Le Bistrot de Venise

Though it looks a bit like a wood-paneled French bistro, the menu here is primarily old-school Venetian, specializing in rare wines and historical recipes from the 14th to 18th centuries. It’s gimmicky, but it works; think old-fashioned fennel soup, an incredible shrimp pie, and cod fillet with almonds in a light ginger and saffron sauce, served with wild berries and garlic pudding. We recommend the “historical” tasting menu as the best introduction. Whatever you opt for, expect service to be top-notch. The restaurant also doubles as an arts center in the winter, with all sorts of live music and poetry readings between October and May. In summer, sit outside in the pleasant side street.