Al Gatto Nero da Ruggero, Venice

Advantages: Known by few other than locals.
Disadvantages: I am telling you.

...We have travelled to Venice every year in or around the end of March for the past 7 years and each time we go we are amazed that we find something new to see visit or experience each time. This year we came across the Al Marca bar. Catch the vaporetti along the Grand Canal and get off at the Mercato di Rialto stop. You could get off at the Rialto Bridge stop and walk over the bridge and into the square but the Mercato stop leads you directly into the square. Any time during the day there are people at the bar milling about with a coffee, la umbro, (a small wine) or a beer. As it is next to the Court of Justice it is busy, busy, busy but take time out of your day to sit on the bench and soak up Venice watch the Venetian's going about their business away from St. Mark's and the bustle of the day trippers. Call back in the evening... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lively and young
Disadvantages: None

...Padova is a nice town in the region of Veneto, not far from Venice and less >crowded than Venice can be when herds of tourists arrive! There are many >churches to be seen and an interesting historic centre. The City used to have >one of the best Universities in Italy in medieval time This tradition has >remained and a fair part of today’s population, are, in fact, students. For a >good and cheap pizza, try “Pizzeria al Santo” in Via del Santo 163. Night life >can be interesting as well, keep an eye on the posters and flyers at the >University for the latest clubs. A nice day excursion is along the river >Brenta, to visit some of the magnificent private villas rich people used to >have built for the summer season. >... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: Great place to eat
Disadvantages: nothing

...Wandering around Venice looking for somewhere to eat can be fun, or a nightmare. We have been use to eating in a little restaurant called " Tre Spiedi" but they sold last year after 25 plus years of ownership so we have been looking and looking for somewhere in the same vein. On walking around the Rialto area we came across Da Sandro, and thought we may give it a try. They have a good basic menu, and seating inside for about 20 and then a covered are at the front with 8 bench seats and long tables to seat 32 at a push. The heating was on and very enjoyable. The kitchen is on view so you are able to watch the chef/cook at work which is always a bonus and everywhere was clean and tidy. They do serve pizza and the pizza oven is the other side of the street. We ordered a litre of house wine, water and beer, we all had a starter, either... Read review

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