Osteria alle Testiere ★ 4.8
12 by the glassCastello, Venice
One of Venice's most romantically atmospheric small restaurants, with six candlelit tables in Castello. Famous for fresh Adriatic seafood with a wine list built around Soave Classico, Lugana and Friulian whites.
The list: 200-label cellar with strong Veneto white emphasis; Soave Classico and Lugana are the seafood house wines; candlelit six-table room
Tip: The tiny candlelit dining room has six tables; book six to eight weeks ahead. The sommelier's Soave vertical is the evening highlight.
Ristorante Il Desco ★ 4.9
20 by the glassCentro Storico, Verona
A landmark Verona fine-dining institution with two Michelin stars, housed in a 16th-century palazzo near the Anastasia church. The cellar's Amarone vertical is among the most comprehensive in the Veneto and the candlelit rooms provide a definitive luxury wine evening.
The list: One of the finest Veneto cellars in a restaurant; 1000-plus labels including deep Amarone verticals, prestige Soave single-vineyards; two Michelin stars
Tip: Book the sommelier-led Amarone tasting menu for a candlelit journey through prestige Valpolicella from young Ripasso to aged Quintarelli-level Amarone.
Locanda 4 Cuochi ★ 4.5
10 by the glassCentro Storico, Verona
A candlelit stone-walled restaurant in Verona centro storico with an artisan-wine focus and a thoughtfully curated short Veneto wine list. The four-chefs concept rotates the menu seasonally.
The list: Short but precisely curated list focused on Veneto artisan producers; candlelit stone interior; 10 by-the-glass pours
Tip: The tasting menu pairs regional Veneto dishes with small-producer wines not typically available in larger restaurants; the Valpolicella and Soave section is particularly interesting.
Ristorante Re Teodorico ★ 4.4
18 by the glassCastel San Pietro, Verona
A terrace restaurant at the Castel San Pietro hilltop above Verona's old town. Unobstructed views of the Arena and the Adige; an Amarone-focused wine list with candlelit table service from sunset.
The list: Panoramic hilltop terrace restaurant above Verona with a 200-label Veneto wine list; Amarone the signature pour; candlelit terrace open from sunset
Tip: The most spectacular wine-drinking view in Verona; the amphitheatre and medieval city spread below. Reserve a terrace table at sunset for the definitive Verona wine evening.
WOOBAR at W Venice ★ 4.3
12 by the glassSan Marco, Venice
The WOOBAR lounge and rooftop terrace at the W Venice hotel in San Marco, offering a premium cocktail and wine experience with Grand Canal views. Prosecco Superiore, Aperol Spritz and premium Amarone by the glass.
The list: Cocktail-focused lounge with Venetian Prosecco Superiore prominently on the menu; premium Amarone by the glass; terrace with Grand Canal views
Tip: The W Venice rooftop terrace at sunset with Prosecco Superiore in hand is one of the most dramatic wine moments available in the Veneto; go in September-October before the terrace closes for winter.
Terrazza Danieli ★ 4.4
15 by the glassCastello, Venice
The rooftop restaurant and bar terrace of the Hotel Danieli on the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of Venice's legendary hotels. The wine focus runs to premium Veneto and broader Italian selections.
The list: Hotel Danieli rooftop terrace; Prosecco Superiore and premium Veneto wines on the drinks menu; views over the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore
Tip: Reserve a lagoon-side table for sunset in summer; the Prosecco Cartizze by the glass against the San Giorgio Maggiore view is quintessential Venice.