Venice

Courtesy of Hotel Cipriani

The cucina Veneta is based on fresh seafood, game and vegetables with a supporting cast of pasta, polenta, rice and risotto. As there are endless choices of fish and seafood dishes, lovers of seafood will be satiated. Keep in mind that there are two timetables for eating in Venice. The less expensive trattorie and bacari are open earlier, from noon to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. More upscale restaurants serve lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For an abbreviated list of restaurants, read Top Tables Venice.