Centrale Piscina Frezzeria 1659, San Marco
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Located in trendy San Marco, Centrale is at the cutting edge of futuristic design housed within a 16th century building which was once home to the city's most popular cinema. Now this trendy bar and restaurant is a favoured haunt of the locals and visiting celebrities. Bacaro Jazz San Marco 5546
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One of Venice's most loved cocktail bars, this is a premier destination in the heart of the city for jazz music and a jaw-dropping selection of cocktails, with good quality food available but go for the atmosphere rather than exquisite dining. It is popular with people of all ages, but ladies, be warned; many of the female clientele have been persuaded out of their brassiere by the end of the evening, donating it to the living collection which is part of Bacaro's unique charm. Harry's Bar Calle Vallaresso 1323, San Marco
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This famous watering hole is superbly located right at the San Marco-Vallaresso Vaporetto stop in San Marco. Today it's known as a retreat for the rich, the famous, and everyone in between. Regulars prefer the elegant front room to the upstairs dining room. Harry's is most famous for inventing carpaccio and the Bellini; it's said that one of its most famous patrons, Ernest Hemingway, would mix his own drink when the mood took him. Osteria Da Fiore Calle del Scaleter 2202, San Polo
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Located off the top of Campo San Polo, this osteria was once an old Venetian tavern, but today stands as one of the most popular and celebrated seafood restaurants in Venice, serving fresh fish and in-season produce to discerning Italians and tourists alike. Taking care of the kitchen is Mara-a Michelin starred chef whose passion and attention to detail is evident throughout the menu. Fiaschetteria Toscana Campo San Giovanni Crisostomo 5719, Cannaregio
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Run by the Busatto family, this specialist restaurant serves traditional fish-based Venetian cuisine. The greatest care is taken in choosing quality ingredients, paired with home-made pasta. Reservations recommended. Antico Pignolo
Calle degli Specchieri, San Marco
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Occupying a former 13th century spice shop, this delightful restaurant features its own landing to cater for those adventurous folk who might want to arrive by boat. The cuisine is traditional Venetian, matched with an exquisite selection of wines. Dining in warmer weather means you can take advantage of their impeccable garden. Vini da Arturo
Calle degli Assassini 3656, San Marco
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Vini da Arturo is distinguished on three fronts; firstly, it is very hard to find, second, it's one of the few restaurants in Venice with no seafood on the menu (focusing instead on beef, veal and other meat dishes) and finally, it doesn't accept credit cards. With fewer than 10 tables, this is a very popular dining destination and reservations are highly recommended. Do Forni Calle dei Specchieri, San Marco
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Also located in the popular dining area around Piazza San Marco, Do Forni serves traditional Venetian and international cuisine in a posh, if somewhat schizophrenic atmosphere – the decor in the rustic main room is in direct contrast to the front room. Reservations are recommended, as you are unlikely to find Do Forni's dining rooms empty or quiet. Locanda Cipriani
Piazza S. Fosca, Torcello
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Located on Isola di Torcello, this is run by the family behind Harry's Bar. The locanda is a lighter take on the family's signature style, with classicly prepared Venetian seafood and meat dishes on the menu. It is closed for a month in January and February, and reservations are recommended. Antico Martini
Campiello della Fenice, San Marco
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Located very near La Fenice opera house, the Antico Martini offers international and Venetian cuisine. It started in the 1700s as a café attracting artists and intellectuals drawn to the nearby opera house, and passing into the Baldi family's safe hands in 1921. Since then, the airy atmosphere, remisniscent of a country club, plays host to perfectly prepared Venetian specialties. The stellar location and old world Venetian elegance means reservations are essential. Fortuny Restaurant Giudecca 10, Giudecca Island
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Located within the Hotel Cipriani, the Fortuny offers a truly authentic Venetian experience in one of Venice’s most luxurious dining rooms - adorned with delicately blown glass, amber coloured mirrors, and architectural details reminiscent of St. Mark’s dome. With a magnificent view of the lagoon from your table, the atmosphere and surroundings make for a truly memorable dining experience. |