Holiday Dining in Venice, Florence and Rome? Are things open?

[lattistar]

Hi everyone,

I just booked a trip to Venice, Florence and Rome over Christmas and New Year's. Now I'm a little paniced that nothing is going to be open. Am I in trouble? We fly into Venice arriving 12/23, and stay there three nights. Then, off to Florence for three nights, then three nights in Rome, leaving 1/1.

I would love to know if things will be open! More importantly, will anything *good* be open.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate any thoughts/advice/guidance.

Stacey

[jen kalb]

sure, good places will be open, but not as many good places as at other times.

You will need to strategize for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, where many places close. We were in Venice in 1999 (Millenium Year) for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. for the Eve, there were quite a number of places open - we had not booked, and the place we walked into was serving enticing festive seafood platters to the other patrons - we had normal menu items and felt a little underprivileged.. On the Day , for our lunch, we walked around - frankly most places were closed but Corte Sconta was serving lunch and had some no-shows so they seated us for an absolutely wonderful most-of-the afternoon meal (the no-shows subsequently appeared and were turned away) So the lesson is book ahead for these meals and ask if special meals are offered - and get to your booking on time or you might get bumped.
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You should be able to get your hotel help you locate and book places that are serving - my sense it that this is a little flexible and people close when they want to. But they virtually always post signs for closings, so since you will be there a couple of days, you can also get a feel for who is open and closed by walking around. Venice is not so crowded at this time of year and the fogs etc can be magical - its very damp though and can be icy/or subject to flooding so be prepared with warm clothes, hats, boots etc. Cathedral is good for the Eve, (sneak in on the side entrance) and the Anglican Church on Dorsoduro for singing English Christmas Carols on Christmas morning.

NYEve in Rome - we have never eaten out in Rome on Capodanno - it seems to be a big night for home parties, tho there are restaurants (again book) with special meals and celebrations. There are lots of threads on this if you search or perhaps some of the Rome specialists will have special suggestions.

[josamania]

Renato e Luisa (in Rome, Centro Storico) is open Dec 25, 26, 31 Jan 1 and has special prix fix menu for these special occassions at 60 euros (+20%). Budget Travel describes the restaurant as: real standout amid the casual trattorias just north of Largo Argentina. Consistently delicious Roman dishes, such as bucatini all’amatriciana (zesty tomato and pancetta pasta) and fioridi zucca (stuffed zucchini blossoms) are served in a rustic and homey atmosphere.

http://www.renatoeluisa.it/

[Vikzen]

You may wish to try two of the major hotels on Guidecca. Hotel Cipriani, while pricey, is surely open, and they'll even pick you up (not sure at Christmas). The Hilton Molino Stucky is also open with three prix fixe options at 65, 75, and 85 Euros per person (excluding wine).

We are staying at the Hilton and love the quiet. The food is also good, though aimed at an international audience.

[PBSF]

The Cipriani is closed from October to April.