(366 Dorsoduro in Venice, Italy)

Ai Gondolieri restaurant in Venice is something special in the Venice dining scene – a kitchen that ...concentrates its menu on meaty dishes of the mainland rather than the typically fishy fare of most other eateries here. A short walk from the Guggenheim Museum and the Accademia (take vaporetto 1 or 82), Ai Gondolieri enjoys a magically romantic setting in a genuinely old inn with its own arched bridge over a picture-postcard canal. The dining rooms are not splashy or over-decorated, with wood panelling, modern seating, white table linens, ceiling fans. Nevertheless this place attracts the starriest visitors to Venice, from presidents to film stars. The upmarket menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes like deep-fried stuffed zucchini flowers, breaded deep-fried lamb served beautifully pink, superb steaks, excellent risotto. Your host will chat in English with you about the all-Italian menu. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Wed - Mon 12pm - 3pm & 7pm - 10pm Tue: closed all day Giovanni Trevisan also runs the charming restaurant at the Guggenheim Museum. [moreless]

(Mount Road in Eastbourne, United Kingdom)

Something of a popular meeting place for older Eastbournians, the Hydro is a typical English seaside... hotel restaurant tall ceilings, chandeliers, thick dark carpet, upholstered chairs. The atmosphere’s always relaxed; once sat, the table’s yours for as long as you want it. The four course dinner menu changes every day; imaginative starters preparing the way for a good choice of mains, including a fish and vegetarian option. Desserts are pretty tempting. Though there’s always the free mints with your coffee. Please note - this restaurant does not take bookings for Sunday lunch from toptable.Gentlemen are asked to wear a tie to dinner. Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12:30pm - 1:45pm & 6:45pm - 8:30pmSun: 6:45pm - 8:30pm The Hydro commands one of the finest positions in Eastbourne which has featured in the BBC's [moreless]