Heading to Venice? Here's where you need to stay, shop and eat.
Since my voice teacher happens to live in Venice, I have spent a lot of time in this magical city, as well as it's cute neighbor, Treviso.
Where to stay: I never stay near San Marco, but rather opt to stay in Dorsoduro or San Polo. My favorite place to stay is at the boutique hotel Ca San Rocco, which has a beautiful terrace where you can eat breakfast in the summertime.
Where to eat: For breakfast I always head to Tonolo for their incredible croissants, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice. My favorite pastry is called integrale con miele, it's a whole wheat croissant with honey, SO GOOD. Norman likes the traditional marmellata - regular croissant filled with jam. It's standing room only and fabulous.
For lunch, my favorite place has to be Impronta. Norm loves the Caprese salad with prosciutto to start, and I usually gets one of their amazing handmade pastas. Last time I had the spaghetti with thyme ricotta cheese on tartar of beef with black olives and tomatoes...
For a special dinner I'll head to La Zucca, but only if I've booked in advance. I've never seen someone get in without a reservation, to much disappointment! Get the pumpkin flan and thank me later. The entire menu is glorious and has many interesting vegetarian options.
Where to shop: I have two addresses that are always on my list of things to do in Venice. The first, Il Grifone is a small leather shop that offer affordable, handmade leather goods, and will even take special orders if time allows.
If you've been to our place you've seen work by Danghyra, an artisan who specializes in porcelain. I adore her tea cups, her vases, her lamps, her plates, pretty much everything she does! She has an online shop now, to the delight of her fans!
Bonus: if you're in Venice and have half a day free, go to the Noventa di Piave Outlet center. It's a short bus ride away from central Venice and has brands like Fendi, Marni, Bottega Veneta, and Valentino, all heavily discounted. I got a pair of Valentino Rockstud oxfords for 70% off, as well as a Bottega Veneta trench coat for 90% off.
Buon viaggio!