If you choose one budget-busting dinner while in Venice, let it be at Riviera, where the beauty of the setting—looking out on Giudecca island—is matched by the gorgeously plated, precious morsels coming out of the kitchen. There’s attitude to spare here—Instagramming and cellphone use is frowned upon, the menu cheerfully boasts that there are no vegetarian dishes, and diners are even lectured not to buy fake imported souvenirs. If you can get past all that, you’re in for an unforgettable meal in an unparalleled setting.
Time Out tip: A 2- or 3-course menu—excluding wine—is the cheapest way to go here, but portions are small. If you’ve got a big appetite, stop off for cicchetti before dinner.
Nearby:
The Grand Canal: For watching ships large and small pass in the night, and all day long
Squero San Trovaso: For watching gondolas being made in Venice’s oldest boatyard
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi: For pre-dinner cicchetti or a bottle of wine to-go