Knowing a few things about the restaurants and the way they charge you will help you to get the best service and pay only a reasonable amount for it.
While one would like to say that all eating spots are fair and list everything upfront, sadly, it is not so.
There are a number of places that put a footnote in the menu saying tat a certain dish is only to be ordered for two.
That means that either you end up wasting the stuff or that your companion eats something he or she did not really order.
Most Venetian eateries routinely add a service charge of around 10 to 15% to your bill.
You can take it that the tip has been added.
Unless the service is exceptional, there is really no need to pay an additional tip.
Remember also that by law you are required to take a receipt from the restaurant after your meal.
I don't think you will be ever required to produce it anywhere; it is to ensure that the owner does not cheat on his taxes.
So if a local guide tells you that the custom in Venice is to tip 15% after a meal, you know whose side he is on! Many visitors are surprised to see a plate of pretzels on their table and cannot (naturally enough) resist munching.
Everyone assumes that the plate is complimentary.
It is only when you get the bill that you realize that you are billed for each pretzel you eat! If you are not careful, you can easily double your bill this way.
In almost every trattorie (a small and simple eating place), and rosticcerie (a common Italian snack bar) you will find a place to sit and a counter where you can just stand and finish your meal.
There is a difference in costs between the two.
And the difference can be substantial.
Most people simply pick up their food and walk.
If you choose a restaurant with a view of the canal, good seating and table service, you can expect to pay about twice what the menu shows by way of service charges.
So choose accordingly.
There is no dearth of watering holes in the city and you can find some really good ones on the Campo di Santa Margarita.
This is an area favored by students from the university and is especially active on weekends.
Enjoy Venice, stretch your euros and have fun.
After all this is what you are here for isn't it?
While one would like to say that all eating spots are fair and list everything upfront, sadly, it is not so.
There are a number of places that put a footnote in the menu saying tat a certain dish is only to be ordered for two.
That means that either you end up wasting the stuff or that your companion eats something he or she did not really order.
Most Venetian eateries routinely add a service charge of around 10 to 15% to your bill.
You can take it that the tip has been added.
Unless the service is exceptional, there is really no need to pay an additional tip.
Remember also that by law you are required to take a receipt from the restaurant after your meal.
I don't think you will be ever required to produce it anywhere; it is to ensure that the owner does not cheat on his taxes.
So if a local guide tells you that the custom in Venice is to tip 15% after a meal, you know whose side he is on! Many visitors are surprised to see a plate of pretzels on their table and cannot (naturally enough) resist munching.
Everyone assumes that the plate is complimentary.
It is only when you get the bill that you realize that you are billed for each pretzel you eat! If you are not careful, you can easily double your bill this way.
In almost every trattorie (a small and simple eating place), and rosticcerie (a common Italian snack bar) you will find a place to sit and a counter where you can just stand and finish your meal.
There is a difference in costs between the two.
And the difference can be substantial.
Most people simply pick up their food and walk.
If you choose a restaurant with a view of the canal, good seating and table service, you can expect to pay about twice what the menu shows by way of service charges.
So choose accordingly.
There is no dearth of watering holes in the city and you can find some really good ones on the Campo di Santa Margarita.
This is an area favored by students from the university and is especially active on weekends.
Enjoy Venice, stretch your euros and have fun.
After all this is what you are here for isn't it?
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