Where to Dine during Venice Film Festival

People flock to Venice for the art shows, exhibits, and the romantic sights. Every corner and alleyway leads to quiet canals and beautiful structures to marvel at. Now that you’ve slipped on your favorite flats (can be a link to flats in the site) and would like to wander about, here are our must-see films for this year’s Venice Film Festival and our favorite restaurants to dine in afterwards.

Expect daring new releases by well-known auteurs like Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! and the Ro- darte sisters’ film, Woodshock. George Clooney’s back behind the camera and he’s showcasing a film in this year’s festival entitled Suburbicon. The movie will star Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac, and Josh Brolin.

For fans of superhero movies, a Norwegian film will debut this year called Thelma. It’s a superhero movie with a Norwegian twist — a dark horror that just so happens to be a superhero movie. Guillermo Del Toro’s The Shape of Water is another film that moviegoers will look forward to for this year’s Venice Film Festival.

When in Venice, head straight to Castello and get lost in the quiet alleyways. Then dine in Al Covo and experience Venetian charm like no other. Nestled in a quiet part of town, this quaint ristorante is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Owned by an American, Diane, and a local, Cesare, the couple takes turns in the kitchen to help churn out delicious food no matter the season. Almost everything in the menu is perfect. When available, order the squid, which is always outstanding and the ravioli, which is always done to perfection. Cap off the meal with rich Texan desserts like the chocolate cake that Diane is famous for.

For a first class dining experience, head to GLAM, a restaurant by renowned chef Enrico Bartolini. This is Venetian food done extremely well, with remarkable service to boot. Making use of local Venetian flavors and ingredients but with a global twist. There’s a reason why chef Enrico Bartolini is expecting another Michelin star after opening Glam: it’s that good. GLAM is nestled in the newly opened hotel, Palazzo Venart, located in the Santa Croce neighborhood.

Hard to miss, Trattoria Alla Madonna is nestled in a touristy area near the Rialto Bridge. For this reason, more tourists than locals frequent the place. However, the food speaks for itself and a lot of food writers are singing praises for this spacious restaurant that serves simple but well done food. Enjoy classic seafood risotto, fresh peas in olive oil, and branzino. Don’t forget to order a glass (or two) of Veneto wine.

For an authentic Venetian lunch or dinner, save Ca D’Oro alla Vedova for last — or go here first so you can go back again to try their other dishes. The restaurant itself is located in a small alleyway in the Cannaregio district, which is typical of Venetian restaurants that serve really good food — small establishments that belie their exceptional wares inside. Expect simple, homemade meals that are as comforting as they are memorable. Their meatballs are legendary and the tiramisu is one for the books. After all, this restaurant has been in business since the 19th century. They have perfected and refined their food to the point that people go back here again and again despite the not so stellar service.

Main photo by KimManleyOrt. Venice film photo and posters courtesy of Venice Film Festival, Aronofsky Films, A24, and Suburbicon Movie. Al covo images by Ras, and Ristorante Al Covo. Ristorante Glam images by Palazzovenart. Trattoria Alla Madonna images by Ristorante alla Madonna. Ca D’Oro Alla Vedova images by Giud, and Chiediloalladani.