Visitors will have no trouble finding wonderful places to eat out in Lido di Jesolo, where northern Italian fare beckons the traveler. Just as in other towns in Italy, there is an enormous amount of choice, from little “bars,” to family-owned trattorias, to more formal ristorantes.

Cultural Differences

Italian restaurants serve their food in a different order from American restaurants. While the first course is similar to our appetizers, usually a pasta dish follows. The amount of pasta in this dish is less than what is served in the United States, but it's then followed by a meat or fish course and then a vegetable or salad. Desserts could be anything from sweets (dolce) to cheese (formaggio) to fruit salad (Macedonia di frutta).

In Lido di Jesolo, be prepared to find many seafood restaurants, since it's on the Adriatic. For the brave of heart, an octopus salad might be a choice. Remember that fish is served for the most part whole, with head, eyes, etc., so if that bothers you, you can ask your waiter to have the head removed .

Cost

The cost of a full meal will run higher than an equivalent meal in the United States, but tourists can still find good deals. Pizza, which is a bit of a step up from the usual American pizza, is a reasonable alternative, as are the exquisitely-made sandwiches or panini, which can be filled with anything from shrimp to prosciutto (Italian ham.) Another option is buying bread and cheese at a local store and settling on the beach for a breakfast or lunch al fresco. One thing to remember is that dining in Lido di Jesolo will be a bargain compared to nearby Venice.

Bars

Bars in Lido di Jesolo are a combination of a delicatessen, coffee shop and bar with spirits. It's more expensive to eat there if a visitor sits at a table. Most customers stand up at the bar and eat. You can put together a great lunch from the panini that are on view in the glass case.

Some Restaurant Recommendations

Ristorante Zodiaco, in the Hotel Zodiaco, is perhaps on the higher end, but serves delicious seafood and has a quiet ambience. More moderately priced is Ristorante Fagiolo, which is closer in nature to a casual trattoria. Pizzerias abound in this town and are another great option for dinner or lunch.