Italy: Venice: Where to Eat: Big Night Out: Cip's Club

Cip's Club

This restaurant, by the Hotel Cipriani on the Giudecca, has hands-down the best view of Venice. From its al fresco terrace, you see a gorgeous panorama of the city, including San Marco and its Campanile (clock tower), and its especially magical at dusk and into night. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and elegant, thanks to the warm and knowledgeable wait staff; especially charming are Maitre d’ Adamello Bianco and sommelier Marianna Cappotto.

The menu is a mix of Venetian and regional specialties, all beautifully prepared and presented. A recent meal included smooth zucchini blossoms stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese, a deep-hued gazpacho served with gambas and juicy cantaloupe, and lovely sea bass simply prepared with lemon and fennel. Everything was unfussy in preparation and deeply flavorful. Don’t miss dessert, including an unctuous tiramisu, which may sound like a pedestrian choice, but even this Italian classic is taken to new heights here. Open daily (in season).