La Palanca

Run by Roberto Barina and Piero Salmaso, La Palanca is a small eatery-cum-watering hole. Bottles of Campari and Coke line the shelf as daily wagers like bargemen and fishermen step in for a sandwich snack, pasta or the daily specials like the salmon tagliatelle. This restaurant does serve wine by the glass, and if you want to blend in, call for an ombra (white wine). La Palanca's so popular, it's hard to get a table. Diners have better luck in spring and summer as, like most places in Venice, the warmer seasons allow for alfresco dining.