RESTAURANTS

In many Venetian restaurants you will see the notation pr. 100 g. after fish dishes. That means the price is per 100 grams; if you triple the amount, you will arrive at the cost.

One way to easily cut costs on a meal is to skip the secondo course; it will be the most expensive part of the meal, especially if it is fish. You will do well in many cases with just a primo course--usually pasta--and a salad and dessert.

Ostaria Antico Dolo, San Polo 778; 522-6546. Good Venetian food and a pleasant ambience. Entrees from $34.

Ristorante Bar Ostregher-Lalcoro. Campiello della Pescaria Costello, 3968. Phone: 522- 3812. 3 blocks past the Metropole Hotel on the Riva degli Schiavoni, turn left 1/2 block. Delightful restaurant. $15 for 2-course meal including wine and water.

Ristorante Ai Padovani, Ponte dei Pugni Dorsoduro, 2839 (Campo S. Barnaba), a short walk from the Accademia Bridge. Pleasant atmosphere, good service and good food. 4-course meal about $15.

Al Giardinetto, Ruga Giuffa 4928. Set in a garden. It is a traditional little bistro. About $25 per person.

Rosticceria San Bartolomeo, 5424 Calle della Bissa, customers sit on stools at counters. The risotto and pasta are great. Inexpensive.

Trattoria Alla Scalla, located between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge at the Corta Lucatello. Small, cozy offering an extensive menu of Venetian cuisine. Also features an accordian player accompanying dinner. Dinner for two with wine about $60.

Antica Besseta. Santa Croce 1395. Phone: 721-687. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and July 10 to Aug. 20. Call ahead for reservations and to make sure they are open, because the couple who own the place simply close when the fish that's available is not to their liking! When the catch is good, it's a feast of which you'll partake in the Venetian spirit. Wines and desserts are good, stick to house wines. Price: about $43 per person.

Taverna la Fenice, San Marco 1938; 522-3856, specializes in colorful Venetian dishes. Closed Sunday and lunch on Monday.

La Colomba, Piscina di Frezzeria 1665; 522-1175. typical trattoria serving Venetian dishes that are delicious. Closed Wednesdays.

Antica Locanda Montin, Fondamenta delle Eremite, 1147 Dorsoduro; 522-3307. People come to this 17th century inn for the garden, as well as for the superb Venetian cuisine. Dinner for two $40.

L'Incontro, 3062a Rio Terra Canal, Dorsoduro; 522-2404. A good restaurant to come if you want meat. Near the university. Dishes are mainly grilled and roasted meats. Friendly, convivial ambience. $22 per person.

Al Mascaron, 5225 Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, Castello; 522-5995. Informal, lively, popular with locals, has excellent seafood and pasta. Place to go to linger and have fun. $32 per person.

Al Mondo Novo, 5409 Salizzada San Lio, Castello; 520-0698. Dates back to the 16th century, close to the Piazza San Marco; serves a wide selection of Venetian specialties in a relaxed atmosphere until 2 a.m. $26 per person.

Paradiso Perduto, 2540 Fondamenta Misericordia, Cannaregio; 720581. Off the beaten track, this lively young people's hangout is open til 1 am or later. Bar prices are cheap, as are the wholesome pizzas and hot dishes. Aspiring musicians play live jazz or blues on Mondays. $16 per person.