Venice for Foodies?

Venice needs no introduction – the charm of the canals, the art and architecture – but what about the food?

I recently spent a week in Venice and knew dining would not be typical Italian. There is, of course, pasta and tomatoes, but we found fresh and delicious fish featured on most restaurant and trattoria menus. I found it a nice change from the food we had experience in Florence...and I love fish!

I stayed at the Westin Europa and Regina, Venice and the below restaurants are ones I would highly recommend and are within walking distance from the hotel:

• Antico Martini – elegant atmosphere, refined Venetian specialties
• Ristorante Da Raffaele – unique dining experience; specializing in traditional Venetian dishes
• Do’ Forni – means “Two Ovens”, 150 years of baking bread in their ovens and fish is their primary dish
• Antico Pignolo Ristorante – located close to St. Marks Square, traditional Venetian dishes and international cuisine
• Ristorante Taverna La Fenice – delicious fish dishes and wine

One more tip: One of my favorite things to do in Venice is go to St. Marco square and listen to music, have a coffee or gelato and watch the tourist taking pictures or shopping.  It’s wonderful to enjoy a beautiful afternoon and grab a light snack at a café.