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Author: The Smalls

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La Petite Plage

La Petite Plage brings barefoot luxury to the heart of Saint-Tropez’s old port. This open-air restaurant blends Mediterranean elegance with a breezy, bohemian vibe—think whitewashed wood, lantern light, and sandy floors just steps from the yachts. Chef Eric Frechon, a Michelin-starred name, curates a menu full of bright flavors and refined comfort: grilled octopus with chimichurri, truffle burrata, perfectly seared sea bass, and dreamy citrus pavlova. By day, it’s chic and relaxed. By night, the energy rises with music, cocktails, and a crowd that knows how to keep it casual and cool.

Saint-Tropez Fish Market – Place aux Herbes

Tucked behind the port just steps from the quays, the Saint-Tropez Fish Market at 14 Place aux Herbes is a daily ritual that pulses with Provençal authenticity. From 8 a.m. to noon, local fishermen and purveyors present the morning’s bounty—gleaming dorade, sea bass, live langoustines, bulots, and an impressive array of oysters and crustaceans. The atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, where chefs, yacht crews, and savvy locals mingle beneath the striped awnings and stone archways. No matter the season, it’s one of the best places to feel the soul of Saint-Tropez before the crowds arrive.

Chez Madeleine

Chez Madeleine is Saint‑Tropez at its purest: effortless, sun-kissed, and centered on seafood perfection. Nestled behind the fish market, this family-run oyster bar has just a handful of bar stools and outdoor tables, making each visit feel intimate and unhurried . The menu is straightforward—oysters (typically Gillardeau and Joséphine varieties farmed since the 19th century), shrimp, king crab, mussels, and even caviar.

Expect oysters shucked just as you order them, washed down with crisp rosé or an informal glass of white. The vibe is unpretentious but bustling—with friendly staff, occasional maritime chatter, and a pleasant backdrop of market-day energy .

Drink Kong

Tucked into Rome’s Monti neighborhood, Drink Kong is a masterclass in mood. Created by bar legend Patrick Pistolesi, this neon-lit dreamscape fuses minimalist Japanese aesthetics with retro-futuristic design. The cocktails? Inventive, emotion-driven, and crafted from an intuitive “Color Menu” rather than traditional flavor profiles.

Casamare

Casamare stands as a testament to the sophisticated charm of Forte dei Marmi. Located in the vibrant Piazza Garibaldi, this restaurant invites guests to indulge in a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Under the guidance of Chef Alberto Edifizi, the kitchen presents a symphony of dishes that marry tradition with innovation.

Begin your culinary journey with appetizers like the red prawn carpaccio accompanied by almond sorbet and iceberg salad, or the blue fish carpaccio marinated with beetroot, avocado, bottarga mayonnaise, and ceviche sauce. Main courses feature delights such as spaghetti with baby clams and parsley cream, risotto with lobster, pine nuts, and paprika, and grilled octopus served with escarole, raisins, pine nuts, and oyster sauce. For those seeking a communal experience, the “Pizza to Share” options, including burrata and truffle, offer a delightful twist.

Desserts are equally enticing, with offerings like the coconut and dark chocolate pavlova, coffee opera cake, and homemade gelato and sorbets. The restaurant’s ambiance, characterized by its open kitchen and sun-kissed terrace, creates an inviting atmosphere for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Gelateria Gallonetto

Gelateria Gallonetto may not make flashy Instagram lists, but it wins the hearts of those who value true gelato craftsmanship. Family-run and blissfully free of gimmicks, this hidden gem uses organic milk, seasonal fruit, and the kind of restraint that comes from confidence in quality. Flavors like hazelnut, Sicilian pistachio, and dark chocolate are dense, velvety, and perfectly balanced—sweet, never cloying. It’s the kind of place where the line is short, but the memories last. After a cone here, it’s nearly impossible to settle for the flashy stuff elsewhere.

Ristorante Vecia Cavana

Ristorante Vecia Cavana offers a deeply satisfying, old-world Venetian dining experience. Situated near the Jewish Ghetto in a former 14th-century warehouse, the restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming with wood-beamed ceilings and candle-lit nooks. The menu is a love letter to traditional Venetian cuisine: sarde in saor with golden onions and pine nuts, velvety pumpkin gnocchi, and hearty bigoli pasta served in a rich anchovy and onion sauce. Service is unpretentious but knowledgeable, and the staff are more than happy to explain the nuances of local dishes and wines. For travelers wanting a meal that reflects the soul of Venice without the scene—this is it.

Osteria dai Zemei

If you’re searching for an authentic slice of everyday Venice, step inside Osteria dai Zemei. Located steps from the Rialto, this beloved bacaro is run by identical twin brothers whose charisma is matched only by their culinary know-how. Inside, locals line up for the day’s freshest cicchetti: creamy baccalà, savory anchovy crostini, and their famous polpette, which are as comforting as they are crave-worthy. Aperol and Select spritzes are served cold and strong, and the convivial atmosphere—enhanced by music and laughter—makes it the perfect stop for a pre-dinner snack or mid-day recharge. This is where Venice drops the mask and shows its warm, joyful soul.

Osteria alle Testiere

Tucked on a quiet side street in Castello, Osteria alle Testiere is one of Venice’s most coveted culinary experiences—and with only 11 tables, it’s one of the most elusive. Chef Bruno Gavagnin prepares simple yet sublime seafood dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves: think wild razor clams, sweet Venetian scallops, and briny lagoon shrimp served with a whisper of citrus and olive oil. The wine list, expertly curated by co-owner and sommelier Luca di Vita, features thoughtful pairings from small Italian producers and rare local finds. The ambiance is elegant but unstuffy, the service attentive but warm. This is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of the Venetian sea.

The Red House Company

The Red House Company is your invitation to experience Venice from the inside out. Specializing in a handpicked collection of upscale apartments and private residences, this boutique rental service redefines the art of the stay. Rather than a hotel room, imagine waking up to the soft lapping of the canal outside your window, or sipping a morning espresso from your private terrace in the heart of Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. Each home is uniquely designed, impeccably maintained, and fully outfitted with modern comforts—from gourmet kitchens to high-thread-count linens. Guests also benefit from local concierge support, private chefs, and exclusive experiences arranged on request. For travelers who want a more intimate connection to the city—without sacrificing privacy, elegance, or ease—this is Venice, done your way.