Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Eating well in Venice doesn’t have to be hard! These are my favorite spots in the city for a good bite at any budget.

Venice, also known as the "City of Canals”, “The Floating City” and "Serenissima”, is a place like no other - charming through its intricate alleys and walkways over the canals, with no cars/scooters or traffic noise to spoil the romance in the air. Gondolas floating here and there, idyllic cozy terraces just around every other corner, Italian delicacies all over and relaxed people wandering about. Venice's culinary delights include Sarde in Saor, Risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto), Bigoli in salsa, Baccalà mantecato (whipped codfish), Fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions), and Risi e bisi. Don't miss cicchetti (small plates) and Tiramisu for dessert. Highlights: 🍾 Bellini is the name of a cocktail invented in Venice about 80 years ago. A Bellini consists of peaches and Prosecco (Italian version of Champagne). The peaches are squeezed and the juice is mixed with Prosecco. The glasses in which the Bellini is served have to be very cold. For the typical Venetian Bellini only white peaches are used. 🛶 A gondola is a traditional narrow and long Venetian rowing boat. The boat is steered by one person called a gondolier with the help of one long oar. Centuries ago, gondolas were the main means of transport in Venice. Now they have become a very popular tourist attraction, and perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Venice. Although a bit expensive (standard gondola rides in Venice have a fixed cost of 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour. At night, however, the cost of a gondola ride is 120 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour. If you desire to stay longer, tell the gondolier and ask for the price before the start of the tour) a gondola ride might just be the most romantic thing to do in Venice. 🥠Baicoli is a typical Venetian biscuit. The shape of the biscuit resembles that of a sea bass, hence the name - "baicoli" means "sea bass" in the Venetian dialect. Back in the old times, when Venetian sailors prepared for long journeys, the captains made sure to procure a lot of baicoli. The biscuits were used as bread, and because of being very dry, they could survive for a very long time. Baicoli are typically vanilla-flavored, and are sold in metal boxes, easy to transport and keep fresh for long. The metal boxes, in which the baicoli are sold today, carry a picture of Venetian men and women in traditional clothing of olden times. Other traditional sweets to try: Mandorlato di Cologna Veneta (especially at Christmas). 🍘 Frittelle - They are Venetian doughnuts served only during Carnival. They can be stuffed with pistachio cream, zabaione and chocolate.

There is so much to see and do in and around Venice, Italy that you could easily spend quite a few days here. This guide will detail MORE than enough things to do in 3-4 days in Venice and the surrounding islands. If you want MORE to do I've also spent time in the Prosecco Hills and the town of Treviso which are both about 45 minutes outside of Venice, feel free to reach out. I have also spent time in the nearby Dolomites so again, I am happy to consult with you about any of those areas as well! This guide will detail why you should visit Venice. -How to best arrive & exit Venice & how to get around while you are there. -Include multiple options for where to stay, all of which I have personally stayed in and can recommend. From luxury (our honeymoon hotel), to airbnb with an incredible water door onto the canal, to a more budget friendly hotel that also has a stunning canal view. There are options for everyone in Venice. -It will detail some amazing things to see, do, eat, and drink in Venice! -It will also detail how to take small day trips to neighboring islands of Burano, Murano, Torcello, and Mazzorbo. Why Venice? Venice is such a fantastic and romantic city.  Walking along or boating along the canals is an experience I truly believe you want to have in your lifetime.  Once you get the hang of it, it definitely feels like a "little big city".  You can walk to anything in Venice if you don't mind getting your steps in.  You can also get around by water bus, water taxi, and the famous gondolas.  You can eat SO well here and drink great wines at reasonable prices.  There are countless things to do and see here and the islands off of Venice are equally as exciting and beautiful!  This guide will detail tons of options for things to do in Venice.  Most of them I have done, I will add a few things I haven't done that I find would be truly worthwhile.  This way you can pick and choose what appeals best to you.  ***I am also available for consultation about your Venice trip and would love to talk to you and work with you to create your perfect experience! Please feel free to reach out to me any time at planformedani@gmail.com