Page 239 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  237

do not accept bookings, try to provision for wheelchair users,
arrive early to avoid queuing. though a word when booking
should ensure a conveniently
situated table and assistance,
Dress Code if required, on arrival.
Italians like to dress up in
general, and dining out is no
exception. Smart casual clothes Eating on a Budget
are the general rule for both Eating out all the time can
men and women. become very expensive,
especially in Venice, so a
cheaper option is to make your
Reading the Menu own picnic. Supermarkets stock
Both lunch and dinner in a a range of fresh salads, local
restaurant usually start with cheeses and tasty cold cuts.
an antipasto, or hors d’oeuvres Rosticceria San Bartolomeo in San Marco, The Coop chain has several
(seafood, olives, beef carpaccio, Venice (see p242) outlets in Venice and the
ham or salami), followed by the Veneto, including a flagship
primo (soup, rice or pasta). The (omelette), salad and a selection store at Piazzale Roma. Billa has
main course, or secondo, will be of cheese. Coeliacs are well stores throughout the Veneto.
fish or meat, either served alone catered for and should ask Alternatively, many local shops
or accompanied by contorni for senza glutine (gluten-free). will make large rolls with your
(vegetables) or insalata (salad). Most restaurants, however, choice of fillings.
These are rarely included in the do not offer much choices for There are plenty of places to
price of the main course. To vegans, although many ice- stop and enjoy an alfresco meal.
finish, there will probably be cream parlours have soya and All the towns in the Veneto
a choice of frutta (fruit), a non-dairy options. have picturesque squares and
dolce (pudding) or formaggio quiet parks. In Venice, the park
(cheese). Coffee is ordered and at Sant’Elena is a shady spot
served right at the end of the Choice of Wine even in summer, but picnicking
meal, often with a digestivo. House wines are usually local in Piazza San Marco (see pp78–9)
Italians drink espresso – never (see pp240–41). Cheaper will invite a fine.
a cappuccino other than at restaurants will have a limited
breakfast. In some restaurants, wine list, but at the top of the Recommended
the menu may be chalked up or scale there should be a wide
the waiter may simply recite the range of Italian wines and a Restaurants
day’s special dishes at the table. selection of foreign vintages. The restaurants listed on
pages 242–9 have all earned
a noteworthy reputation.
Vegetarian Food Children
The listings cover a variety
Vegetarians always find a choice Children are welcome in of eateries, from the simple
of seasonal vegetables and pulses restaurants, particularly in simple, pizzeria, cafeteria-style tavola
in Italian eateries. Most menus family-run establishments. calda and family-run trattoria
include a variety of meatless Smart restaurants may be less to the smarter ristorante,
dishes since many antipasti welcoming, especially in the enoteca and neighbourhood
(starters), soups and pasta sauces evenings. Facilities such as osteria. The cuisine ranges
are vegetable based. Most places highchairs are not commonly from regional and traditional
will be happy to serve a frittata provided. Most restaurants will specialities to modern Italian
prepare a half-portion (mezza fare, creative fusion dishes
porzione) if requested, and and Mediterranean options.
some charge less for these The venues are listed by price
smaller helpings. category within each area of
Venice or region of the Veneto.
Throughout the listings
Smoking certain restaurants have been
Smoking in enclosed public highlighted as DK Choice.
spaces, including restaurants, These offer at least one
is banned across Italy. Outdoor particularly special quality,
terraces are exempt. such as exceptional cuisine,
a romantic setting, beautiful
surroundings, a charming
Wheelchair Access
ambience, a historic location,
Typical seafood antipasto consisting There are few restaurants in excellent value, or a
of small crabs Venice that offer any special combination of these.

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