Venice is world-renowned for three things: canals, carnival and cuisine, with new and old eateries alike constantly competing to up the gastronomic ante. Our current favourite lunch spot is Ristorante Riviera, a gorgeous space with a sprawling terrace overlooking the canal, all canvas umbrellas and white tablecloths dappled with sunshine. Settle in with a cold, crisp glass of wine (from the vineyards of Veneto, naturally) and drink in the view over warm calamari tagliatelle with pepper lime or a creamy ricotta gnocchi.
For dinner, make your way to Vecio Fritolin beside the Mercato di Rialto, a cosy, traditional bistro full of character (thanks largely to owner Irina Freguia’s intense charisma and energy). A seafood-lover’s paradise, we could live on the marinated salmon with fresh goat’s cheese and avocado cream, or the creamed noodles with grana padano, squid and prosecco – although even the excellent food is surpassed by the fact that, by evening’s end, you feel almost like one of the family.
Glug & Chew 