: Had lunch here. Nice to sit in the window in the sun. Food was nice. I think we had something not very adventureous like lasagne but it was nice.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average

Phone: +39 041730092
Address: S. Martino Destra, Burano, 227
Directions: Near PIazza B Galuppi

Restaurant Name: Trattoria a la Bricola

Staff were friendly enough. The food was OK but nothing special. There was a group of people the night we went in who were having a blazing row with the staff over the bill which didn't look very good.

I've read some bad reviews on thr Internet as well.

Favorite Dish: Food OK but would expect something a bit more special as it wasn't much cheaper than some of thr other average type restaurants.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average

Phone: 0039 0415230218
Address: Calle Spechieri right by San Zaccaria church
Directions: Somewhere in or directly around Campo San Zaccaria which is 5 minutes to the north from St Marks Square, up the Mercerie.
Website: can't find a website