Restaurant La Caravella on Calle Larga XXII Marzo oozes elegance, and a certain, enchanting character that took over 50 years to develop. The beautiful restaurant is bedecked in classy dark wood furniture and bathed in mood lighting - the perfect setting for a romantic date. On offer here is a range of sensational Venetian fare; the menu is dominated by traditional fish and seafood preparations. Using authentic Venetian culinary techniques, the kitchens at La Caravella produce masterpieces like steamed spider crab, sea bass tartare with scampi carpaccio, risotto with fennel and lobster sauce and such. Although the prices are little steep, the sublime offerings, attentive service and a gorgeous ambiance more than make up for it.
Located just a couple of minutes away from the famous Rialto bridge under an alley is a hidden gem called All'Arco. A place to devour authentic Italian dishes and smooth wines. The bar is always bustling with locals and very few tourists, who are shown the way to this place by learned locals. Since the Rialto market is close by, fresh sea food specials always make their way on the menu here. Their cicheti, plates of langoustines, fried calamari, sardines and prawns are must try with some bread on the side. Their wine selection is quite impressive and this happens to be one of those few places in Venice where you can enjoy cheap but good wines. This is an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, if you are looking for one.
When you are strolling through Calle dei Meloni, the gorgeous display of pastries and breads is bound to beckon you inside Pasticceria Rizzardini. Albeit tiny, this quaint bakery is large on selection and taste. From baguettes, cookies, cakes, pastries, croissants, tarts and more; most of Italian baked goods make way through their ovens on to the racks. In addition, they have a selection of wines and other spirits too. Devour a cup of coffee with a slice of Tiramisu and enjoy the sweet coma that will enchant you till you come to Pasticceria Rizzardini again.
Ristorante Riviera dazzles with its quaint waterside location, offering beautiful views of the city and a delectable Venetian fare. The cuisine offers traditional, authentic dishes with a few innovations that are not too over the top. The platter is well flavored and cooked using traditional culinary techniques and incorporating fresh, local produce. A well-considered list includes wines that couple well with the meals here, while the desserts give them a lovely finish. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed and the service is good as well. Check website for more details.
Opened in 1993, this restaurant features traditional Venetian cuisine and is known for its rare wine selection. The Bistrot de Venise welcomes you with its elegantly rich interiors that radiate an aura of warmth. You can choose from an assortment of contemporary or traditional seafood appetizers and main courses, pastas and risotto, Venetian-style liver, grilled fish. It also hosts art exhibitions, poetry recitals and cultural evenings from time to time.
The Rialto Market is such a vast place with its tiny alleyways that it is known to get shoppers thirsty as well as hungry! If you happen to be experiencing such a situation, then just ask around for building no. 213 and make a beeline for it. Do not be surprised if you don't find chairs to sit on, because the norm at Al Marca is to grab your order and leave. Or you could also grab a drink with your sandwich, if you are not in a hurry. Try the domestic wines on offer which are sure to impress the locals around you at the counter. After their initial nod of approval, maybe you could strike up a conversation about other interesting places around.