The Swanky side of Venice.

[mikey]

I am going to Venice for 5 days with some friends. Many of the suggestionsI have reviewed are for inexpensive, moderate priced meals which is great for most of the time, however, this is a special trip and we do want to splurge once or twice. Good food being the high priority of course, what would be a heartstopping, elegant, refined, yet crowded and not too hushed kind of a place where we could dress up and not feel out of place in fancy clothes for a true mix of great food, stylish but not Paris Hilton trendy people, fun atmosphere, and a long dinner with our friends? If you know New York, what would be the La Grenouille of Venice? Any ideas?

[deangold]

Fiaschetteria Toscana is my choice. Impeccable seafood with formal but not stiff service. Great wine list and the best cheese cart I have had.

[Shannon]

How about da Fiore?

There is a great article in the New York Times this weekend you might want to check out.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/07/01/...

Sounds like some of the places in the article might be what you are looking for.

[hornvixen]

If you are looking for Michelin stars, try the Met at the Metropole Hotel - La Grenouille looks kinda old school to me(I don't mean it in a bad way - I will go there next time I'm in town...thanks for the tip...it's always good to have an excuse to go!). I haven't read great things - but I think if I was in Venice longer, I am intrigued by l'Avogaria. www.avogaria.com

Do let us know what you end up deciding! When do you go? I am in Venice for just a short time, with the first night still undecided...maybe Osteria da Carla. We have a reservation the second night at Vini da Gigio, as I wanted something a little more traditional (whatever that is anyways), but with fish. Going to try to fit in some cichetti before-hand...hope we are hungry!

[mikey]

La Grenouille is REALLY old school which is kind of what I want rather than new and trendy Those suggestions are very helpful. Thanks so much.

[Linda VH]

I checked out reviews for Vini da Gigio on tripadvisor and in some other places and everyone raves. It is definitely on MY list. Thank you, Linda

[Sid Cundiff]

The Met, without doubt.

[badwaiter]

I wouldn't call Vini da Gigio swanky but it's good and you can definitely splash out on wine if you like. It gets crowded and has a nice bustling feel.