You can unearth good food in Venice, though, and some of it is even affordable. These bars often offer a selection of simple, tasty foods, usually served in small portions much like Spanish tapas. Pair your food with a glass of Prosecco or another wine from the Veneto region. Look for establishments that post a tourist menu outside.
Choices are limited, but the savings are worthwhile.
Learn the difference between a pizzeria, a trattoria and a ristorante. Remember to put your map away sometimes and just wander until you find a place that seems to be busy serving the locals. You'll make some of your best discoveries in Venice when you are completely lost. Peruse different guidebooks at your local library, make photocopies of the pages you really need, then leave the heavy books at home. A coffee at Piazza San Marco's Florian s may be worth the high price, though, since it gives you a front row seat in one of the world s most famous locations.